what electonic timer do you use?

[Ram_Puppy]

I bought two electronic timers a couple weeks ago to run my halides off of (250 watts) and on of them is already failing. It will be going back to the store. Just wondering what timers you guys use?

[Tim Marvin]

I use the three prong timers from HD I think they are appliance timers, and they are mechanical.

[eric]

I have one of the power strips with a mechanical timer built in (that alternates four of the outlets - two on, two off and four always on) The timed outlets quit working in short fashion.
Now it just acts as a normal outlet (with two in the sought-after always off setting)

Now I think I'm using the same as Tim mentioned. Could have been Radio Shack.

[alton]

I get mine at Target rated for 20 amps for about $9

[Richard]

I use the Reefkeeper controller...

http://www.championlighting.com/e/env/0001x4Tf8Gj5A9gtZw8m4L3/Products/Controllers/controllers.html?link=digaq.html

Sell them too... :)

[Shark_Bait]

I'm currently using the digital ones from Walmart, and have had no problems but I only have 175W MH's.

[MikeDeL]

Does anyone know where I can find a one, or if one is even made, that has a battery backup for the digital clock? I hate having to reset the timer everytime the power goes out. It probably would have saved me a few things when my power went out while I was out of town. The power wasnt out too long then but after it did come back on the lights stayed off for 3 days.

[eric]

The mechanical ones would be a better suit. At least, they'll start up where they stopped.

[MikeDeL]

If I could find one with a battery back up I would use that over a mechanical. But I think until I find one I will be switching the mechanical timer on my FOWLR to my reef tank. Been meaning to do that for awhile. I never see the timers though, so its kinda out of sight out of mind.

[brewercm]

I bought about five digital timers made by timex last year that have an internal battery that holds the memory for quite a while. They are currently stuck in a box until we move so I don't have the model number but was using them with my 400 watt halides and they worked fine. They could be set with up to 24 on/off settings per 24 hour period. Best timers I've found, you might find some on ebay or something. I bougth these off of a guy on reef central.

[Polkster13]

Intermatic is the last one I bought (Home Depot special) and I really like it. I am running two 250 watt MH ballasts off of it and it works great. It also uses watch batteries in case of a power outage to retain the programming settings in the memory.

[Ram_Puppy]

Thanks for the replies guys. Sorry it took so long to reply, I have the flu, and accoding to the doctor, a bacterial infection as well. Yay.

The model tim is using, the three prong appliance ones (that if we are using the same tim, has red plastic trim on a white body?) that is the one that prompted the move to a digital timer, it stayed on, and because of my schedule i didn't notice for 2 days... that was about 5 weeks ago, I moved to Intermatic Model DT27, which is a digital self adjusting timer rated at 15 A (1800@) 500W Tungsten, 1/3 HP, 120 Volts, 60Hz.

That is the one that will no longer power up the 250 watt metal halide, and that is all that is was running. It may just be a fluke, as the other one is still running just fine.

Richard, are you adding to the list of stuff I need to buy for the new tank? :)

[Richard]

Richard, are you adding to the list of stuff I need to buy for the new tank?


LOL. It's not required but is a nice toy. Eight channels and each channel is programmable and can be set to control lights, pumps, heater, chiller, or can act as a wavemaker (with soft start). For lights you can select "Halide" so that if power goes off/on it will have a delay to allow them to cool before it turns them back on. I also like having it control the heater, I have too much money in my tank to trust to the cheap thermostat of a $30 heater. I also like that it is made so you can cut a square in your cabinet door and mount it so that it's easily viewable. Looks pretty sharp. Also has a "Feed" button that will turn off your main pump(s) for whatever time you specify. I like it!

[blueboy]

that sounds like a sweet timer richard, what do those run in your store?

[Shark_Bait]

Richard are you talking about the reef keeper?
Ram I know you need these quick but here is a project that I am working on
http://www.maast.org/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=9696
Should have a working prototype by the April meeting. Will be a bit cheaper too.

[OldSalty]

I use X10, if fact I now use HAL Delux which is a voice controled home automation system. all i have to do is speak to the computer and it does what I say. This system runs my entire house, aquariums and all. It's so cool to say "hello computer" computer then says random phraises like " what do you want, i'm very busy" then does what I ask. There is really no end to what it can do. as far as timinmg all i have to do is tell it when to turn on the lights and when to turn them off and thats it. Neatest timer ya ever saw. :skeezy

Kelly

[Richard]

Shark_Bait - Yes it is the reefkeeper.

BlueBoy - We sell them for $249. Then there is the 10% discount for maast charter member. Great way to get back the $25 for becoming a maast charter member. See everyone, It pays to pay maast! :D

[Ram_Puppy]

Richard, is this the same one that Mark was showing me last week? I need to see one in action, perhaps when I drop off the Maroon Clown? :)

[grapplert]

Old Salty,

Sounds like a wife... :lol

(j/k - please don't tell my wife I said that <_< )

[OldSalty]

:lol not to worry!