Light Timer ?

burton14e7 · #1 05/13/2007, 03:12 PM

Is anybody using or know of a light timer/timer that I can use for a weekly cycle with 7 days of programability? I have my lights start coming on at 4pm so my tank is lit for when I get home from work until I go to bed. But on the weekends I want to be able to view my tank in its glory earlier and shut off earlier as I'm out. I'm not ready to jump into the full tank controllers yet, I just want something for my lights. Thanks in advance!

sdaousa · #2 05/13/2007, 04:32 PM

You can get the digital timer from Lowes for about $14.

Krazy · #3 05/13/2007, 04:33 PM

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...readid=1119546

Scroll down to my post, I use the intermatic digital's, they are 7 day programable if need be

burton14e7 · #4 05/14/2007, 12:17 PM

Nice, thanks guys. Home depot at lunch it is

hahnmeister · #5 05/14/2007, 12:29 PM

Aube TI033 is what I use.
http://www.smarthome.com/4258w.html
Most of the intermatics are not induction ballast compatible: this is what causes them to fry and not work (sometimes they can even cause fires). Most of these timers are $30 or more. Sorry, but Home Depot doesnt stock the type you need.

as it says in the AUBE description...
"an attractive high-capacity countdown timer that works with motors as well as all types of lighting, including electronic ballasts, compact fluorescent lights and tungsten lights up to 5A"

These intermatic will work...
http://www.smarthome.com/2509.html
http://www.intermatic.com/?action=prod&pid=193

This one will not...
http://www.intermatic.com/Default.as...cid=43&sid=112

Because it says....
"Note: Do not use with starter, compact fluorescent or other electronic ballasts"

If you want a 'plug-in', this intermatic is what I use as well...
http://www.intermatic.com/Default.as...cid=43&sid=114

ambaratur · #6 05/14/2007, 12:30 PM

Have you researched how this may affect the inhabitants? I would think you could stress out the fish and others if your lighting cycle is not somewhat consistant.

I am no expert here - but I was not sure.

-Amb

burton14e7 · #7 05/14/2007, 01:57 PM

Cool thanks, I def want the plug in type as I won't be wiring my setup into the house. I doubt having the lights come on for a different period on the weekends will cause any due stress. I throw the lights on for those random 2am coming home with a lady or drunk friends that wana see whats new situations and my tanks fine. I doubt waking up early on the weekends will hurt them either.

lsuberl · #8 05/14/2007, 09:32 PM

I was at Lowe's earlier tonight, and checked out the big black Intermatic's that Krazy K referenced. The packaging does describe them as "resistive" and "induction" rated, though the induction has an "H" in front of it. Does the "H" indicate a limited capacity, or will these in fact be fine to use with halides??? They look like great programmable timers, and the fact that they have 2 outlets built in makes them even more attractive.

hohmfree · #9 05/14/2007, 10:16 PM

I have been using the plug-in type metioned above for about 5 years. No problems

hahnmeister · #10 05/14/2007, 11:07 PM

Not sure...
http://www.intermatic.com/Default.as...cid=44&sid=116

It does say resistive and inductive though...

Call intermatic and ask...

lsuberl · #11 05/16/2007, 10:58 AM

I sent in a request for info on the larger outdoor model to see if they recommended using it with MH ballasts. Their response was:

"The HB88 model does not have a ballast rating which is part of a metal halide fixture.
I would use a DT27C for the purpose you stated."

I'll check to see if that model is available locally, but I'm wondering what language on the packaging indicates which ones are acceptable for use with MH ballasts? I had previously thought that if it could handle the wattage that it would be fine, but that has turned out to be incorrect!