what sized generator should i get?

[matty832012]

Hello all,

i am new to the hobby but very into it now as far as my collection is very important to me. probably over the lase six months i have invested over 2000 in setups alone and that does not even cover all the fish in these setups. i am now very set up completely i think but i would like to ensure that if a loss of power during any season that i have all the nessessitys backed up in my tanks. i have a 180 running three heaters a fx5 three air pumps and a light. next i have a 55 running one heater, one air pump, a light and a 75 gallon filter, next i have a 40 with a light heater filter and air as well. i have a general idea that i will need just to run my domestic heat and fridge but what should i add for wattage before this winter comes for the tanks? any help would be appreciated i hope to purchase one this summer and have it on a transfer switch directly to the most nessessary zones. oh yea that means fish tanks included!

 

[DIDYSIS]

Just figure out the wattage of each item add them all together, add a little to make sure your covered and your all good. But in an emergency you usually wont he thinking about lights and all 3 air pumps on one tank and such. Just the basics.

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[Dan F]

I would go a little bigger than what you think you need, just because it is bad to run electronics on too little current. I have a 10,000W generator and it will run everything but our heat pump and water heater (which is propane). The transfer switch is a really good idea, I just had one added last year. An external plug for the generator is nice if you aren't going to permanently wire the generator in place.

 

[matty832012]

great points guys, the light and air pump are less important in that case. i already have them all divided on three different strips. one for filters, one just for air pumps, and one for heaters and lights. i should certainly be choosing this summer and this is why i asked here. my wife thought it was funny i would be considering adding a generator now to keep the fish warm and healthy as well until i mentioned how many were hers as well and discussion ended.