In light of WMKR's posting of losing his rays due to a power failure (terrible loss), does anyone use a backup or monitoring system for their rays? I have looked at using a Generac Backup generator system that connects to your electical panel with an automatic transfer switch that comes on when the power goes out. System is connected to the natural gas supply to the house for a fuel source. You can select certain circuits to be connected to the generator or operate your entire home off of the system (roughly $5,000.00 to purchase and install). I've also looked at an alert system (Freeze Alarm or Home Sitter) that will notify you by phone if the power goes out, house temperature rises or falls past certain temperatures and even has a water sensor for leaks (roughly $100 - $250.00). I've also been told there are a few apps you can get on the iPhone for monitoring your fish tanks. The last 2 systems would require a backup plan in place (generator, friend to check if you are away or unavailable, etc.) Does anyone have any experience with these systems or have an alternative system that they use?
Backup / Monitoring Systems for Rays
- Thread starter Raymann88
- Start date
Might want to check out Neptune systems, and reefkeeper. They will send emails if your tank is out of whack. I am looking at the Neptune apex as you can monitor more tanks easier. Like ph, temp, orp, flood, control power heads, heaters, pumps,lights, and anything else that plugs into your tank. Moniter them all from your phone.
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the only problem with the controllers is that if the power goes out they are also down and your modem will most likely go down as well. I think the best option would be the auto back up generator. I have seen one of these in action and they do have power back on in less than 30 seconds without doing anything. When I checked $5000 will not come close to one of these systems.
With the monitors, they are battery back up so they work when the power goes out. You can use a battery back up (APC) on the modem to ensure the modem has power at time of outage. My main concern is KNOWING the power is out/ went out as I use FX5 filters that are enclosed and the beneficial bacteria will die quicker due to lack of oxygen in the canister. Costco in Canada was selling a 17KW Generac backup generator with transfer switch for $3,800.00. My plumber / electrician was going to charge me $1,200.00 to install.
I have a 20kw Generac backup generator hooked up to the nat gas line w/ an automatic transfer switch. If the power goes out the transfer switch kicks over to the generator in less than 10 seconds. Requires very minimal maintenance and can run the whole house without a problem. If you don't already have backup power source its a great idea in my opinion. Good thinking.
I just hooked up a Neptune apex system to my 750g. I love it I get email and text alerts every hour on status. I know if I don't get an alert after awhile something may be wrong and power may be out.
Requires oil change after 8 hrs run time and full tune up every 200hrs of run time with oil change and spark plug. Also system does 7 min self check every week have to add that time into total run time.
Wow oil change every 8 hours isn't very long at all
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That was my thought.
I have been looking around allot at the options, the Neptune systems are super nice but will only tell you about an issue wont solve the issue, a generator backup would be great but cost more. Depends on your area as well but power is not lost here in Utah too often, so I'm thinking of getting a Neptune system to send all notices and a normal Honda generator that I can start and use if needed when things go out. The fish will live for an hour and someone is always close enough to come plug the generator in if something happens and I might be far away.
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I have been looking around allot at the options, the Neptune systems are super nice but will only tell you about an issue wont solve the issue, a generator backup would be great but cost more. Depends on your area as well but power is not lost here in Utah too often, so I'm thinking of getting a Neptune system to send all notices and a normal Honda generator that I can start and use if needed when things go out. The fish will live for an hour and someone is always close enough to come plug the generator in if something happens and I might be far away.
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