any sparkys in here? got a power question

[MongyMan]

It's best to only draw 20% from batteries before recharging. Sitting directly on the ground they will also lose charge quickly. Sit them on a piece of rubber or other non conductive material and they are better out of the rain yes. Running the pump in the warmer part of the day will help with the charge available also yes.

 

Peace MongyMan

[Al B. Fuct]

also if this battery is left out bush, will it need to be kept out of the rain or are they weather proof??

 

If not a sealed batt, there will be gas vent holes, rainwater might get in. A cover of some kind & a rubber mat as MM said would be good. Just covering it will help keep it warmer. The time of day for running the pump & batt temp will become critical only when the batt is near discharged.

[theoneandonlyfat]

20%???? I thought the purpose of a deep cycle battery was so you could use upto 80% of the amp hours

[Al B. Fuct]

Yes, deep-cycle batts are indeed capable of a longer discharge cycle than typical car batts for cranking a starter motor. I do recall something about 80% of the AH cap, but can't recall the specifs offhand. However, they are still lead acid batts and don't like to be run totally dead and are happier if recharged more often than less.