UPS for fish tank?

[cairocks]

Was walking around Sim Lim when I came across some UPS (Uninterruptable power supply) systems costing around $60 to $70 . Was thinking whether it is a good idea to install one as a backup power source for the aquarium filter. A 500Va/300W one states to last up to 20 minutes for a computer system + monitor. Wonder how long can such a battery last for a 20W filter + fans aquarium. Anyone experience in UPS systems for aquariums. If such battery can last up to 4 to 8 hours, could it be a worthwhile investment? At least can save the bacteria colonies in the filter and no need to recycle the tank if there is a extended blackout right.

[tawauboy]

to calculate the battery operation life divide the capacity (300w) by the expected load (20w + ~2w for each 12v 0.15A fan). so for filter only, you are looking at close to 15 hours.

but then how often do you experience a blackout?

[jhansolo]

do note that different UPS output square wave and sine wave current which translates into the price. Just buy batteries and battery airpump.

[cairocks]

Humm... what does square waves and sine waves do to the operation of filter, fans and pump? Think those are not really sensitive equipments compared to computer systems. BTW, did some research on UPS, seems like they have to change batteries after 2 years of use. That make it pretty expensive, but I did experience a >6 hours blackout last year when SP people came to replace power cable supplying power to our neighbouhood. Aquarium system off line the whole afternoon. . Lucky, all fishes survived. On the other hand, my area was not affected by those couple of famous widespread blackouts that affected lot's of areas last year.
Thanks for the replies, just a passing idea and thought it's a good discussion topic.

[benny]

I was also considering the UPS as a backup for filters and airpump, especially after the last major blackout in Singapore.

Cheers,

[BFG]

More info here,

http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/inde...opic=18843&hl=

[cairocks]

Thanks for the link. That's very informative. Was surprise that some aquarium equipments are more sensitive than a computer. Btw, bought a APC ES500 UPS last wekend. Was thinking if filter can't use it, can use it on computer, at least for surge protection, where lighting killed my old one last year. Was nice to see that my "Tom super canister" filter seems to be working fine with the UPS connected. Have not tested how long the battery would last on disruption of mains.

[rynkh]

Can you post update on your experience with the APC ES500 ? Interested in getting the same UPS for my canister filters Eheim 2028 and powerheads. Is the UPS still working ? After how many days in use and how long does the battery last ?

Thanks for the link. That's very informative. Was surprise that some aquarium equipments are more sensitive than a computer. Btw, bought a APC ES500 UPS last wekend. Was thinking if filter can't use it, can use it on computer, at least for surge protection, where lighting killed my old one last year. Was nice to see that my "Tom super canister" filter seems to be working fine with the UPS connected. Have not tested how long the battery would last on disruption of mains.

[cairocks]

The UPS has been up for 2 weeks? It is running in the background and I have basically forgotten about it. Have hooked up my canister filter and PSU powering 4 fans onto the backup sockets. The lights and an internal filter is onto the 'surge protection only' socket. Somehow, if I hook the internal filter to the backup socket, there seems to be a small electric leak as I can feel a slight tinging feeling when I touch the water. But not strong enuf to light up the test pen. But when it is hooked to the non backup socket, everything is fine. Anyways, that internal filter is a backup filter kept in the tank ready to be transfered to the hospital tank when needed. Therefore not necessary to have backup power supply.
Have not tested how long the battery power can last but since only about 20W is on backup power, should be able to last quite a few hours. Did not test cause the UPS will give out 4 beeps per 30 secs when backup power is use. Maybe one day, if I have time and the mood to endure the constant beeping, I will test it. That's all I have for now. Will update if there are new developments

[cairocks]

Did a test for battery endurance at last. It only manage to last 20minutes. So there is not much significent buffer for blackouts. It is now still hooked up to the aquarium but may just use it for my computer instead

[tawauboy]

if the ups lasts only 20 minutes for aquarium equipment, you can forget about hooking it to your pc. the battery will be extremely miserable.

[cairocks]

Maybe only enough time to shut down properly immediately when blackout occurs. Will do a test later.

[ranmasatome]

20mins!!!! omg!! that is really quite pathetic..

[cairocks]

Yea, maybe will use it for my PC till time to change batteries(2 years??). Found some sites about changing to a higher AH battery for old UPS and have a longer backup time. But may have to take some risk. Hopefully will not get electrocuted or the thing will not explode in my face.