Reef Central Online Community

Go Back   Reef Central Online Community > More Forums > Reef Club Forums > SouthWest Region-Reef Club Forums > Arizona - Fish & Reef Aquarium Group (FRAG)
Blogs FAQ Calendar Mark Forums Read

Notices

User Tag List

Reply
Thread Tools
Unread 03/23/2013, 04:04 PM   #1
bugs713
In-A-Gadda-Divita!
 
bugs713's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Apache Junction, AZ - USA
Posts: 2,345
Vortech DIY Battery Backup

For those that asked about this~
I have five VorTech MP series pumps that run on my three SW tanks.
I wanted to utilize the 12v battery backup capabilities of these pumps, but did not want to spend $165 x 3 for their way over priced battery backups.

I read of others using this Belkin backup for these pumps and tried it out and it works great! In my testing, I got 11+ hours of battery backup to power one MP40WES at 50% power for a cost of $24!! I now have 3 of these installed with another 2 on the way from ebay.

In the event of a power failure, these will automatically kick on and provide my Vortech's with 12 volts of power and run them at 50% for 11 hours!

Parts
*Belkin battery backup Model #BU3DC001-12v - $15 to $30 @ eBay

[IMG]http://i49.*******.com/2ms4tg8.jpg[/IMG]


*Fused VorTech Battery Backup Cable Item #10427 - $1.50 @ EcoTech
[IMG]http://i48.*******.com/6pp7gm.jpg[/IMG]
I cut this cable on the fused side so I could utilize the inline fuse; you only need one of the plugs and could make two cables, but I wanted to utilize the inline fuse AND they are only $1.50 each. I then cut the plug off the Belkin plug, spliced the Vortech cable/plug to the Belkin cable, soldered the wires together, used heat shrink for protection - Done!

This is an inexpensive and simple DIY battery backup for Vortech pumps and takes about 10 minutes to cut and splice the wires together.

I didn't follow the markings on a wires to tell me which is + or - voltage, rather I used my multimeter to tell me which is which. If you happen to splice the wires wrong, as I did the first time, it will not work.



[IMG]http://i47.*******.com/2nm2gdk.jpg[/IMG]


[IMG]http://i45.*******.com/2i0arva.jpg[/IMG]


[IMG]http://i47.*******.com/wjdy6q.jpg[/IMG]












[IMG]http://i50.*******.com/2dkwhlg.jpg[/IMG]


[IMG]http://i48.*******.com/bfp1qq.jpg[/IMG]


__________________
O|||||||O

Last edited by bugs713; 03/23/2013 at 04:23 PM.
bugs713 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 03/23/2013, 04:34 PM   #2
azjohnny
Registered Member
 
azjohnny's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Gold Canyon
Posts: 2,914
Nice Tip, I may just blow the dust off of my Helping Hands and make a few. I would periodically test them to make sure they still work, its Murphys Law that when the power goes out the back up will be dead


azjohnny is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 03/23/2013, 06:15 PM   #3
Kalakuhan
Free Reef
 
Kalakuhan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Posts: 1,224
Does anyone know how many hours a vortech batt backup will run an mp40?
The spec sheet says up to 36 hours.
Just wondering if vbb have bigger batts than your DIY.


__________________
rePete

Current Tank Info: 125g rimless leemar, 40B sump, ASM G3, MP40s, 2x40 3w CREEs CW/RB mix, Neptune Apex
Kalakuhan is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 03/23/2013, 09:44 PM   #4
bugs713
In-A-Gadda-Divita!
 
bugs713's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Apache Junction, AZ - USA
Posts: 2,345
Quote:
Originally Posted by azjohnny View Post
I would periodically test them to make sure they still work, its Murphys Law that when the power goes out the back up will be dead
These units will alert you with beeps and flashing LED if the battery goes bad. Plus, they run a self test automatically every 21 days; you can run this test manually also. For the cost of a Vortech BB, it should email you AND make you coffee...


