Bioscape Tropic A/C D/C Air Pump Battery turns on when power fails
Wattage
2 W
Water type
Freshwater + Marine
Running cost
~$5/yr
Bioscape Tropic A/C D/C Air Pump Battery turns on when power fails
Keeps the air on when the power goes out. The Bioscape Tropic A/C D/C Air Pump is a single-outlet pump that runs from USB power in normal use and switches automatically to its internal battery the instant power fails — up to 8 hours of continued aeration during a blackout, a storm, or while moving a tank between power points. A check valve is included.
Key features
- Automatic battery backup — switches over the moment mains or USB power drops, with no manual step needed.
- Up to 8 hours of continuous battery runtime — enough to cover most short-to-medium outages.
- Stepless adjustable airflow — dial output up or down without pinching the line.
- Micro USB powered — runs from any 5 V USB source; no bulky wall transformer.
- 1.7 W energy-efficient motor — low running cost for continuous, everyday use.
- Freshwater and marine safe — suits community tanks, planted tanks and marine sumps.
Specifications
| Spec | Tropic A/C D/C |
|---|---|
| Outlets | Single, with check valve included |
| Power | 1.7 W, via Micro USB |
| Battery backup | Up to 8 hours continuous, automatic switch-over |
| Speed control | Yes — stepless adjustable |
| Water type | Freshwater and marine |
Not included
A Micro USB power cable is not included — use any standard 5 V USB cable and plug pack you already have.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suitable as either an everyday single-outlet air pump with built-in blackout insurance, or as a dedicated backup pump that only runs during outages. Not a substitute for a twin-outlet pump if you need to run two air lines — it has one outlet, like the Tropic 1000 and 2000 in Bioscape's mains-only range.
Running costs
Draws 1.7 W. Run continuously, that's roughly 15 kWh a year — around $4.50 a year assuming a 30c/kWh tariff. Battery use during an outage doesn't add to your power bill; actual mains running cost depends on your own electricity plan.
Safety
Position the pump above the aquarium's waterline where possible, and keep the supplied check valve fitted if it sits at or below water level, to prevent back-siphon — including during the period the pump is running on battery.
Care and maintenance
Keep the housing dry and the intake vent free of dust. Bioscape hasn't published separate battery-replacement guidance for this model — if backup runtime drops off noticeably over time, contact Bioscape or your retailer for advice rather than opening the unit.
Warranty and delivery
Covered under Bioscape's manufacturer warranty against defects, in addition to your rights under Australian Consumer Law. Standard parcel delivery.
Goes well with
- USB wall adapter and cable — needed to power the pump, as neither is included.
- Airline tubing and an airstone or sponge filter — the load the pump is sized to run.
- A second Tropic pump — some keepers run this unit purely as backup alongside a larger mains pump for the main bioload.
Common questions
How does it know when the power has failed?
It switches to its internal battery automatically the moment USB power is lost — there's no manual switch to flip during an outage.
Is 8 hours realistic, or a best-case figure?
Bioscape states up to 8 hours of continuous battery use; actual runtime will vary with the flow rate you've dialled in — running it wide open will use the battery faster than a reduced setting.
Can I use it as my everyday air pump, not just backup?
Yes — it runs continuously from USB power like any other air pump, and simply falls back to battery if that power is interrupted.
Does it come with a USB adapter?
No — it needs a standard 5 V USB cable and plug pack, which aren't included.
