Anybody build their own backup system?

[dburr]

I was thinking about using a battery charger with a battery then a power inverter and plug in my main pump.
Will it work? Has anyone done this?
If my pump uses 91 watts and I buy the biggest battery will it give me hours or just minutes? Maybe a day? Can I hookup more than one battery?
I saw a 175w inverter for $40 and a 400w for $50. Which would be better?
Any comments or help would be helpful.
thanx.

 

[chevydragtruck]

well, I have been trying the same thing, but the problem that i have is, when does it know when the main power has gone out, and came back on? you would have to have a power sensitive switch, that sences the most power and then switch to that one, on the other hand, when the power does go out, what keeps the power from going back to the plug, and trying to supply power to other things in the home, and dragging the battery down that much faster? on the how long would it last? well that just depends on the battery that you are using, I have gone fishing all night long on a car battery, with a 400 watt inverter, supplying 2-100 watt light bulbs, and didn't have any problems

 

[wally]

Your best bet is to go to Office Max and get the biggest UPS for computers that you can afford. Then hook it up to your powerheads. That way if the power goes out you will still have water movement and oxygen/gas exchange happening. If you hook a heater or lights up to it the battery will quickly die. This should get you through a power outage of at least several hours, any longer than that and you will need a generator.

 

[chocochipper]

I saw a 175w inverter for $40 and a 400w for $50. Which would be better?
For $10 you might as well get the 400W
Can I hookup more than one battery?
Yes, in series.
well, I have been trying the same thing, but the problem that i have is, when does it know when the main power has gone out, and came back on?
One option is to use a relay. Wire the backup system output to the NC contact of the relay. When normal power is used the relay will be picked up and the contact will be opened, backup power not supplied. When normal power is lost the relay will drop out causing the contact to close therefore using the backup supply.

 

[von_rahvin]

just go get a big ups for a comp. they are designed for this type of thing, and aslong as you do not hook the lights into it, a medium size ups should be able to run your pumps for a while.

 

[dburr]

Chevydragtruck:
I was Thinking running full time. Having the charger always charging the battery and the inverter always suppling the pump. What do ya think?
Wally: Kinda into building stuff, know what I mean? Also, what about the refug? I figure if I run my mag drive pump at 91watts it could keep up oxigen and keep up the heat some what. A generator would be very nice tho
Chocochipper: Kinda lost me.. Got a drawing? I hope Can you send it to me?
dburr@quixnet.net

 

[daluminum]

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good UPS