Back up power

ҖҗlegilizeitҗҖ

Well-Known Member
With all the rolling blackouts, ice, cold weather, and political uncertainty, do you have a plan for back up power?
What do you reccomend?
I am in hydro so I want to power my 80w air pump bare minimum for a few days..
I was thinking of buying a power pack, and portable solar panels.
Budget of $2000 probably.
Would like to stay away from gas if possible.
Screenshot_20210217-222757_Messenger.jpg
 

hotrodharley

Well-Known Member
Buy a real generator. Brand name. Small Yamaha or Honda. No Furman bullshit. No Chinese shit. Buy one with replaceable brushes and buy a set of replacement brushes when you buy the generator.

Cheap shit like that thing you’ve got pictured quickly end up in the shop or the dump. Works great the first few hours. Or maybe a couple of storms.
 

ҖҗlegilizeitҗҖ

Well-Known Member
Sure, but i don't want somthing that needs maintaince, gas refills, carb cleaning, and needs to be ran outdoors.
Its not practical in the long run for what im thinking.
Eventually I want a full solar grid and power bank on my house, but until lthay say I'm looking for the middle ground.
 

Doug Dawson

Well-Known Member
Sure, but i don't want somthing that needs maintaince, gas refills, carb cleaning, and needs to be ran outdoors.
Its not practical in the long run for what im thinking.
Eventually I want a full solar grid and power bank on my house, but until lthay say I'm looking for the middle ground.
I am guessing that thing you showed will not cut it. Not really sure what you can do if you want something to run indoors. The only real fix will be a generator. I personally like the duel fuel ones so they can take propane. No carb cleaning and propane does not go bad like gasoline. It's much more versatile than a plain gas one and you can leave the gas side as a backup fuel source. If you do go the gas route find a station that sells ethanol free gas. It's all I use in my jet skis, ATV's, boats and best for shelf life.
 

ҖҗlegilizeitҗҖ

Well-Known Member
I am guessing that thing you showed will not cut it. Not really sure what you can do if you want something to run indoors. The only real fix will be a generator. I personally like the duel fuel ones so they can take propane. No carb cleaning and propane does not go bad like gasoline. It's much more versatile than a plain gas one and you can leave the gas side as a backup fuel source. If you do go the gas route find a station that sells ethanol free gas. It's all I use in my jet skis, ATV's, boats and best for shelf life.
All I need to run is 80w air pump bare minimum so my plants don't drown in the hydroponics
 

MICHI-CAN

Well-Known Member
All I need to run is 80w air pump bare minimum so my plants don't drown in the hydroponics
12 used deep cycle 12 volt power wheels batteries, a battery tender, inverter and a timer. Will hold enough amperage to run your pump for days if needed and non continuous. Only need 3 or 4 100 Watt panels and controller to charge when oss of power.

Buy a genny. I suggest Honda for durability. Yet my Harbor freight 3600 covers everything I need and never an issue. 1 pull start everytime after 4 years of moderate use with max draw.
 

MICHI-CAN

Well-Known Member
Plants would be fine with a flashlight for a few days just to keep the photo period regular.
All I'm concerned about is the plants surviving 2-3 days without any electricity.
Not looking to run a whole grow off the grid
I would use leds as stated above. Batteries are $1 at Dollar Tree. Probably some useable LEDs there as well. Just maintain your stage. It doesn't take much. But more than just lit. Plant thinks it is a passing storm system. Pressure, light and temp change will push flower. 14 hours with flashlight to hold veg. And above 45F for a week will survive if the cycle is not broken in lighting. Still light on a stormy day.
 
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