[GoJoeGo]

Does anyone know of a good multi-outlet power strip with multiple programmable timers? This is the basic idea (Link to Amazon) but I cannot find one that allows me to set a unique timer profile for each individual outlet.

 

[Ashok]

I've searched for one and the only system I could find is the Neptune Apex system.

 

[scapegoat]

If you're interested, a bunch of folks are doing DIY aquarium controllers to kind of handle this problem (along with dosing ferts daily)

if you're programmatically/electronic engineering inclined that might be for you.

 

[bsantucci]

Yeah you're talking about a controller, so you need to do Apex or an Arduino build.

 

[MKNguyenV2]

I too have been searching for one of these for quite some time now.

 

[aquarist]

Unless you want to run 220v to where you aquarium is you are going to be limited to a controller, either Apex or Reefkeeper. But if you wanted to run 220v ( I will be in my house to my fish room ) there is an awesome timer from China for around $25.

 

[gSTiTcH]

Why not build one? You can make a power board with outlets and timers from supplies at any Home Depot. You can also have a master kill switch for filters/heaters as well as a second MAIN switch if you needed to fully de-energize the tank.

I did that with my tank and I love it for the convenience when I do water changes. Flip one switch and shut down all filters/heaters while leaving the lights on.

 

[aquarist]

Why not build one? You can make a power board with outlets and timers from supplies at any Home Depot. You can also have a master kill switch for filters/heaters as well as a second MAIN switch if you needed to fully de-energize the tank.

I did that with my tank and I love it for the convenience when I do water changes. Flip one switch and shut down all filters/heaters while leaving the lights on.

Any pictures? And do you know about what it cost you to build? I was about to build some 1 foot extension cords but it would've cost me way more than to just buy them, so I am just curious about your build. I will be automating another one of my aquariums and would be interested in using this idea if feasible.

 

[TekWarren]

This might be my inner IT nerd talking but...I'd like to see something programmable/controllable/monitoring via wifi with multiple outlets that can be individually set with timers. Something not ugly and clunky though... I'm in IT but not an electronics expert so I don't think I could tackle building something like this.

 

[aquarist]

Apex and reefkeeper controllers can both be connected to your home wifi or LAN.

I own a Reefkeeper system and it does a bunch of thing it's not just a timer, with a little imagination and the right modules you can make it do practically anything you want. Just an example of how it is more than just a timer, you can connect a temperature probe to the system, and then plug your heater into it, if the heater ever malfunctions (usually always on) it will cut power to the heater and not cook your fish. You can also expand the system to fit you needs with added modules, yes they cost a little bit of cash but I feel with what you can do with this system, if you are into automation, would be well worth the price tag.

I know you can do the same thing with the Apex controller I just don't own that one so cannot say anything about it. They are about the same price range, the Apex seems more user friendly and more flashy, the reefkeeper is plain but works for everything I want it to do.

Here are some links to Apex, Reefkeeper, and to DIY controllers:

Apex:
http://www.neptunesystems.com/

ReefKeeper: (Their website is horrible, but if you call them they will spend plenty of time explaining everything)
http://www.digitalaquatics.com/

Homemade:
http://www.aquariumcontroller.net/diy.html

There are a ton of youtube videos out there with people showing how they built their controller as well.

 

[prighello]

Looking for this as well. All the ones I see at Home Depot etc only have one set of controls. You'd think in this day and age these things would be readily available; not $$$ reef controllers.

 

[bpizzuto]

I found this one: And only 21.99

APC
6 Outlet Green Surge Protector 1080 Joules with LCD Timer and 3 Foot Cord - White.

Saves power by automatically turning equipment ON and OFF based on six preset time programs. Select the exact time and day of the week that your equipment receives power from the "Controlled by Timer" outlets and prevent unnecessary electricity waste. Most other surge suppressors continue to let power through even after their circuits have been damaged, leaving your equipment exposed to future surges. APCs SurgeArrest fail, SurgeArrest components such as MOVs and Thermal fuse ensure instantaneous reaction to lightning strikes and wiring faults. If the surge components are damaged due to power spike or over voltage, excess power cannot reach your equipment. Unlike the APC SurgeArrest products, most surge suppressors continue to let power through even after circuits have been damaged, leaving your equipment exposed to other damaging surges. safe, which means that once the circuit of an APC SurgeArrest has been compromised the unit disconnects equipment from the power supply ensuring that no damaging surges reach your equipment.

 

[aquarist]

Sounds like that will have all the outlets that are timed on a single timer. Similar to other models out there. They will often have 2-3 outlet that work on the same timer, and then the rest are constant on outlets.

These are good options if you have several devices to turn on at once. But if you wanted something like a power strip that had each outlet on a separate timer you would need something else.