Hurrican Ivan! Help needed quick

mmorey23 · 09-09-2004, 09:49 AM

Looks like ONE MORE huge hurricane is on its way to Florida. Im in the Clearwater/Tampa Bay area and there is still power out in a lot of areas here from the last hurricane.

Heres my question. I have 4 tanks (2 fresh 36 and a 15) (2 salt 36 and 55) that will need air if the power goeas out. I work in the computer field and will take home a few battery backup units (500va and an 800va) to run my air pumps when the power fails.

I have two seperate small airpumps, each with two 3/16ths outputs. The tanks are located where I can put an air pump between the salt tanks and one between the fresh tanks and run a air line to each tank.

How long should I expect to run these little pumps off a pc battery backup? Anyone have experience doing this?

All help is good for hurricane prep. Thanks again!

Melissa · 09-09-2004, 10:17 AM

While I don't have experience with extended power outages, they seem to do roving blackouts here in my area occasionally. I run my Tunze on an APC during power outages. It has worked for me for outages lasting upwards of three hours and I suspect it would work for quite a while if necessary. If I were in your situation I would consider not running them continuously but perhaps for two hour increments or so if possible. Choose a pump that consumes the least amount of energy to do this. I feel for you. You all have certainly gone through a lot this season.

HTH
Melissa

mmorey23 · 09-09-2004, 10:45 AM

I guess its just part of living in Florida

We enjoy some great weather, and a lot of things to do.... In exchange for some possible hurricane threats. The whole idea of 3 big storms hitting the state as it has is just bad coincedence I hope. If hurricanse started rushing the florida shores every season as they did this time... You may find me moving in next door (Melissa in Atl)

Thanks... anyone else have experience with the UPS?

JennM · 09-09-2004, 11:38 AM

I don't know specifics, but we had a client who kept losing power (bad wiring in his house methinks...) and we got him a large UPS that could run his Mag 9.5 for several hours. Having said that, small air pumps will take a lot less draw. I'm sure generators are like hens' teeth down there right now, but that or a power inverter that can run from a 12 V battery might be your better bet...

Please stay safe...

Jenn

Allyson · 09-09-2004, 11:50 AM

I wouldn't count on the UPS working for more than a few hours. I don't think they're designed for continued use, but to give you enough time to save your work during an outtage.