timers

get a simple $4 one from Homedepot. it works perfectly no complaints. or you can get a $10 one that has two outlets. i just think the timers sold in lfs are overpriced, the only thing is the timer powerstrips are maybe worth it

The only timer-power strip combo I had died, and was over priced.

I use the 'Lamp & Apppliance' timers from hardware stores. There is a 'heavy duty' one with a 3-prong outlet, and the regular one with 2-hole outlet.

Little clips get removed or inserted to change the timing.

There is a slightly different model by the same company that is used in low voltage lighting controllers. These are often mounted outdoors where the temperature is not so stable, and might be subject to some humidity. These are available at irrigation wholesalers such as Ewing, Horizon or John Deere.

That is the heavy duty one I use. I also use the 2-hole version. I have a very old house and most of the outlets are the old 2-hole style.
This is the same company that makes the timer I described above, used in slightly more exposed settings. Those are black.

They are both rated at 15 amp max.

That picture shows 3 reds (off) and 3 greens (on) but you can add as many more as you want (well, as many as would fit).
These timers do die after a while, and I just keep the pins.
To use them for timing more than one piece of equipment I use either a multi-outlet extension cord, or a multi-outlet adaptor that allows three things to be plugged into one outlet. If you do this be very careful you do not plug in too many things.

I use a Brinks analog timer. 5 dollars from walmart and works good, for now.

I always burned out digital timers that controlled my lights. But I upgraded to the heavy duty appliances timer ($10) and have not had a problem since. That thing is a beast.

Do the analog timers have a battery backup to keep the clock time going when the power goes out?

Hi Complexity,

Sorry, no battery backup on the analog Intermatic.

WalMart has a $10 brinks digital with battery backup, been good to me so far, and silent - even the on/ off action

Pic here
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=185809

(yes, I know it is upside down )

Yeah, I know the digital ones have a battery backup. That's why I've always stuck with digital timers. I just didn't know if any of the analog timers had them. Our power goes out often enough that I won't run a timer without a battery backup so I'm going to stick with the digital ones.

Apparently, I've been really lucky. Over the last 5 years, I've ended up running a total of (counting...) 11 digital timers, and they're all still working. Plus, I have one more in a box that I'm not currently using, but it was working when I put it in the box.

However, I wouldn't mind saving a little money as digital timers are more expensive than analog timers, and I'm needing two more timers, but I have to have the battery backup. Oh, well. Thanks for the information. :smile:

Do the Intermatic's only have 1 plug in?

Aquinoobie16 said:

View attachment 52229 I know im a great photographer... with my finger all in the way... buutt
This is what i ended up getting... its 2 outlet 3 prong heavy duty timer and im testing it now so we will see how it goes haha thanks for the input guys this thing only cost me 10 bucks

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Looks like a good and solid timer to me. I have a few that look similar to that one that I have been using for a few years with no problems

Calibrating it is kinda a pain tho haha

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tanks4allthefish said:

Do the Intermatic's only have 1 plug in?

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Depends on the model you get.

those intermatic timers are real workhorses. i have a few of them still in service going on more than 10 years. only problem is about half of them emit a fairly loud ticking sound after 3 years or so.

I use this one from marineland. Never had any problems at all


http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...6111&subref=AA&CAWELAID=525429643&cagpspn=pla

Any one else go thru the cheaper lamp times quickly from I guess using them on ur light, running to much juice thru the timer? I went thru one every 6 months or so, but the one dedicated to myco2 celenoid never had an issue...