Backup Power

[sen j blutarski]

Anyone ever try to use a computor backup battery power source (ups) to power a water pump or airstone??
Where I live (in New England) we seem to lose power quite often, especially in the winter. I'm afraid of losing power at my house while I'm away on vacation or at work. I've seen small automatic air pumps that run off regular power full time and have a battery which kicks in if power goes out....but they're kind of expensive for the limited capability (just an airstone). Computor UPS's are designed for much higher power consumption and could (on paper) be used to power a water return pump from the sump, or simply an airstone for a really long time. And they can be bought on the "bay" for cheap dollars.
Just wondering if anyone's tried it or if there are drawbacks I'm not seeing.
Thanks,
Bluto

 

[pyro383]

Yes, I have battery backup using the computer ones, most people do here also. I have on mine the heater and emperor 400. If I know it will be awhile, I will periodicaly unplug the filter. I believe I can run the filter for a few hours as the amp draw is small. Watch for sales in officemax, office depot or staples. Last time I got a 350va for free after rebates and the other time was $10 at staples.

 

[simm]

I run an APC.

 

[gregzbobo]

Nice article in the November 2002 issue of FAMA about making a battery backup setup from a deep-cycle RV battery and a skilter. Supposedly runs for about 3 days non-stop, under 100-150 bucks to make.