__________________
O|||||||O

Last edited by bugs713; 03/23/2013 at 10:03 PM.
bugs713 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 03/23/2013, 09:48 PM   #5
rtartag
Registered Member
 
rtartag's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 213
This is awesome. I was looking into the vortech batter back up until I saw this. Will defiantly give it a try


rtartag is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 03/23/2013, 09:50 PM   #6
bugs713
In-A-Gadda-Divita!
 
bugs713's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Apache Junction, AZ - USA
Posts: 2,345
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kalakuhan View Post
Does anyone know how many hours a vortech batt backup will run an mp40?
The spec sheet says up to 36 hours.
Just wondering if vbb have bigger batts than your DIY.
Yes, I believe the VBB is rated at 18Ah and the Belkin is 7.2Ah
But again, for the cost, you could run two or more of these in parallel for hours of backup.


__________________
O|||||||O

Last edited by bugs713; 03/23/2013 at 09:56 PM.
bugs713 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 03/23/2013, 11:12 PM   #7
azjohnny
Registered Member
 
azjohnny's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Gold Canyon
Posts: 2,914
Angry

Quote:
Originally Posted by bugs713 View Post
Yes, I believe the VBB is rated at 18Ah and the Belkin is 7.2Ah
But again, for the cost, you could run two or more of these in parallel for hours of backup.
I was thinking the same thing to increase the run time, I have heard some people who had the Vortech model that when the power went out the BBU was dead.....Nice!...


azjohnny is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 03/24/2013, 12:05 AM   #8
Kalakuhan
Free Reef
 
Kalakuhan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Posts: 1,224
Quote:
Originally Posted by bugs713 View Post
Yes, I believe the VBB is rated at 18Ah and the Belkin is 7.2Ah
But again, for the cost, you could run two or more of these in parallel for hours of backup.
Thanks, that's what i figured but knowing the actual rating is even better.


__________________
rePete

Current Tank Info: 125g rimless leemar, 40B sump, ASM G3, MP40s, 2x40 3w CREEs CW/RB mix, Neptune Apex
Kalakuhan is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 03/25/2013, 04:44 PM   #9
dotcommer
Registered Member
 
dotcommer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Scottsdale
Posts: 1,645
when you get your other Belkins in. You should make a video and post it here and on youtube for everyone in the community.

Great DIY project. Thanks for posting.


__________________
300 Gal DT 10’x2’x2’ Mixed Reef, 180 Gal Sump, SRO 5000 Skimmer, APEX, Algae Turf Scrubbers - Scottsdale AZ -
"Knowledge isn't Power -- It's Potential Power - It becomes power only when, and if, it i

Current Tank Info: Redsea Max 250 Mixed Reef, 125 Gal FOWLR, 90 Gal Mixed Reef, 30 Gal Fresh Water
dotcommer is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 03/25/2013, 06:21 PM   #10
bugs713
In-A-Gadda-Divita!
 
bugs713's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Apache Junction, AZ - USA
Posts: 2,345
^^Thank you and Your welcome!
I will do a YouTube video this week when the other Belkin's arrive and as time permits.

It really is a great little and simple mod and saves the user $130+ over a VBB AND does much more than a VBB!


__________________
O|||||||O
bugs713 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 03/25/2013, 07:59 PM   #11
bambam918
Registered Member
 
bambam918's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Ahwatukee
Posts: 601
Thanks bugs! I will add this to the fish list! The wife will just have to understand lol


__________________
180 DT peninsula with 90 gallon sump. Three Radion Pro's and two Tunze 6105's. bubble magus curve7 and two Jager 300 watt heaters. Temp probe, PH probe and ORP probe. ATS. Mag5 return. BRS dose for CA
bambam918 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 03/25/2013, 08:03 PM   #12
jmadison
rebmeM deretsigeR
 
jmadison's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: PHX, AZ
Posts: 1,426
Quote:
Originally Posted by bugs713 View Post
Yes, I believe the VBB is rated at 18Ah and the Belkin is 7.2Ah
But again, for the cost, you could run two or more of these in parallel for hours of backup.
I understand what this means, but if you could cover how you do this in your highly anticipated video it'd be greatly appreciated by myself! Awesome DIY project


__________________
-Keyser Söze-


By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. -Confucius

Current Tank Info: Construction Zone
jmadison is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 03/26/2013, 11:11 PM   #13
bugs713
In-A-Gadda-Divita!
 
bugs713's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Apache Junction, AZ - USA
Posts: 2,345
Quote:
Originally Posted by jmadison View Post
I understand what this means, but if you could cover how you do this in your highly anticipated video it'd be greatly appreciated by myself! Awesome DIY project
Will do.

