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Important Lighting Question!

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by e lowther, Aug 5, 2011.

  1. e lowther

    e lowther Inactive User

    181
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    I am just now learning how important consistency is when it comes to the lighting period for my corals, so I was curious what light timers that you all recommend. Price needs to be reasonable but doesn't have to be dirt cheap. I would like something that is programmable if possible. Pretty much, I want to see what you guys use for your tank and if it works well. 
    Thanks, Evan 
     
  2. Kylie

    Kylie Inactive User

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    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.
     
  3. ninjazx777 Experienced Reefkeeper

    Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +7 / 1 / -0
    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
     
  4. e lowther

    e lowther Inactive User

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    That is one of the ones I am currently considering. I am also looking at a IceCap Digital Timer, seems to have great reviews but does anyone have some first hand experience on this timer? Also who else uses the "Coralife Power Center Day/Night & Wave Timer"
    Coralife Power Center Day/Nite & Wave Timer
     
  5. e lowther

    e lowther Inactive User

    181
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    Sorry about the large text, my bad
     
  6. e lowther

    e lowther Inactive User

    181
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    Any testimonies on the Aqua Controllers?
     
  7. ninjazx777 Experienced Reefkeeper

    Des Moines, IA
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    I love my acIII pro. Best investment I've made
     
  8. mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

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

    iaJim Inactive User

    775
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    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.
     
  10. e lowther

    e lowther Inactive User

    181
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    Well, technically speaking. I would like it to control my cooling fans as well as my lighting? Could a simple timer from Lowes or Home Depot really work? Because I am looking for reliability more then anything.
     
  11. iaJim

    iaJim Inactive User

    775
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    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.
     
  12. e lowther

    e lowther Inactive User

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    Why wouldn't you recommend the latter? Because that is what I am searching for, something to turn on the fans and the lights at the same time.
     
  13. Kylie

    Kylie Inactive User

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    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.
     
  14. e lowther

    e lowther Inactive User

    181
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    Is the problem with running the fans and the lights at the same time? Or is the problem with having a timer control the lights and the fans at the same time?
     
  15. mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

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    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.
     
  16. iaJim

    iaJim Inactive User

    775
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    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.
     
  17. Big John

    Big John Inactive User

    966
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    +1 on the cheaper ones! Any Home Depot, Menard's, Lowe's will have digital ones.
     
  18. blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Ratings:
    +738 / 5 / -0
    I use the one Kylie posted a link to and it works great. Plenty of timed outlets. day and night timers. And it also has outlets that are constant power.
     

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