| General Reef Discussion In this forum we discuss issues related to keeping marine and reef aquariums in a friendly flame-free environment. |
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04-15-2005, 08:57 AM
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#1
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Little Fishy
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Coatesville, PA
Posts: 87
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Lighting Timers
What lighting timing systems are people using? I have a cheapo x10 system that has been failing (not turning off lights) and I am looking for a replacement. I really want a Aquacontroller III but I don't think I can swing the $1000+ for the complete setup. What about the Aquacontroller JR? I know it is new, but does anyone have one? I need something that is super reliable because I am out of town a lot for work and in the past few weeks I know my lights have stayed on all night at least twice! Thanks!!
Mike
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04-15-2005, 09:42 AM
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#2
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Master of Perplexity
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: panama city beach FL
Posts: 3,432
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If your using it just for lights why not get a cheap lighting timer. I've got several on prop systems and have never had them fail. Only problem is if the power goes off they fall behind in the time. I've got digital ones and they have a battery that doesn't even lose time when the power goes off. I've used them for years. I consider an X10 to be not so cheap, compared to these.
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04-15-2005, 11:50 AM
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#3
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Pretty In Pink
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: portland or
Posts: 3,170
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I was gonna to suggest those cheap timers as well. If just for lights then why spend $1000 just for that. I use the ones with the ground socket on them.
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04-15-2005, 11:52 AM
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#4
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learning
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Pasadena CA
Posts: 343
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what the heck would you want to use a $1000 timer for? Even if it werent for lights???
__________________
Ro/di units are soooo coool, highly recommended
Dominic
much to learn..there is.. 
my tank
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04-15-2005, 11:55 AM
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#5
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TCMAS Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Maple Grove, MN
Posts: 130
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Digital Aquatics' Reefkeeper is only about $200 and it will control you're lights, wave maker and it's a dual temp controler. If that's not overkill, it's a GREAT investment.
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Ben Olson
30-gal acrylic with built in filter/skimmer, hinged acrylic canopy with 4-75W URI VHOs, DA-Reefkeeper.
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04-15-2005, 12:12 PM
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#6
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Crazed Fish Whisperer
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Kansas City, MO
Posts: 2,559
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I use the good old Wal-Mart timers. Havn't failed yet, and I have used them on my tank for over 2 years. (on MH's). I have a digital wal0mart timer on my nano at work, and no problems there either.
__________________
 Instead of just building a reef in my home...I so wish I could afford to build my home in the reef!
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04-15-2005, 12:44 PM
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#7
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Little Fishy
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 130
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This is what I use
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_...mer.asp?CartId=
It has the on all the time things, it has the night outlets and day outlets. I have my lights for the sump on the night and the lights for the top on the day. Lights go off, lights come on. Before that for YEARS I used those cheepo ones that you get at target or walmart that are made for things liek Xmas tree lights.
I know this strip is sold as a 'wavemaker' but it REALLY is a good day/night thing and for 25 bucks I have them for all the tanks.
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Rachel
90gal reef - 200lb rock xenia anthalia buttons zoos star polyps cloves frogspawn torch all owned by one very angry orchid dotty back who is tolerating a dragon goby and hawk fish as roomie
220gal - 250lbs of rock cycling Amonia 0, Nitrites off the scale. Future home of an unknown number of Hippo Tangs.
110gal - acryilc empty but in the planning  Future hope of LPS
75gal - acrylic - Future froggie tank. CLS, double waterfall and misting system
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04-15-2005, 01:50 PM
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#8
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I've got the REEF rash!
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 24,524
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I have HomeDepot $4.99 ones 8 of them for 5+ years no problem.
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04-15-2005, 04:56 PM
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#9
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Little Fishy
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: denver CO
Posts: 107
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I agree with BenOlsen if you have the 200$$
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04-15-2005, 05:08 PM
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#10
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Shark
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Andover, KS
Posts: 3,499
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my light cords have the 3-prong plugs, so I just use the heavy-duty timers from HD for 9.99. they work great, even on my metal halide.
Jenni
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