What kind of timers is everyone using for their lights?

I just got a coralife digital power center 8 outlet..
4 are on a timer, in sets of 2.. meaning when the 2 yellow are on, the blue are off, as soon as the yellow goes off the blue come on.. day and night.. this is fine and dandy.. but I thought I was going to be able to control each outlet.. I would like my actinics to come on e2 hours before and stay on 2 hrs after my 10,000k.. kinda simulating dawn, dusk, whatever. I also though the other 4 ports would be for the wavemaker but I guess I got the base model..the timers I had on my stock hood do not have the ground outlet so I cannot use them. provide pics/links if possible.

 

I just use two standard Home Depot timmers with the ground plugs. I put a splitter on it so each one will handle two plugs. Set the pins to desired time and leave it be. Been working fine for over three years now.

 

I have 3 el cheapos from Home Depot running off a power strip. Since the strips don't have enough room on them I bought those little jumper extensions. It ain't pretty but it works.

 

I use one of these for a 24hour lighting cycle. Aqualight Power Center - Pet Solutions
Works pretty good, just wish it had a battery back up but for $30ish it's not bad.

 

I use the 240V essex control timer inline for my M/H and the same for my VHO's I just mount them beside the panel box. Otty you may want to look into them for your lights ? Lowes and Home depot sells them like 50.00 ea. Last ones you will ever buy.

 

Looks like I may just be selling my power center to someone who has more use for it and getting some individual ones. I really didnt pay that much for this power strip, so I should be able to make my money back.


I want my actinics to come on 2hrs before and stay on 2hrs later than my 10,000k.
Also, when the daytime cycle goes off, the blue ports come on automatically meaning that the moonlights will stay on until the next cycle turns the day time lights on.. i dont really want the moonlights on all night, just may 4 hrs or so. and the other 4 constant power ports are useless to me since I already have 2 8 port surge protectors. can anyone say fire hazard?

 

I will stop by tonight and pick one up. I need to start on the lights because I will be starting to fill the tank this weekend....FINALLY!

 

If you are trying to create a 24 hour lighting cycle, why are you shutting your lunar lights off after 4 hours???? :-/ Last time I checked the moon stays out all night....;D

 

i dunno.. someone told me not to leave them on all night lol
plus I dont want them to burn out prematurely from being on so long..
im still a noob, so everything i type is probably dumb

 

I have a digital timer that I got from walmart. It has two outlets and works great!