Alton, please read and any others can also assist please do - alternate power backup

[Markster]

Alton, I purchased the UPG 12350 and 300 watt inverter from northern tools as you suggested. I charged the battery and used mainly with two msg 18s to mix salt for water change. I wanted to do a trial run with my tank pumps to see how long it would go with my two apex waveline 10000DC pimps. They are rated at 40 watts but at high speed 85/95 watts. I charged battery for six hours and still not fully charged but tried it anyway. It only lasted 30 minutes before the inverter started making noises and flickering between green and red light. I am going to charge battery until it shows fully charged before trying again. So,
My question is did I get the right battery? It shows 35 volts at 12 amps. Thanks

[alton]

The 35ah battery should power 40 watts @ 120v for ten hours. Is the 95 watts per each or total for two? And is that at 12, 24, or 120v? Most just power a smaller power head like Tunze at 8 to 10 watts. I keep a deep cycle battery from Walmart at 92 ah

[alton]

Also my trickle charger sometimes takes 24 hours to charge a battery

[Markster]

Here is the info on the pumps, I have two

Input: DC24V 3.5A (converted by AC100-240V 50/60 Hz)
Wattage: 85 watts at full speed (measured after adaptor) 95 watts including adaptor
Water Flow Rate: 10,800 Liters Max (2853 GPH)
Flow Height: Max 5 meters (16.4 feet)
Dimensions: 180mm x 106mm x 147mm (7.09" x 4.17" x 5.79")
Water Inlet: External D: 50mm, Internal D: 1.5" NPT
Water Outlet: External D: 40mm Internal D: 1.25" NPT
Includes 6 speed controller
30 minute feed timer

[alton]

Mark I missed the part in your last thread of wanting to run two return pumps off of a battery. And I guess you missed my post on just running a small power head. If you run just one return pump at less than 50% or 40 watts, the pump should run for 8 maybe 9 hours? Running two at 40 watts maybe 4 hours. On my 180 I run a Ecotech M1 at less than 50% or somewhere around 900 GPH, I can't see how you can be running 2800 GPH through your sump? If you have a kilo-watt meter it would be great to see what your pumps actually draw? Your 35ah battery produces enough back up power for 420 watts for one hour. Example: 40 watt pump (420 / 40 = 10 hours of run time ) but you will lose some of that to the power draw of the invertor.

[Markster]

I run the pumps at the highest setting since they have to push the water up to the top of the tank and found not much flow out of each even on the highest setting. That would mean 85 watts so with two I should get one hour off the battery at full charge.

[Markster]

I have a regular volt meter, how should I test the pumps?

[Markster]

I might look into the M1 as I am not getting the volume out of one since the I have the tubing going up then to the left and up to the return hard plastic piece going over the top of tank, can plastic tubing be used or only PVC on the M1?

[alton]

I use an amp probe with my meter, or something like this http://www.homedepot.com/p/Kill-A-Watt-Electricity-Monitor-P4400/202196386
How high are you having to pump your water? I understand DC pumps, and some AC pumps lose head pressure fairly quickly, I just can't believe you are losing that much.

[alton]

On my 180 I use spa-flex. It fits pvc fittings and it does not add restriction like vinyl tubing and the barb fittings. I started with PVC out of the pump, then a true ball valve so I can interchange with a backup up pump in a minute if need be, and then spa-flex up to PVC again.

[Markster]

Do you have a ball valve installed? I do and thought it might be restricting also. If you get up near me, I could use your thoughts on my setup. I see the spa flex is not cheap.

[Markster]

Probably my u shaped returns also

[alton]

I have a Panworld 50PXX I would like for you to try and see how it compares to your DC pumps? I use these https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/cepex-ball-valve-1-45e03f0f460f42940faebd081950bf57.html?sku=202401&gclid=Cj0KCQjwx8fOBRD7ARIsAPVq-NkPP5trhfacTCPIJQMGW7Ufq6IyBP7_vZ2cV7avhRRkwmc8YV8 D020aAlmMEALw_wcB

[Markster]

Let me take some pictures tonight and send your way so you can see how I have it setup. That might help explain what is going on. I did hear from the battery maker and they stated I should have had more time so needs a full charge, hopefully it will be when I get home later today. I do not think it is my pumps but how I have them plumbed and the fact I do not have a RR tank and just using u tubes for the returns.

[Markster]

I have pictures when you are ready, let me know how to share? I went by Home Depot and did not have killawatt or spa flex hosing. Guess only online. I had to go with hose reducers since 1.25 out of pump and 3/4 at u tube.