Received the other 2 Belkins today along with the extension plugs from Ecotech, will start on a DIY video this week.


__________________
O|||||||O
bugs713 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 04/08/2013, 08:49 PM   #14
artkwan
Registered Member
 
artkwan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Roseville
Posts: 556
Quote:
Originally Posted by bugs713 View Post
Will do.

Received the other 2 Belkins today along with the extension plugs from Ecotech, will start on a DIY video this week.
That is truly awesome! Good luck, and now following this thread!


__________________
120G AGA/40G sump/50G Refug/MP40wEs X2/JebaoWP40/Reefbreeders Photon 48/H&S Skimmer/Litremeter dosing/Aqualifter/Avast ATO/DC12000 Main return/QOne 4000 Refug. return/Artica Chiller/Apex/

Current Tank Info: Previous 39 gallon corner, now running an in-wall...
artkwan is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 04/08/2013, 11:00 PM   #15
bugs713
In-A-Gadda-Divita!
 
bugs713's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Apache Junction, AZ - USA
Posts: 2,345
I have also found an adapter cable on Ebay for under $5 shipped. That means no splicing, just plug and play!
I will post the info tomorrow.


__________________
O|||||||O
bugs713 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 04/20/2013, 10:58 PM   #16
Weyrman
Registered Member
 
Weyrman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: South Valley
Posts: 1,132
Pretty sweet bugs!

I imagine when the battery goes bad you could replace it with a longer life battery. Perhaps a full size deep cycle marine battery. One might power all of your Vortechs for years if properly maintained.

Looking forward to the DIY video.


__________________
"The Grand Canyon of Colorado is a chasm that slices through the plateau country of northern Arizona like a gigantic and impossible desert crevasse." Colin Fletcher, "The Man Who Walked Through Time"

Current Tank Info: 150g Mixed Reef, 30g sump, ASM2 & 3, Koralia & MP40, 3 Radions, Spectrapure Litermeter III ATO, Kalk dosing, Auto water change - 4 Tangs, 2 Rabbit Fish, 2 Dragonets, 12 Chromis, Hawkfish, Clown, Pajama Cardinals
Weyrman is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 04/21/2013, 06:43 AM   #17
xfactor1315
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 174
Following, which adapter did you buy? So glad I found this thread!


xfactor1315 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05/17/2013, 09:01 PM   #18
bugs713
In-A-Gadda-Divita!
 
bugs713's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Apache Junction, AZ - USA
Posts: 2,345
This is the eBay link where I ordered the adapter and it is plug and play, no splicing needed.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/370777307082...84.m1439.l2649
You will see a drop down menu where you will need to select:
Male Plug OD:3.5mm ID:1.35mm

Delivered cost was under $8 with rather fast shipping. With this adapter, you will have a good 10' of hookup wire, making it easy to place this out of sight.

I am still going to make a series adapter that will allow two Belkins to power one Vortech for double the back up hours. I will do a picture step by step or video of this when I do.
I had a short 10 minute power outage a few days ago and they all came on and powered my five Vortech's at 50%. When the back up goes on battery power, they beep, so it was rather noisy haha You can silence the beep BTW.

I'm also going to experiment with using one of these to power the head units of my Reef Keepers using the SW5 module; this will power the head unit and other modules during a black out. It of course will not power the PC4 power strips.
Stay tuned!


