Confusion on battery backups.

[Sector001]

I have a portable generator for the heater and other things for any long term outage but I'm looking for a UPS to run my main return pump (Syncra Nano) and Wavemaker (AI Nero 5). I have a 20 gallon Waterbox cube.

I'm not a DIY guy and don't have much room behind the tank for a DIY solution. I'm just looking for something that will automatically kick-in if the power goes out at night or when I'm at work to hold circulation until I can get home to hook up the generator.

It seems that everyone has conflicting issues with UPS and reliability. I was looking at either of the following:

• Icecap Battery Backup version 3
• EcoTech Marine Vortech Battery Backup (will this work with my pumps?)
• Standard APC or Cyberpower Battery Backup
• Tunze Turbelle Safety Battery Backup Connector (will this work with my pumps?)

I would appreciate any suggestions from reefers using a UPS.

[mcarroll]

I'd probably go for a standard UPS for simplicity.  But...

 

Unless you live in an area with unreliable power, IMO the cost of replacement batteries kills the value of this.  All things considered, I can't even justify keeping my computer gear on UPS.

 

If you DO live in a place with unreliable power, aquariums might not be the most ideal hobby....but having an auto-failover for the generator is probably a better bet in this scenario.

[mcarroll]

BTW, if you had Tunze DC pumps (eg their model 6040, 6055 or 6095) you could use that connector you mentioned to hook up a really simple DIY battery system.  Depending how you feel about this whole issue, it could be worth considering a switch in pumps to take advantage of that.   (Not to mention they make the best pumps around.)

[MainelyReefer]

If you get an mp10 the eco tech battery provides good peace of mind and runs for considerably longer than the other options you mentioned.  I have one and would recommend it