How to Size a UPS System for an Aquarium

Aquarium systems have a variety of electrical components. Canister filters, air pumps, hang-on-tank (HOT) filters, lighting, heating and power heads all require electricity to continue working. In the event of electrical loss, aquarium filtration, heating, and water movement all stops. Oxygen exchange becomes limited to only the surface of the water column. Over time, the limited oxygen and filtration will result in the death of many or all of the aquatic inhabitants. An uninterruptable power supply, or UPS, can be used as an emergency backup system allowing the electricity to continue as long as the UPS battery supports.

Things You'll Need

  • Uninterruptable power supply (UPS)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the essential aquarium components required during an electric outage. The components will be the bare minimum to sustain life during loss of electricity. Typically, water column movement, and a means to facilitate oxygen exchange into the water column are all that are needed. Bubble screens, a single filter, or a power head or two are usually sufficient to provide oxygen to the tank inhabitants, though needs will vary.

    • 2

      Calculate the amount of electricity, in watts, used by the essential components. For example, if the essential components identified are an air pump consuming 20 watts and a canister filter at 85 watts, the combined total of the electricity used 105 watts.

    • 3

      Determine how long you need the uninterruptable power supply (UPS) to remain on. This will help you calculate how large the UPS will need to be to support your combined total electrical needs of essential components for a given time.

    • 4

      Calculate the UPS requirements. Multiply the wattage consumed by the essential components by the time required to maintain them. For example, 105 watts of power required for 3 hours is 315 watts. This means you need to find a UPS that has a power rating of least 315 watts.

    • 5

      Convert the watts required into the number of voltage amps required (the VA rating), by dividing the required wattage by 0.6. For example, 315 watts / 0.6 = 525VA required. In this example, a UPS with a VA rating of at least 525 will support the 315 watts required to run 105 watts for 3 hours.