Power Outage Question

[roscozman]

We will be getting a generator in case of a power outage this weekend. What critical systems need to run on the tank to keep it safe?

Return Pumps?
Wavemakers?
Skimmer?
UV Sterilizer?
Lights?
etc...

Thanks.

[RayAllen]

Well it depends on the outage duration. The most important thing #1 is water movement. So with that said your power heads and pumps are critical. Next would be lights then skimmer. In most cases you dont loose power more that a few hours but if you are dealing with a couple of days with no lights your corals will notice.

[DrMark]

I am figuring on potentially long power outages here soon. Hope to God I am wrong. I have a 6500watt generator specifically for the tanks. My goal would be to run them, essentially, like any day.
However, in order of importance: return pump for main flow, chiller circuit, lights (limited schedule), closed loop or powerheads (depending on tank), skimmer, and so on.
mark

[ACE]

We will be getting a generator in case of a power outage this weekend. What critical systems need to run on the tank to keep it safe?

Return Pumps?
Wavemakers?
Skimmer?
UV Sterilizer?
Lights?
etc...

Thanks.

Good luck. I looked from SA to Austin today, everyone's sold out

[andysgr]

I just rented one from Lowes. I don't think many people think of this option.

[DrMark]

I was at lowes and home depot today, was crazy. People were literally fighting over generators. Sutherlands had a line of trucks all the way around parking lot waiting for wood. Happens every time. No one wants a hurricane, but I dont understand how you can live in Corpus and not already have, at the least, wooden boards for the windows.
mark

[captexas]

Depending on your setup and size of tank, I would say basic water movement from your main return pump if you have a sump or just a power head or two for sumpless tanks with some movement at the water surface for gas exchange. Skimmer would be good as it will help keep the water clean and also add oxygen to the water for the livestock. As far as lighting, tanks should be fine for awhile without lighting. The oceans have storms and clouds all the time and they survive just fine. If you have a heavy coral setup, then lighting will be a bit more important, but could be put on a reduced schedule.

Hopefully eveyone makes it through the storm ok. My grandparents are leaving Rockport in the morning with what they can gather and headed to higher ground here in SA.

[captexas]

I was at lowes and home depot today, was crazy. People were literally fighting over generators. Sutherlands had a line of trucks all the way around parking lot waiting for wood. Happens every time. No one wants a hurricane, but I dont understand how you can live in Corpus and not already have, at the least, wooden boards for the windows.
mark

Yeah, I heard some lady on the radio today complaining they haven't had enough time to get ready for Ike. I'm like, hello, it's hurricane season! Also Ike has been on the radar for a week or so now! I had to run out I10 to Gonzalez today and passed two huge convoys of busses headed towards the Houston area. The first convoy was at least a mile long. On the way back there were tons of ambulances headed out as well. So at least the government seems prepared if not over prepared. Also saw lots of people headed south hauling plywood in their pickups and trailers.

[wesheltonj]

Was at northern tool on loop 410 at 3:30 they had 9 honda 2000 watts. 1 honda 1000watts. I bought two 2000 watt honda's and a sync cord to run them together which will make 4000 watts. Going to run tank complete, Frig, and lights and fans. Don't forget white gas (coleman fuel) in case you have to use a camp stove outside to cook and a spare tank of LPG

[tony]

costco on the NE side had tons of generators last night