Metal Halide Timer

I need to get a good/reliable timer for my metal halide lights.
I have 2 250w metal halides running off of a dual PFO ballast so there are two plugs.

What can I get at Home Depot that would allow me to turn them on everyday for 6-7 hrs safely. I would love 4 controllable plugs on it, but 2 are definitly necessary.

Something that can handle this ballast safely, not blow up or cause any fires, etc...

I would really appreciate models, or a link to the items you suggest, I am going to go pick it up today.

Thank you!

 

I have used the Coralife timers in the past, but they are not rated for MH. I tried them all, single, dual and digital and had to replace them all in a matter of weeks. I would stay away from them. I dont remember what kind timer HD sells for aquaria, if any, but the best investment that I have made is a controller. A little pricey compared to a regular timer, but worth its weight in gold.



luna

 

I too went through multiple coralife timer/power strips. And now that luna pointed it out..I just realized that it was after I got my halides that they stopped working. My AquaController will be here tomororow . As of right now I have some of the standard little mechanical timers that I got at lowe's. They are working for now..but I don't think I'd trust them in the long run.

Ivan

 

I was hoping to not have to spend so much on a controller right now and see if there was some sort of safe less expensive alternative.

 

You can use the little mechanical timers..I would just keep an extra on hand as I have had a couple stop working after a while.

 

I bought a digital timer with duel outlets. Was supposedly rated for the load. Same thing 2x PFO 250W ballasts.

Lasted 2 days. Then stuck on.

Will try to find a link to exact model.
Found it
http://www.homedepot.com/Electrical...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

Wish I had see the review on it before hand. There is actually a guy who posted a review about it messing up on his reef tank. Go figure.


Currently, I am using an industrial grade Intermatic digital timer. Performs flawlessly. Unfortunately the $450 price tag keeps me from using more. (I got it for free)

 

I use 4 dollar mechanical timers from walmart for my t5s, they suck! They are getting me buy at the moment but would like to upgrade to a controller as soon as possible. Almost all of the timers you can buy locally dont even have a ground and you have to get an 3 prong to 2 prong adapter which doesn't fare well with some heavy duty equiptment.

Just got an RODI, controller is next on my list so I can get rid of the 5 timers in my stand.

 

get a controller.. the RKL is $99.. I promise youll be much happier.. Plus it even has a timer setting for Metal halide lights where if there is a power inturreption, they stay off for 15 minutes to cool before restarting.. this can save a bulb and be worth the cost of the timer right there..

 

Thats true....when you put it that way....you save the money of bulbs...plus the money in your house catching on fire, plus most importantly the money we put into our tanks!

RKL it is....
Does that also shut off the metal halides if the temp gets too hot and then turns them back on after a while? I wonder if you can program that in the RKL1 ....that would be awesome.

 

yes it does.. It has a temperature probe in it.. You set a temp point and it will shut whatever off or on you want.. I have mine set to turn on my fans at 79.5 and then turn off my lights at 80.5

It really is a wonderful feature to have..