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Air Pump and Battery Backup Questions

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by PotRoast, May 23, 2011.

  1. May 23, 2011 #1
    PotRoast

    PotRoast Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    I am researching backup air pumps in case the power goes out. I have run across a few of them and have some questions:
    1. Do I even need an battery powered backup air pump? I have two vortechs running on battery backup. Will the vortechs give me the oxygen I need or do I need to install the air pumps?
    2. Does anyone on the board use one of these pumps? If so, which one?
    3. Please provide any advice you have on the topic.
    Thanks.
     
  2. May 23, 2011 #2
    ThyRaven

    ThyRaven Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    How much power, volts per hour, does the vortech pumps need? When figuring battery backups you want to have enough power to run those devices for at least 6 hours. The only thing is battery backups are typically used to keep equipment on and suppress a power spike when the generator kicks on. I have seen pumps that do come with a car battery and have their own means of converting DC to AC for the pump to run but those get pricey. As for how much oxygen you'll need, I am not sure on that as I am just getting my feet wet with saltwater. I can assist a little on the backups as I'm a PC tech and deal with them a lot.
     
  3. May 23, 2011 #3
    PotRoast

    PotRoast Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Thanks. I actually have the battery backup for the vortechs already.

    I am looking for an air pump. My limited research is pointing me towards the PenPlax B11.

     
  4. May 23, 2011 #4
    Bela

    Bela Inactive User

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    Just curious, why are you adding an air pump as well? I wouldn't think you would need one if the vortechs already have a backup.
     
  5. May 24, 2011 #5
    PotRoast

    PotRoast Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    I'm not sure really. I think I read on here about having an air stone when the power goes out....I think. Something about fish needing oxygen too.

    The Vortechs drop down to real slow on battery backup. I am not sure how much oxygen is introduced to the tank from them.

    I was looking around and the web and it seems people are using the Penn Plax B-11 but I don't really know if I need one or not, or if I need three of them or what not.....
     
  6. May 24, 2011 #6
    mcfadden

    mcfadden Inactive User

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    jim , i dont use the vortech pumps but if there like the koralia pumps that i use there just for moving water not adding air so with my battery back up system i have a air pump hooked up to each of my tanks for when we lose power.
     

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