• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Contact Us

Aquarium Base

Trusted online aquarium guide

  • Freshwater
  • Saltwater
  • Reviews
  • Tips & Guide

Saltwater System Backup – Battery Backup for Aquarium

By Aquabase | Last Updated Feb 17, 2019

This post contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you purchase something mentioned in this post. See more details here.
saltwater aquarium backup

Today I had the most dreaded scenario for any saltwater aquarium… the power went out! This isn’t the first time this has happened and like many aquarists, I just stick my head in the sand and think it doesn’t happen that often, it’ll be fine. I have literally no backup options for my saltwater aquarium equipment.

With no power, the saltwater aquarium was absolutely still, almost lifeless, the corals were closing up and the fish looking confused. Luckily I have a broken leg and didn’t need to leave home that day, so I had a small bucket and just stirred and turned the water over every 15mins, that ensured there was sufficient temporary water movement within the saltwater aquarium. Long story short, the power came on after a total of three hours and everything was fine, but it got me thinking. What if this happens again? what if I’m not home? What kind of saltwater aquarium backup systems are out there?

Saltwater Aquarium Backup Systems

1. Battery Backup for Aquarium

battery backup for aquarium

If you own a Vortech pump like me, this could be the best backup solution for your saltwater aquarium. EcoTech marine offer battery backup for an aquarium which can provide up to 30 hours of backup power for your Vortech pump. The system comes with a trickle charger and will ensure you are ready for any situation.

vortech mp40w propeller pump
VorTech MP40W Propeller Pump Backup Battery

Vortech pump on its own can maintain your saltwater aquarium in a power out. It provides plenty of flow and if positioned correctly it will break the surface of the water and aerate. This could effectively be used alongside other backup methods like a generator and will ensure you are not caught off guard. I personally am ordering one of these at the moment for my saltwater aquarium.

Read  Useful Tips From Experts In Bubble Coral Care

2. UPS Backup

UPS aquarium backup system View on Amazon

UPS backup systems are battery powered and are positioned between the mains power and your saltwater aquarium equipment. UPS battery backup for aquarium systems become active when the power goes out, which is a good option if you are on holiday. The problem with UPS systems is that they can drain relatively quickly. To overcome this it is recommended that you only connect saltwater aquarium equipment that is necessary for the livelihood of your fish and corals. Another benefit of UPS backups is that they also provide a constant level of power to your aquarium equipment and nullifies the effect of small power surges that can ruin your equipment. Once again, calculate you load using watts and work out which model will work best for your saltwater aquarium.

By only connecting essential equipment to the UPS backup, you will gain considerably longer periods of backup power. Equipment such as your lights and heater draw the most power and in a power out scenario, not having them operating would not greatly harm your saltwater aquarium, unless it was for a relatively long period.

3. Inverter Generators

Gas Inverter Generators View on Amazon

By far the best option for long-term power outages is Inverter Generators. These run on fuel and therefore they have the ability to run for lengthy periods of time. There are several options available and you will need to work out roughly how many watts your saltwater aquarium equipment will draw when so you can select the correct generator.

Essentially an inverter generator will allow you to run your entire saltwater aquarium for as long as you can provide fuel. If you would like to run all of your saltwater aquarium equipment then you will most likely require a 2000 watt inverter. The price difference between a 2000 watt and smaller models is not huge and it is worth spending the extra money, you may have some spare load for your beer fridge!

Read  17 Essential Equipment for Saltwater Fish Tank Setup

There are plenty of other aquarium backup battery operated devices such as aerators and pumps that could also be used, however, they should only be considered for small aquariums and as a temporary solution.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Recently Reviewed

AquaC EV-120 Protein Skimmer Review

Best Aquarium Thermometers 2023 – Reliability and Durability

Best Reef LED Lighting for 2023

Bubble Magus QQ1 Nano Skimmer Review

Best Aquarium Stand 2023

Best 55 Gallon Aquarium Stands 2023

5 Best 10 Gallon Aquarium 2023

5 Best 20 Gallon Aquarium

Best Aquarium Air Pump 2023

Finnex PX-360 Compact Canister for Nano Tank

Latest Articles

Activated Carbon In Aquarium

Firemouth Cichlid – Thorichthys meeki

Bamboo Shrimp – The Asian Filter Shrimp

Goldfish Diseases, Symptoms and Possible Cures

Change The Water in a Fish Tank Easily

Betta Tank Mates in 10 Gallon Aquarium

Fish Profile: Flag Cichlid

Search Here

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Disclosure

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, visit my disclosure page.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Aquariumbase.com is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon.com Service LLC Associates Program. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2023 · AquariumBase