Power Failure Alarm

[cypher1024]

Ever since I set up my 110, I've been paranoid that the power was going to go out in the middle of the night. It worried me to think that all of my bacteria would die and then in a few hours when power is restored, the toxic soup of dead bacteria would then be pumped into my tank and murder my fish.

My solution is relatively simple and cheap, using only 5 comonents (including the box).

A 12V DC plugpack energises the coil in the relay. The grounds of the battery pack and siren are connected together, and the 12V wire from the battery pack is connected to the siren through the normally closed contacts of the relay.

While the plugpack has power, the relay is held open and the siren doesn't sound. As soon as there's a power failure, the NC contacts in the relay close and the siren sounds.

What I really would like to have it do is to go off any time the pump stops flowing, but I haven't found an easy way to do that. Let me know if you think of a simple way to do it, or if you have any questions about my alarm.

 

[bubbles123]

You can probably use the idea from this:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Low_Cost_Water_Flow_Sensor_and_Ambient_Display/

So when the power goes off and the siren starts, then what? The tank is still sitting there with no filter. How about wiring a 12 volt pump into the circuit, so when the power goes off, the 12 volt pump starts. It may not have the same flow as the main one, but it would probably be enough to keep the BB alive (and your fish).

 

[epond83]

How long does it take for the BB to die? From what i understood they can live a while as long as they are in water.

And yes a 12volt pump or a battery powered air bump wild be good addtions if you are worried about power outages.

 

[CHOMPERS]

1. The bacteria won't die when the power goes out. As long as your tank isn't running with low oxygen levels, your bacteria will still be alive when you wake up. Unless you are in a coma.

Many nitrifying bacteria can convert to anaerobic respiration to survive periods of low or no oxygen.

2. There isn't enough bacteria in your filter to create a "toxic soup" to kill your fish.

You should consider getting some battery "backup" air pumps. They have a power cord that senses a power outage. They are normally off and then turn on when the power goes out. You'll also want a digital clock that flashes when the power goes out. That way, if it is flashing when you wake up, you'll know to check your fish tanks.

 

[CHOMPERS]

2. There isn't enough bacteria in your filter to create a "toxic soup" to kill your fish.

Btw, this doesn't hold for canisters. If there is a form of mechanical filtration or if it collects mulm in the bio-media, there can be a lethal build up of hydrogen sulfide when the bacteria converts to anaerobic respiration.

 

[KaiserSousay]

your bacteria will still be alive when you wake up. Unless you are in a coma.


If there is a form of mechanical filtration or if it collects mulm in the bio-media, there can be a lethal build up of hydrogen sulfide when the bacteria converts to anaerobic respiration.

One of the nasty, little secrets some un-lucky canister owners found out the hard way.

 

[cypher1024]

1. The bacteria won't die when the power goes out. As long as your tank isn't running with low oxygen levels, your bacteria will still be alive when you wake up. Unless you are in a coma.

Many nitrifying bacteria can convert to anaerobic respiration to survive periods of low or no oxygen.

2. There isn't enough bacteria in your filter to create a "toxic soup" to kill your fish.

You should consider getting some battery "backup" air pumps. They have a power cord that senses a power outage. They are normally off and then turn on when the power goes out. You'll also want a digital clock that flashes when the power goes out. That way, if it is flashing when you wake up, you'll know to check your fish tanks.

It seems that I've been misinformed. Thanks for setting me straight
Is it worth putting a battery backup air pump in the sump, or should I just be putting them in the tank?

 

[CHOMPERS]

Umm, yes, no, and maybe. It depends on what you have. And then it is debatable. Confused yet?

I'm not using the ones I have even though I know I should. I keep an air pump running in one of my wet/dry's but not the others. From it's design, it benefits from it where the others don't so much.

Anyway, the importance of a backup air pump really depends on the application and level of protection that you need. I'm in Orlando, Florida (South East US), so the power outages that I have to deal with are an hour or two at the worst. I don't have to worry about the power being out for days at a time. (When I do, I have at least a weeks notice to prepare (huricanes)).

And then the system matters a lot too. Wet/dry sumps keep the oxygen in the water around 100% saturation, where canisters struggle to keep it above 80% (they actually consume oxygen). Most fish need the oxygen content around 80% min. so a canister system is handycapped to start with. (That's why they have to have spray bars or aerators in the tank). A wet/dry system will support the tank into a brief power outage without the need for a back up aerator. However, if a large bio-load is taxing the system to begin with then it will be wise to have a back up in place. Wet sumps (or wet/wet) are caught between canisters and wet/dry's. Still, it is a judgement call depending on the situation.

 

[cypher1024]

Well that certinaly clears things up!

I live in Sydney, Australia. Power outages aren't very common - maybe once a year when a tree falls in a storm and takes some power lines with it. The power will usually be out for a few hours.

I have a wet/dry sump, but there is limited air circulation around the 'dry' part of the bio media because of the drip plate.

A wet/dry system will support the tank into a brief power outage without the need for a back up aerator.

Interesting. How brief are we talking?

 

[CHOMPERS]

There isn't a cut and dry answer for that. Every system is different so you'll have to use your judgement. Keep in mind that fish can survive for several days in a sealed shipping bag if you don't go crazy. If the tank is stocked like a Japanese pet shop, then you surely wouldn't expect it to last several days without aeration.