In need of a multi-light timer

[2639]

I can't find a timer that has more than one outlet..I have three (as of now) lights that need to come on at different times.

Does anyone know of a product that has multiple, controlable outlets?

I don't really want to use 3 seperate large timers but if that's what I have to do, then I guess that is what I have to do.

[FishinInTheDark]

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_controllers__index.asp?CartId=

There are several on this sponsor's page.

[2639]

That's the first place I looked. I didn't see anything but I'll certainly look again. Thanks :D

[Telco Guy]

I just checked and the only one I saw was one that has a single timer that controls 4 outlets. This could be accomplished with just about any timer by plugging a power strip in to the timer.

If you are looking for individually controlled outlets you could build your own by using X10 recepticals and an X10 multi timer unit. Just get a multigang box and wire up the X10 outlets and mount that under your tank. That's the only way I can think of to do this. I estimate that this could be done for about $100 controlling 4 outlets. You could even include a GFI outlet in the box for added safety.

[FishinInTheDark]

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_controllers_coralife_power_center_day_nig ht_wavemaker_timer.asp?CartId=

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_controllers_newtek_mechanical_digital_pow erstrip_timers.asp?CartId=

I said "several" but should have said "a couple!"

[2639]

a hundred bucks is WAY outa my price range for a timer.
Conni, those unfortunately don't meet my needs. I've actually found one that is made by Coralife. It's a dual timer and has 8 outlets, allows for 3 individual lights to simulate dusk, dawn, day, night. I found out also that most places have them on backorder either because they are so new or so popular and found one for a decent price. The first item is the one I'm talking about::::
http://www.aquatichouse.com/Maintenance_files/Power%20Center.asp

[Telco Guy]

Cool, that one looks pretty good. I understand the budget thing. ;) The cool thing about the X10 recepticles is you can get a program to run on your computer to control the lights and you can add on as you need more. There are even software packages written specifically for aquarium systems.

In fact, it looks like this is exactly what I was talking about building.

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_controllers_neptune_systems_aquacontrolle r_accessories_information.asp

Check out the Direct Connect modules near the bottom. Not sure on the price though. Doesn't seem to be listed on this page.

[FishinInTheDark]

I'm glad you found what you needed!

[2639]

Nick, that's exactly what I was wanting to do ever since I started the whole tank. Do you have any links for doing the programmatic control? I wanted to write my own software but lately, I've been getting lazy and would rather buy! LOL

[Telco Guy]

Well, I have not used any of these, but here are what I have found:

http://www.draquarium.com/
http://www.automatedaquariums.com/

The first one looks pretty good. Basic x10 control with a few sensor inputs for temp, pH and light levels.

The second one appears to be more elaborate, but seems to require purchasing a lot of waht look like home made controllers, dosing pumps, etc.

If you are looking to just control lights and other on/off power items you could just use one of the many home automation software packages that are out there and basic x10 plug-in controllers.

[Telco Guy]

btw, when choosing the controllers for lights you will want to make sure that you verify that you get one that will work with your aquarium lights. It appears that there are several types and some aquarium lights draw too much power for the regular lamp modules.

[2639]

Right. I figured out the amp draw but I wrote it down and forgot it :oops: That really shouldnt be a HUGE problem though because I think I remember them being fairly average.

[2639]

Back to this topic....Is this worth the money? http://www.digitalaquatics.com/20050320_ReefKeeper%20Manual.pdf
It controls not only lights but chillers, heaters, powerheads. Has a feeding mode and a night mode etc...It only appears to control 2 sets of lights but I can probably deal with that with a five dollar timer somewhere.

[MadMike_HC]

I got a Coralife dual timer/power strip for my tank they only cost $40 at my LFS
It has 3 plugs for daylight lamps,2 for Actinic,2 for moonlites and 1 constant power
Works great,I set my Actinics to come on before my daylites and go off after them,when the actinics are on the moonlites are off
Since I only use 1 plug each for the lites
I have my heater plugged into a moonlite plug since its not needed when all the lites are on
and my powerhead runs when the actinics are on,simulates calmer nitetime seas

[MadMike_HC]

Here is the tech info on the timer I use for my Coralife lunarlights

The Dual Timer Power Center


DAY-NIGHT TIMER The Power Center is a day-night dual timer device that provides complete 24-hour lighting cycles from dawn, noon, dusk and nighttime.

WAVE-MAKER APPLICATION The Power Center can control two sets of water pumps using the alternating timer (total of four outlets) at 15 minute intervals (min.) or more to create a wave-maker application. The two sets of outlets will interchange between each other based on the timer setting. This wave-maker application creates a natural rhythm in your aquarium that replicates ocean tidal movements.

Dual Aqualight Power Center Specs

Controls 3 Sets of Lights
Dual Day-Night Timers
Alternating Timer
2-Actinic Outlets
2-Lunar Light Outlets
Day-Shift Timer
3-10,000K Daylight Outlets
Constant Power
1-Outlet
Multiple Timer Settings
24 Hour Mechanical Timer
15 Minute Interval Setting
Optional Wavemaker Application
Creates Natural Rythmic Waves
Great for switching water pumps to create alternating water currents
Up to 1875 Watts 15 Amp
Dimensions: 16" x 4.25" x 1.75"