Power went out last night. RECOMMEND A MOCK TEST

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by missionsix, Oct 10, 2007.

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  1. missionsix

    missionsix Super Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2007
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    5,734
    Location:
    Bend,Oregon - USA
    The power went out in my area last night. This was the true test to see what would happen if this were to occur while I was at work. Everything worked out great except my backflow preventer slowly filled up my sump. I've got an easy solution for that though. By drilling a small hole in my inlet piping I should be able to stop that siphon as the water level lowers to that hole letting air into the line. My over-flow worked perfectly and started siphoning as the power returned. I'm glad I was home to get this all taken care of. It turned out to be a late night because, I didn't want to fall asleep and wake up to a disaster. If it had happened during the day I probably would have come home to a mess.(NIGHTMARE). The other issue is I live in a cold area in Oregon so, I had to get the fireplace going to keep the house warm. I STRONGLY SUGGEST TO ALL THE SUMP USERS OUT THERE TO DO A MOCK POWER FAILURE TO SEE WHAT WOULD ACTUALLY HAPPEN IF YOU WERE GONE. IT WAS A GREAT LEARNING EXPERIENCE.
     
    missionsix, Oct 10, 2007
    missionsix, Oct 10, 2007
    #1

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  2. crappyballer

    crappyballer Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

    Joined:
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    630, IL
    you should get some of that pink foam insulation and cut pieces to fit your tank and sump so when the power goes out your can just tape the pieces up and you will keep a lot of heat in the tank. i had to do this for my sump because my tank is in the basement. And in the summer time with the air conditioner running my basement is a good 64 degrees and my heater was running non-stop. so i just insulated the sump and it makes the heater work a lot less.
     
    crappyballer, Oct 10, 2007
    crappyballer, Oct 10, 2007
    #2
  3. ziggy222

    ziggy222 Fire Goby

    Joined:
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    that was the very 1st thing i did when i installed my sump.shut off the power.the sump raised alot and i was glad i did'nt fill it all the way up cause it would have overflowed.
     
    ziggy222, Oct 10, 2007
    ziggy222, Oct 10, 2007
    #3
  4. omard

    omard Gnarly Old Codfish

    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2003
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    Location:
    Silverdale, Washington
    Good point. Is getting to be that time of year.

    Time for some generator maintenance and fill up the gas cans.
     
    omard, Oct 10, 2007
    omard, Oct 10, 2007
    #4
  5. bulltrader

    bulltrader Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2007
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    Location:
    Burlington, Ontario, Canada
    Hi,
    I bought a small UPS, same as I use for my computer. It keeps my sump pump running for about 55mins when the power goes out. Usually in my area the power is back on in under 15mins. Works great. My heater is also plugged into it. For $100 I figured it was worth it.
     
    bulltrader, Oct 10, 2007
    bulltrader, Oct 10, 2007
    #5
  6. crappyballer

    crappyballer Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

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    for sure, well worth the investment.
     
    crappyballer, Oct 10, 2007
    crappyballer, Oct 10, 2007
    #6

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  7. bulltrader

    bulltrader Bristle Worm

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2007
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    Location:
    Burlington, Ontario, Canada
    Hi,
    I'm fairly sure that the pink foam is toxic. Please check it out. I used it on my pond a few years back and all my fish died. When I asked around I was told it was for outdoor use only and is very toxic
     
    bulltrader, Oct 10, 2007
    bulltrader, Oct 10, 2007
    #7
  8. crappyballer

    crappyballer Corkscrew Tentacle Anemone

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    i've been using it for the past few months with no ill effects it's just on the outside of the tank
     
    crappyballer, Oct 11, 2007
    crappyballer, Oct 11, 2007
    #8
  9. glampka

    glampka Coral Banded Shrimp

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2007
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    Location:
    Williamsville, NY
    Breaking the siphon on your overflow has its' drawbacks. Once the power goes back on you'll drain your sump into your dt which could cause that to overflow & possibly burn out your pump. That's the beauty of having your tank drilled - no siphon to worry about.
     
    glampka, Oct 11, 2007
    glampka, Oct 11, 2007
    #9