What I think is probably one of the biggest dangers for a reef aquarium is the loss of electricity for significant lengths of time. A significant length of time here is probably over 2-3 hours. Less than that and it wont normally cause any real problems. But a sustained power outage for half a day or more will mean the end of the reef aquarium.

The first concern with a power blackout is the loss of water circulation, and therefore oxygenation of the water. In a system without water circulation, after a couple of hours you will see worms crawling out of the sand bed, looking for oxygenated water. The next problem after that will be temperature control, whether it is overheating in the summer or overcooling in the winter.

Luckily this hasn't been an issue for myself to day, but the possibility definitely exists. Especially with the electricity supply problems that Victoria is currently heading into. Until now I have had the option of driving a couple of hours to my parents or parents inlaws, both who have a generator that I could borrow.

A generator can be a significant outlay financially, but in recent years the larger hardware chains here have had small generators (more than sufficient to run the pumps, heaters etc) on sale for a very cheap price. Last time I missed out, but they came around again and I finally picked one up from Home Hardware for only $99! Great price for protection of your livestock.

Diesel brand 750W generator in box.

The specifications of the generator is:

• Brand: Diesel, which is a rebadging of GMC
• Wattage: peak 750W, sustained 550W
• Power: 2 horsepower
• Fuel: unleaded with 50:1 two stroke oil
• Fuel tank: 4.2 litres
• Running time: 6 hours per tank

550W portable generator, very compact and quiet. Great piece of mind.

The plan is to operate the generator for some time every couple of months or so. This is to ensure that it is maintained in operating condition. Have already started it up and it is relatively quiet, so wont be a bother to the neighbours in 2 am.