BUILT! Timer for feeding cycle, turns pumps off!

[Bill S]

When I feed, I'd like to turn my sump return pump and skimmer pumps off for about 15 minutes. I COULD use my AquaController II for this, but it's such a royal pain to use. Anyone know of such a timer?

In thinking this thru, I COULD use a regular timer - like they use for jacuzzi tubs - and wire it to a relay. The relay would be "normally closed", and the pumps would run. When I turn the timer know, it would "open" the relay, turning off the pumps. But, this would/could be a bit of a pain to do?

Any ideas?

******************* Photos are on page 3! *****************************8

[jroescher]

If you're in need of another controller for other things, check into the ReefKeeperII. That's a built in function.

[Bill S]

The ACII has this function, but, I'd have to set it up, put unreliable X10 controllers on it, etc. I'm just inclined to build one.

[Richard]

I use the reefkeepers and excellent controller but too much $ for just wanting the FEED mode.

I'll soon be needing a number of timers for the same purpose (I'm starting a little project). I have not seen any inexpensive commercial options so I had planned on just making some along the lines of what you described. So update with what you come up with, I may have to copy you.

[Bill S]

Home Depot (and Altex), here I come!

[brewercm]

You could put your pump with an inline switch that you could just turn off and on when you wanted and put the switch wherever would be convenient for you. This is what I'd have to do since my feeding time varies to when I get around to it each time.

[Bill S]

I thought about that Cliff, but then I KNOW I'd forget to turn it back on...

[LoneStar]

I'd be interested in your wiring schematic and parts list Bill, once you get one built. :)

[Headless_donkey]

I built a timer for my shutoff timer for my skimmer. I used a light timer from home depot and reversed the contacts inside so they are normal closed rather then open.

[Bill S]

I'll have to look for that - do you have a pic or description of the one you used?

[Headless_donkey]

I finally found the link I followed.
http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=109789&hl=feeding+timer
I did it and it was easy and works great!
You will need a small torx screw driver to open the thing, but I have set I could let you use at a meeting Or go to Altex in SA and they will have a set.

[Bill S]

OK, it was an easy DIY project. I bought the items before the other post on how to do it without the relay. But, I like my end result. Here are some photos. Parts:

Timer from HD - I bought this one for $20, and it has a button you press for 10, 20, 30 & 60 minutes, plus a HOLD button that keeps them off.
110v Relay from Radio Shack: $9
Blue outlet box
Crimp Spade - Female Connectors to connect the wires to the relay
Wire nuts
Spare cord with a MALE end
Wire
Faceplate
Electrical tape
Spare outlet - or new if you must. A GFCI if you aren't already protected.

Run the plug wire thru the blue box box (if you forget, it will tick you off). Connect the red output from the timer to the relay, power the other side of the relay from your white source. "Source" is your male end plug that goes into another electrical outlet. White source goes to both the white wire of the timer and the white side of your outlet plug. Black from the source to the black on the timer, the source to the relay (normally closed), and the relay to the outlet. Make sure all grounds are used. I then taped everything up to make sure the contacts stay in place. I checked it with an outlet tester to make sure all was fine. Then I crammed it into the box with the outlet and the timer. Mounted it under the tank, and I LOVE IT!

[Bill S]

One more photo - can you tell these parts were all "USED" that I found in the garage???

[LoneStar]

Looks good Bill. I'm going to make one next weekend (if I get the spare time)

So I'll be asking you more questions then :lol

[Bill S]

Yeah, it took about half an hour while watching TV. Pretty simple. And I like this much better than the twist timers.

[erikharrison]

Good idea! I think I am going to make one of those as well. THANKS!

[Richard]

SWEET! Thanks for the pics. Makes its easy for me. I'll be building 7 of them.

[DaBird47]

Thanks for the thred Bill, I was having the same problem...nice fix...D

[prof]

I built something similar for my air compressor. I always forgot to turn it off until it came on while I was trying to sleep. I used a countdown timer so it won't run longer than 30 min.

[Bill S]

SEVEN!!?? What FOR?

[LoneStar]

SEVEN!!?? What FOR?

I was asking myself that too. Then I realized he owns a fish store :roll

[Richard]

Hey Bill,

I need to make some of these now. Is it still working well for you? And do you still have the pics of what you used (lost in the software upgrade I guess)?

[Bill S]

Richard,

It works GREAT! I'm off to a continuing ed class for the day, I'll see if I can dig up some pix...

[Darth-Tater]

I would also like to see them.

Tater

[99taws6]

Any pics?

[Bill S]

Photos...

[apedroza]

Thats pretty nice. Someone needs to make these as raffle items or sell em to maastards!!!

[Bill S]

Oh, yeah. One other note. This plugs into a GFCI outlet - PLEASE make sure you are protected!

I really can't tell y'all how much I love this timer. If someone wants to start making/selling these I have absolutely no problem with that.

[Darth-Tater]

Bill do you have any part numbers? I like the way it looks


David

[Darth-Tater]

Bill picked up the timer tonight. What is the relay used for? The timer is 110 volts. Does it soften the impact of switching it on and off? Do you have a wiring diagram for those of us (me) who are electrically impaired?

David

[Bill S]

The relay really doesn't matter, as long as it is rated for 110 volts. The pic shows the one I used, but seriously, I just grabbed the cheapest one. As long as it's 110 volts and has spade connectors, you should be fine. Just in case, Radio Shack usually puts the diagram for the relay on the back.

If you DON'T have a multimeter AND a polarity tester, you should really own them. Especially the tester, if you do any wiring for your tank. You NEED to make sure you get polarity correct on wiring.

I made some changes on the directions. Hopefully these will be clearer than mud. If you just HAVE to have one, bring your parts over and I'll help you assemble them and then test it. 663.8079. We can then take some more pix.

My biggest problem is that I don't really want to open this sucker back up, and since it was months ago, I don't remember everything!

[99taws6]

Okay after about 2hrs of trying to figure this out with a multimeter, I got it to work. Someone look over this and make sure I am not going to burn my house down... I tested it and it works, but I know there is the whole cut the hot/neutral issue...


I bought the timer from home depot and used a relay from radio shack part # 275-217.

Sorry for my quick paint/lack of skills diagram:

[Bill S]

As long as the polarity is correct on your outlet, AND you've correctly wired up the source wire from the plug, that should work. I'd certainly test the polarity though. If the plug you used is a GFCI, it won't work unless it's wired correctly.

[99taws6]

I checked it with a GFCI checker and it all checks out good!

[apedroza]

If possible can someone show a step by step procedure for those of us who aren't as electrical saavy??

[Bill S]

Anthony,

Buy the parts and stop by. I have the connectors. I can scrounge up a spare outlet too.

[Darth-Tater]

Hey Bill if I bring qll of the parts (and Beer) can I come by? :bigsmile:

Tater

[apedroza]

Lets make a meeting out of it!!!! Your out this weekend I believe, right Bill??? If so I'll shoot for the weekend after if that's ok?

[Bill S]

We're out just about every weekend. Between Lubbock, the boat in Kemah, and hunting season, I'm just not around! Seriously, I think we're booked thru December.

Other than that, any time is fine!

[apedroza]

I'll see what I can work out one of these days. Thanks

[Darth-Tater]

It works:bigsmile:. I finally got around to putting it together following everyone's instructions and it worked. The Earth did not stop rotating and the end is not near. It is super. Thanks to everyone who posted instructions , pictures and diagrams.



Tater