Back up power

ÒÒlegilizeitÒÒ · Feb 17, 2021

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.

hotrodharley · Feb 18, 2021

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.

hotrodharley · Feb 18, 2021

Yamaha EF1000iS, 900 Running Watts/1000 Starting Watts, Gas Powered Portable Inverter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002RWK9LY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_PKC3DH25FNHG25M34786

Way cheaper too.

ÒÒlegilizeitÒÒ · Feb 18, 2021

hotrodharley said:
Yamaha EF1000iS, 900 Running Watts/1000 Starting Watts, Gas Powered Portable Inverter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002RWK9LY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_PKC3DH25FNHG25M34786

Way cheaper too.

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.

hotrodharley · Feb 18, 2021

Well good luck then.

Pacoson71 · Feb 18, 2021

Tesla Wall battery can be installed just the same.....

Charged by the grid and used as you wish. Later date a solar roof can be the charging source.

I know it's quite a bit more than the 2k your looking to invest, but If you are looking to get it later in life,
Buy once, Cry once.

Renfro · Feb 18, 2021

ÒÒlegilizeitÒÒ said:
Budget of $2000 probably.

Get a generator.

Doug Dawson · Feb 18, 2021

ÒÒlegilizeitÒÒ said:
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.

redi jedi · Feb 18, 2021

Why do people worry about the auxiliaries when the most important part of the grow is down?

oldmustang · Feb 18, 2021

hell I've got one of those "chinese" generators and it ran from 2am Sunday till 4pm on Tuesday, cost half of a Honda and saved my ass. Top off the fuel and stopped it once to change the oil. I'm buying one more for my trailer and a smaller unit for my grow area.

ÒÒlegilizeitÒÒ · Feb 18, 2021

Doug Dawson said:
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

Renfro · Feb 18, 2021

ÒÒlegilizeitÒÒ said:
All I need to run is 80w air pump bare minimum so my plants don't drown in the hydroponics

I would want to at least run some light as well to keep the cycle going. Doesn't have to be a lot, just enough they can stay on schedule.

Jonnybgood35 · Feb 18, 2021

I just throw some magnetic battery powered leds on my hoods and click them on to keep the cycle going. Got em at the Home Depot. Not a lot of light but it keeps them from revegging

MICHI-CAN · Feb 18, 2021

ÒÒlegilizeitÒÒ said:
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.

Southernontariogrower · Feb 18, 2021

ÒÒlegilizeitÒÒ said:
All I need to run is 80w air pump bare minimum so my plants don't drown in the hydroponics

What about light?

MICHI-CAN · Feb 18, 2021

Southernontariogrower said:
What about light?

Harbor freight gives magnetic led mini panel utility lights away for free with purchase. A few trips and dollars with a couple buddies and you have pile of them really quick. Blue end. But will hold you over.

ÒÒlegilizeitÒÒ · Feb 18, 2021

Southernontariogrower said:
What about light?

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

ÒÒlegilizeitÒÒ · Feb 18, 2021

Jonnybgood35 said:
I just throw some magnetic battery powered leds on my hoods and click them on to keep the cycle going. Got em at the Home Depot. Not a lot of light but it keeps them from revegging

I'm more worried because I'm in hydro and the plants will die without oxygen added to the water

MICHI-CAN · Feb 18, 2021

ÒÒlegilizeitÒÒ said:
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.

MICHI-CAN · Feb 18, 2021

ÒÒlegilizeitÒÒ said:
I'm more worried because I'm in hydro and the plants will die without oxygen added to the water

Stir your water twice per day for 5 minutes. Will raise your PH for a bit. Or get a hand pump and tape it to an airstone. Pump until exhausted twice per day. Water should not stagnate in under 12 hours.

Back up power

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