Bilge as backup pump

[John Vernier Simon]

Anyone currently using a marine bilge as a backup for their reef tank?
I am trying to find recommendations for a decent one to get (otherwise
I will probably have to by a couple and test em, so if someone else
has experiance it would be appreciated).

Last time we had a power outage in my area it was a pretty major one
and lasted longer then my largest UPS could of handled, so I ended up
putting an old inverter in my car and running and extension cord it
worked but I would prefer something a little more contained. Rather
then do that next time I figured a 12 volt bilge, deep cycle battery
and a solar panel would be better solution.

So is anyone doing the same and if so what are you using?

[Charles Spitzer]

bilge pumps aren't usually rated for running for days. they like to run a
little and shut off a lot. also, they may have a lot of metal in them. i
believe they're also cooled by the water running through them.

"John Vernier Simon" > wrote in message
om...
> Anyone currently using a marine bilge as a backup for their reef tank?
> I am trying to find recommendations for a decent one to get (otherwise
> I will probably have to by a couple and test em, so if someone else
> has experiance it would be appreciated).
>
> Last time we had a power outage in my area it was a pretty major one
> and lasted longer then my largest UPS could of handled, so I ended up
> putting an old inverter in my car and running and extension cord it
> worked but I would prefer something a little more contained. Rather
> then do that next time I figured a 12 volt bilge, deep cycle battery
> and a solar panel would be better solution.
>
> So is anyone doing the same and if so what are you using?

[John Vernier Simon]

I found a page with some nice ratings/reviews/specs on differnt
bilges:

http://www.powerboat-reports.com/sample/bilge.htm

"Charles Spitzer" > wrote in message >...
> bilge pumps aren't usually rated for running for days.

Some are rated to be run for days, some that aren't officially can be.

> they may have a lot of metal in them

From what I have seen and read, no most don't, wouldn't make a really
great bilge for salt water boating use if it was choked full of metal
;)

>i believe they're also cooled by the water running through them.

Tons of pumps used in aquariums are cooled by water running through
them.

So I am going to make a couple purchases strip them down, check out
the innards and then test them. Then pick whichever ends up working
best. Should make for a nice backup to my UPS.