Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

I'm looking at implementing a battery backup system and already had 3 quarters of the components needed for a relay/inverter switchbox arrangement very similar to http://atj.net.au/marineaquaria/backup_power.html..

What I don't have, is the inverter, but i've heard that some airpumps use the AC pulse to operate their diaphram, or whatever it is they do, and won't work on a cheapie modified sinewave inverter.. I have an ACO, has anyone used one of those on an inverter?

Hi Amph, there has been plenty written on Backup systems. You will find plenty here viewtopic.php?f=8&t=9805 and search the forum for more.

And the answer is yes, they run fine.

Good to know.. thx..

I've looked at the other backup threads, and most seem to involve buying a 2nd 12v air and/or bilge pump..

The reason I'm looking at the 240v solution is so that the same pump is used, and the 2nd set of pumps I get can be backup pumps incase one of the first set fails.. Also, I want an excuse to get an inverter..

>Also, I want an excuse to get an inverter..

Thats why I got mine

We could be potentially pointless purchase buddies

Just for the record as this thread in this section is the perfect place for it...

I run a 300 watt inverter plugged into a 200 amp hour deep cycle battery. The battery is on charge all the time, using a charger that reduces to a trickle charge once the battery reaches capacity. It's an 8 amp charger when its running flat out, but can deliver at a 2,4,6, and 8 amps, and goes to a around a 3rd of an amp on trickle charge or float or whatever its called.

I keep everything plugged into to the inverter all the time.

I should probably have my powerhead running directly from mains power in case my inverter fails.

With that amount of battery I can run for (I think) days, as if the system was running normally.

I like my system, because I dont know what I'm doing, and I could buy everything off the shelf.

Actually I already owned all but the inverter($30).

All up, my backup system would cost around $300 dollars, but my system is total overkill with a battery that large.

If I was buying everything from scratch I'd spend around $150.

Sounds good to me..

I have everything except the inverter too, but where'd you get a 300w for $30? I only see them little 'cup holder' ones at that price..

a 200AH battery would be nice.. i have a bunch of little ones that probably total around 50..

i will be using this one, but if it's a bit rich for your blood there are smaller ones around,

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/9000W-WATT-INVERTER-CHARGER-Solar-Panel-Ac-Dc-Power-/230618323162?pt=AU_Boat_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35b1ec58da

Yeah that's a bit much for a 45w pump..

Yeah i Know but am going to run the Water pumps from it at some point too!

With that amount of battery I can run for (I think) days.....

Id need some more details to work it out but I doubt that, remember you can only run the 12v battery down to 50% max.
Add an inverter to the mix with significant inefficiency and youll get closer to the real answer.
I might be missing something and you are correct but often people overestimate this back up capacity

Id reckon with 45W AC pump you might get ~24hrs

I just found these too way oversized but they dont do smaller ones.
http://www.invertershop.com.au/600-watt ... 2v-dc.html
Brains out af a UPS and does the recharging too - not too bad value if you consider it replaces battery charger too.

Sounds like a case of G.A.S (Gear Acquisition Syndrome). I am a sufferer also.

So do we start a support group for this ilness or what!

For anyone looking at Backup systems

If you do not have some type of power stabilising device in you backup system, you backup system may actual damage any device’s that are hooked to it, for example here in port Pirie we have the largest lead smelter in the southern hemisphere, with the type of power they use down there we get large fluctuations in power here eg power can drop below 200v eg brown out! Also power flicking on and off, these are killers of electrical devices! ( aswell as run very high 250v or more! most things are rated to 220 to 240 the insulation will break down at higher values)

A system that uses power that flicks on and off at a fast rate is called a tesla coil (look it up if you haven’t seen one run!) now imagine this happening in the windings of your Pump or any other device that is hooked to it, normally this will not happen and when it does it shouldn’t kill you pump but it will reduce the life of the electrical device!

Now A UPS has battery’s and Capacitors that smooth out the voltage much like the Sump tank in a AO System stops the water fluctuating, and it stops the surge of electricity that would normal cause you a problem, however sometimes the UPS fails instead hahaha.

Make sure a system will not flick backwards and forwards as Mains power comes and goes without some safety measure in place to stop surge voltage causing a problem, battery, Capacitor, Timer that kicks you back to mains after a certain time or something!

The reason I’m point this out is amph is a Pirie lad and will I’m sure knows what I’m talking about!

I got mine from the camping section of K-mart <hang head in shame>