Dick,
As you know we just moved here from Florida. I can tell you the whole state of Fl is in an uproar about good old FPL. They have been giving big - and I mean big - bonus money to the execs instead of upgrading the infrastructure. It has caused tons of problems. The Blip is just one. I had the same Blip problem very often. I used 3 UPS systems on my tank. One was on the lights, one the pumps, and one for the rest of the equipment (filters, heaters, etc.) The UPS solve that problem well. Granted the main purpose was just to even out the power so the blips didn't interrupt operation of the system. If I did have a full blown power outtage they didn't last very long. It would vary on what was plugged in but it was something like 30mins to an hour or so. I think it all depends on the size of the UPS and what's plugged in. I learned quick living in FL about the power system, I had UPSs on TVs,
PCs, and all Aquariums.
On a side note my power here in North LIttle Rock has been awesome - it is ran by the city - so they aren't really looking for a profit. They are always out and about, changing old poles, lines, and transformers. At least I don't have to worry about those brown outs anymore!
