DIY Vortech Battery Back up.. did I get the right supplies?
 

Decided my MP10 needs a battery back up, but wanted something that lasted longer than what Ecotech sells.

I went to Wal-Mart and got the following, are these good to use for the build?

The 1.3mm connector is not pictured...

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...0465Medium.jpg

Thanks!

Bumpidy bump bump. :D

Looks like a good start, but not sure about the battery charger. If I've been informed correctly, a float charger is better than a trickle charger to maintain the charge on a deep cycle battery. That battery will keep your MP10 running for quite a while though. Make sure there is adequate ventilation around the battery as well as spill protection since it's not a sealed cell by the looks of it.

Here is what I did. Look at post #22.

Sealed battery and appropriate non-trickle charger.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1673939

what you would need is called a battery tender. it monitors the charge on the battery and only turns on when the battery falls below a set state of charge. other chargers will continuously charge the battery and will destroy it. I'm not sure if the one you have in the pic is a tender or a trickle charger, but that is definately something you want to find out. also, a motorcycle or lawn mower battery might work better, especially if space is limited.

Thanks guys. The battery is actually in a vented battery box, so no worries there... plus I have the room for it in my stand (I have no sump). I have it all connected, I just forgot to get some wire so it can reach the vortech's input slot.

About the charger.. it's weird because I can't find it on the website. Here what it says on the box:

- Auto voltage detection (It does both 6V and 12V)

- Microprocessor controlled (Not sure if that helps any)

- Float-mode monitoring: Automatically changes from continuous charge to float-mode monitoring - Charger maintains battery when fully charged. Resumes continuous charging when battery becomes discharged.

Here's some better info about the charger, I am starting to think I got the right one...

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schumacher...arger/13005742

Yes, I think what you have will work fine. That battery should run an MP10 for a long time.

nice project, should all work out great

You guys are gunna get the final picture when I finish it.. it really looks nice and clean! :)

Hey all. I finally finished it (The only thing holding me up? ...A stupid piece of wire I had to buy).

I haven't cleaned up the wires (Would you believe I only have 6 things plugged in for the reef?) but figured I should take pics before the laziness hits me. Before I forget, I did test the unit out and it works well. Only problem is that I reversed wires coming from the battery to the Vortech controller and it didn't work. Once I realized my mistake and put the wires in the right place it worked. One other thing you won't notice is that the battery float-charger is Velcro-ed to the battery box.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...0472Medium.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...0470Medium.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...0467Medium.jpg

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...0466Medium.jpg

just don't forget to check the water level in the battery from time to time. ro water will work fine to top off if needed.

since your not really putting the battery through discharge/charge cycles it shouldn't use much water but it's always safer to check then be sorry. i've seen batteries catch fire because of dry cells, but that was also at a high charge rate.

Looks clean and mean. Have you tested how long it will run the Vortech for? It should cover the duration of the 10 plagues of Egypt :)

If you have to check water level in the battery you have the wrong battery! You should get a lead acid sealed or deep cycle marine battery, 12v 18amp or more. Check your local Interstate Batteries or Batteries Plus. For a charger a 12v 500ma battery tender will do.
Just hook the charger and the cord to the 1.3mm plug (center positive) on the battery. Plug charger into the wall and plug into controller, you're done. If you open the battery box that's all that's in there, a battery and a couple of sockets wired parrallel. What a scam, $165 for $50 of DIY parts. I could give them a pass if they only charged $100 for it.