light timers

Well my CL powercenter died last night, lasted a year lol... So I dont think I want to spend another 40 bucks for another.. Question, what is a good timer I just need it to controll 3 things.. DT, moonlights, and sump light.. Really dont want to spend over 100 bucks or I would buy a ac jr or something like it=) Thanks

 

Personally I would say get 3 diff timers from the depot for a total of 20 bucks for all 3 and then if 1 breaks you just replace it, the one I got used with my tank has lasted 2 years.

 

I agree, just get the home light timers from a hardware store. It's what I use on my Tek light, they work just fine.

 

Home light timers will not work with heavy MH draw though. It would depend on the OP's lighting system.
I use a timer from Home Depot, it is a heavy outdoor (water resistant) unit that is designed for industrial use like flood lights and sprinkler systems. I control all of my lights with it, and it has worked wonderfully for about a year now. I think it was around $40.

 

Reefkeeper Lite Level 1 $95 at Bulk Reef and it controls everything you want plus gives you temperature control right out of the box. Its expandable up to 4 modules and can also monitor and control pH, salinity and ORP too. I bought the level 3 and added a moonlight controller and pods so the moonlights follow the lunar cycle as far as brightness and dimming just like the moon phases.

Otherwise I use the heavy duty 15A 3 prong mechanical appliance timers from Westinghouse or GE but I only use one of those now down from 5 since I got the RKL.

 

x2

wal-mart has brinks 15amp/3prong single timers for like $7 each. I also use a 3prong splitter to add more lights/accessories to a single timer..

I leave my lunar leds on 24/7.. dont need a timer for that.

 

I use a few of these, until the day when I get a controller.



These will suffice for pretty much any lighting, as long as it doesn't exceed 15A. A 250W metal halide bulb consumes less than 2.5 amps, so you'd be challenged to exceed the limit of these timers. Since your home receptacle is most likely 15A, and attached to a 15A breaker, you'll be fine. They're relatively inexpensive, and reliable. The only downside is during power outages, they lose the same amount of time as the duration of the outage.

 

Cool, thanks for the help guys=) Gonna go check out walmart and hd. ;D

 

I use the green outdoor timers @ about $15 each never had a problem
Intermatic HB31R - 24 Hr. Heavy Duty Outdoor Timer - 15 Amps - 120 VAC Light Bulb

 

Indoor 7-Day Lighting Timer Timer
these are what I use, do a great job and have battery back up , programable 7days 4x bye day 2 individualy controlable outlets