Important Lighting Question!

I really like this one:
http://www.petsupplies.com/item/coralife-power-center-day-nite-and-wave-timer/701905/

Works well for me. It has two sets of outlets- each set is controlled by a timer. One set is so if the timer is set to 'on' during a time, those outlets are active. If the timer is set to 'off' at the time, then the opposite outlets are on. On the other set, there is only on if the timer is on (no "off" outlets) but across from those are outlets that are always on. Its nice for me. For example, I have my T5's and fans turn on, then MH turn on later, then MH off, then T5/fans turn off. As soon as the T5's turn off, my moonlights turn on. All the while it has my heater and main pump running on the constant outlets.

 

i recomend buying a controller you can pick up a used ACjr or ACIII at good prices or buy a new apex either way they are worth the investment

 

I love my acIII pro. Best investment I've made

 

just get the cheap 24 hr timers they work just as good as the expensive ones.

 

I bought an AC Jr. when I was running MH's, but now I only use it for temp control and to keep track of the temp and ph. I use the controller from AI on the LED's. Very happy with that. Really, if you just want to control lighting, you can do it fine with a $6 timer.

 

If you want to control your fans in relation to the temp, then no. If you want the fans to come on when the lights are running, then sure. I'm not sure I'd recommend the latter though.

 

Yes, I am curious also why you wouldn't want the fans on with the lights. It seems to work well in my tank. I don't see any temperature fluctuation so far with my fans turning on with my MH's but if I'm missing something, I'd really like to know it so I can fix the problem.

 

if your going to want multiple things to come on and off at the sametime just use a single timer with a power strip plugged into it and the items you want on that time plugged into the power strip.

As far as the fans and lights at same time, the fixtures I have used always have the fans come on when the lights do.

 

I guess if the lights are the only factor in raising the temp in your tank, then it's probably fine. If there's anything else, like ambient temperature, pumps, or a heater, then I think the controller is the better option.

 

+1 on the cheaper ones! Any Home Depot, Menard's, Lowe's will have digital ones.