power outage

[Aquattro]

I know I can't afford a generator. Should I sell my tank? Hmm...this could have something to do with my other hobbies though....

[PoonTang]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

a 200.00 generator is not a generator worth having. hell my lights run more than 880 watts.

affording a generator has nothing to do with being in this hobby, maybe people are on a budget ect... basically a pretty elitist comment overall.

Steve

Yes a $200 generator is worth having. No it wont run your lights but it will run your heaters and pumps and keep your tank alive for days. Im not elitist at all, if you saw my tank you would understand. But what i have a hard time believing is someone who would spend $200 on a single fish or 4 corals or just 1 Tunze pump but not a generator or some other form of a backup.

[StirCrazy]

If you would spend 200 on a single fish why not spend 4 or 500 on a generator that will last. I am saving up for a generator, but not primarly for the fish tank, it will be for my RV and then a power black out device also. the problem with 200 buck generators is you get what you payfor.. they are cheaply made and generaly when they break you throw them away. another problem with the ultra cheepies is that if there not used frequently the carb gaskets dry out or gum up.. then when you do need it guess what. Idealy one should get a honda/yammaha/kippor, not only are they 4 stroke and quiet but they are built to be serviced and repaired.

If you have a cheep one only keep a little fuel in it and run it up for about 15 min once a week, make sure you have to add new fuel at least once a month to keep fresh stuff in the carb. (this goes for the good ones also.)

Steve

[fishface]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

a 200.00 generator is not a generator worth having. hell my lights run more than 880 watts.

affording a generator has nothing to do with being in this hobby, maybe people are on a budget ect... basically a pretty elitist comment overall.

Steve

not elitist at all...more along the lines of smart is what it is. who needs to have their lights on during a power outtage anyhow? that's most definitely not needed, if you can run your pumps, you're laughing, heaters? bonus! lights...not needed at all.

as far as cheapies, well you do get what you pay for but this is an emergency contingency. you don't need a $1000 unit for emergencies, if you're using it for camping or other work applications spend the extra money. for tank backup...cheap is fine.

[mastergunsg]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

a 200.00 generator is not a generator worth having. hell my lights run more than 880 watts.

I bought a used Honda 1500w, at an Auction when i first got my tank.It would be used just as a back up for the pumps and heaters only. I decided that the corals could do without lights if I was going to be in the dark as well, and then the other day i was at KMS tools and saw a $199 1500w peak 1000w rms generator on sale for $60. Works just fine for pumps and heater. And now the Honda can run my lights and TV when the power goes down or a small heater if its cold outside. Great insurance IMO.