UPS for an aquarium

malphonse · 11-12-2006, 03:58 PM

I need an affordable uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for my 55 gal tank, giving me 1 to 2 hours of up time.

I prefer the American Power Conversion (APC) brand, but they advised against any of their models that output a stepping sine wave since this could damage the filters. Cyber Power has given me similar info.

The problem is, APC’s models that output a pure sine wave are WAY too expensive.

Are there any UPS manufacturers out there that make aquarium-compatible UPS’s?

FYI:

The APC model I wanted to buy: BE750BB for $99.99
The model APC recommended: SUA750 for $309.99

RazorDX · 11-12-2006, 04:58 PM

Did you talk to a customer service representative or a salesman?

douglas · 11-12-2006, 06:34 PM

you might consider leaving your expensive power filters, canister filters etc off the UPS backup.
the only device connected to the UPS would be your airpump.
with multiple tank setups try using a large airpump, therefore all your tanks are covered in case of power failure.

malphonse · 11-12-2006, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RazorDX

Did you talk to a customer service representative or a salesman?

I got it directly from the APC Knowledge Base (click here)... perhaps it was written by a salesman...?

malphonse · 11-12-2006, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by douglas

you might consider leaving your expensive power filters, canister filters etc off the UPS backup.
the only device connected to the UPS would be your airpump.
with multiple tank setups try using a large airpump, therefore all your tanks are covered in case of power failure.

I have two power filters: one that came with the 55 gal kit (Top Fin 60) and another one with a bio-wheel (Penguin 200 - for about $40). They're not that expensive. I don't have any canister filters. I just want to make sure they will keep running in the event of a power failure.

RazorDX · 11-13-2006, 02:33 PM

I agree that it's not the filters that are important but your air pumps. You can buy a UPS specifically for air pumps for around 40-50 dollars (at least that's what I've seen at my LFS).

agfisher02 · 11-16-2006, 01:09 PM

I run a small APC on my air pump I think it is a 400 or 420 and it works fine. It will power just the air pump for around 4 hours. I have borrowed some of the larger models that we use to backup our servers at the office and those will run the filter and the pump for around 1-2 hours, however they run round $500.

During the colder months I will plug my heaters into the APC and I will get around 3 hours with the heaters and the air pump.

11-12-2006, 03:58 PM	#1
malphonse Fishy Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: New Castle, DE Posts: 12	UPS for an aquarium I need an affordable uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for my 55 gal tank, giving me 1 to 2 hours of up time. I prefer the American Power Conversion (APC) brand, but they advised against any of their models that output a stepping sine wave since this could damage the filters. Cyber Power has given me similar info. The problem is, APC’s models that output a pure sine wave are WAY too expensive. Are there any UPS manufacturers out there that make aquarium-compatible UPS’s? FYI: The APC model I wanted to buy: BE750BB for $99.99 The model APC recommended: SUA750 for $309.99 __________________ Someone else's opinion of you does not have to become your reality - Les Brown.

11-12-2006, 06:34 PM	#3
douglas anti monikers Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: North Fort Myers Florida Age: 52 Posts: 33	you might consider leaving your expensive power filters, canister filters etc off the UPS backup. the only device connected to the UPS would be your airpump. with multiple tank setups try using a large airpump, therefore all your tanks are covered in case of power failure. __________________ We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Funny, informative, or just plain sad?	TheOldSalt	FYI (For Your Info)	17	07-29-2007 04:33 PM
World's largest, 'most unique' aquarium set to open in Atlanta	fish_doc	The Water Hole	48	07-09-2007 03:59 AM
Window to offer wide view of aquarium life	fish_doc	The Water Hole	3	08-29-2005 11:52 PM
In Atlanta, a bigger kettle of fish	fish_doc	The Water Hole	14	08-24-2005 08:07 PM
Max's journal	maxpayne_lhp	User Journals	9	07-11-2005 12:45 AM

Members currently in the Chat:3
	Users In Chat Room: WildForFish, curtman602003, Shaggy Come On In!

11-12-2006, 04:58 PM	#2
RazorDX Fishy Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Age: 20 Posts: 26	Did you talk to a customer service representative or a salesman?

11-13-2006, 02:33 PM	#6
RazorDX Fishy Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Age: 20 Posts: 26	I agree that it's not the filters that are important but your air pumps. You can buy a UPS specifically for air pumps for around 40-50 dollars (at least that's what I've seen at my LFS).

11-16-2006, 01:09 PM	#7
agfisher02 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Age: 28 Posts: 8	I run a small APC on my air pump I think it is a 400 or 420 and it works fine. It will power just the air pump for around 4 hours. I have borrowed some of the larger models that we use to backup our servers at the office and those will run the filter and the pump for around 1-2 hours, however they run round $500. During the colder months I will plug my heaters into the APC and I will get around 3 hours with the heaters and the air pump.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)