[IMG]http://i41.*******.com/dqnb6t.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i39.*******.com/v6j1g3.jpg[/IMG]


__________________
O|||||||O

Last edited by bugs713; 05/17/2013 at 09:08 PM.
bugs713 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05/18/2013, 04:20 AM   #19
xfactor1315
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 174
Thanks! I built myself one and it works perfectly. I like how the battery will alarm with a power outage. Great job.


xfactor1315 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05/22/2013, 07:43 PM   #20
insomniac2k2
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: concord
Posts: 1,280
I believe that this one would work too: http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-5mm-2-1mm-...item3cc20f9a0b

If you do a search for 5.5mm/2.1mm Female plug to 3.5mm/1.35 male power cable, you will get quite a few cheap options. Correct me if im wrong on this one. I'd hate to steer people into the wrong direction.


insomniac2k2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05/22/2013, 08:00 PM   #21
bugs713
In-A-Gadda-Divita!
 
bugs713's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Apache Junction, AZ - USA
Posts: 2,345
I believe your right, I just ordered one from your link, we'll see when it arrives.



__________________
O|||||||O
bugs713 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05/22/2013, 08:08 PM   #22
insomniac2k2
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: concord
Posts: 1,280
Here's my take on this:

I don't want to have too many of these, so I'd actually like to use one of these for multiple things. With the adapters that I just linked, you should be able to run one of these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Female-to-...item5af030fb00

Or even one of these for more devices: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Female-to-...item5af0307e08

For example:

I have a 12v powered network switch that my apex, web camera, and TV set-top box hook up to. I would want network available to all these (less the set-top box) in the event of a power outage. I also want to power my apex and my vortech pump. The only thing that draws much power is the vortech.

But for me, I need to also power my modem that lives in my garage, and my router that is at another location in my house. This would allow me check on my tank remotely in the event of a power outage. I guess im just a mess

Caveat: A few of my switches in my garage are 5v. Im thinking that I can splice a few of these in the mix: http://www.amazon.com/HOSSEN%C2%AE-C.../dp/B00A71CMDU

This will allow me to step down the 12v DC to 5V tp power the remaining 3 5v devices that I have.

Damn you. You already made me buy 2 of these Belkin units. Now I need a 3rd

This type of a battery backup is just so much more efficient than a standard one though!



Last edited by insomniac2k2; 05/22/2013 at 08:26 PM.
insomniac2k2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05/22/2013, 08:38 PM   #23
insomniac2k2
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: concord
Posts: 1,280
Even better.

12v Belkin to stepdown converter: http://www.amazon.com/Vktech-Double-...tep+Down+to+5V hooked up to one of these:http://www.amazon.com/Camera-2-1x5-5...x+5.5mm+female (which gives you a solderless connection to the Belkin)

Now you have 2 standard USB OUT. Now add 2 of these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-to-MALE-...item3a78f2d94f

You can now power 2 - 5v devices

Hijack over


insomniac2k2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05/23/2013, 07:28 AM   #24
srf11
Registered Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 81
Never really looked at the ecotech backups since the price was so out of whack. But having 2 mp10s and 2 radions, this looks like something I'll try - ordered 2 to start with for pumps - anybody try them for radions??


srf11 is offline   Reply With Quote
Unread 05/23/2013, 08:26 PM   #25
bugs713
In-A-Gadda-Divita!
 
bugs713's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Apache Junction, AZ - USA
Posts: 2,345
insomniac,
Great finds! Thanks for your input, that's what DIY is all about!
I will order some of the splitters and see how they work for adding 2 or more Belkins to increase the run time.

I have some small voltage step down circuits I got from eBay a while back, but the ones you found on Amazon are better priced and enclosed. I ordered one and will test it.

Post any results you get from anything you build or buy, I will of course do the same.



__________________
O|||||||O
bugs713 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 11:44 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Powered by Searchlight © 2024 Axivo Inc.
Use of this web site is subject to the terms and conditions described in the user agreement.
Reef CentralTM Reef Central, LLC. Copyright ©1999-2022
User Alert System provided by Advanced User Tagging v3.3.0 (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.