why use wavemakers when timers are like $5

[MarineTeng]

i'm just curious what the advantage of using a powerstrip wavemaker that is $40+ when you can use light timers that are like $5, are they just better for the powerheads?

 

[loohunter]

i m not exactly sure, but i think a wave maker can be adjusted down to just a few seconds intervals where as timers only go to like 15 min intervals. also a wave maker can have several different programable cycles

 

[burning2nd]

i thought this as well.

my plan was 2 use 2 or 3 digatal timers. having them run for 2-3min intervals ever other 4 or 5 min,

the timer i have can have like 20 diffrent setings every day, 7 days a week

 

[spongebob lover]

i'm tagging along "

 

[burning2nd]

this, is what i figgerd.

the timer i have, has 18 diffrent spots to set, each will have its own on, and off seting.

2 timers controling, one power head on one, side and another on the other side of the tank, 2 turn on at the same time for a set amount of time, then the other will alternate.

in a order that im sure will take some time to figer out but, what do you think?

 

[Meche]

do you mean that you have a controller with 18 on/off or off/on set points?

If so, wouldn't you have more than an hour between each cycle?

 

[trido]

i'm just curious what the advantage of using a powerstrip wavemaker that is $40+ when you can use light timers that are like $5, are they just better for the powerheads?

The 40 dollar timers for reefing have 15 minute increments. The $5 light timers only have two sets of on and off switches, they can't be set for 15 minute increments very well as you risk missing the second tab, and they dont have grounded outlet. You have to buy the $12 dollar ones to get the third prong (grounded). You can buy a digital light switch for 19 dollars which has six on and off settings but you have to be an electricion to wire it into its own box with an outlet beside it. It then costs nearly 24 dollars plus your time. Its much easier to buy the REEf ready timer strip for $40.

 

[coil1002]

The 40 dollar timers for reefing have 15 minute increments. The $5 light timers only have two sets of on and off switches, they can't be set for 15 minute increments very well as you risk missing the second tab, and they dont have grounded outlet. You have to buy the $12 dollar ones to get the third prong (grounded). You can buy a digital light switch for 19 dollars which has six on and off settings but you have to be an electricion to wire it into its own box with an outlet beside it. It then costs nearly 24 dollars plus your time. Its much easier to buy the REEf ready timer strip for $40.

My $4 target timer has 15min increments and ikea sells them too

 

[trido]

My $4 target timer has 15min increments and ikea sells them too

I learn something new every day.. As long as they are grounded, I would say use them up.

 

[coil1002]

I learn something new every day.. As long as they are grounded, I would say use them up.

I was pretty shocked to see them at that price too. Also I am in error the Ikea ones are two for ten and you can get them at the end of the light section where they sell the extension cords and power bars. They are grounded as well

 

[MarineTeng]

that's great info, are they worse for the pumps though? i was reading about red sea's wavemaker pro and it said it like tapers the power off slowly or something of the likes to reduce the stress/wear and tare on the pump

 

[burning2nd]

the, one i have dosent have have 15 min invtervals you can make it as short as 1 min,

so i could make it turn on and off 18 times as short as one min, monday thur friday saterday and sunday
auto DST. but i would need probly 2 on each one.

 

[Meche]

that's great info, are they worse for the pumps though? i was reading about red sea's wavemaker pro and it said it like tapers the power off slowly or something of the likes to reduce the stress/wear and tare on the pump

From what I know about electric motors. The only "danger" period is durring start-up. I'm not sure what tapering the power off would help achieve. But it sounds good, and I have one.

so i could make it turn on and off 18 times as short as one min, monday thur friday saterday and sunday
auto DST. but i would need probly 2 on each one.

what would you do about the other 23 hours and 42 minutes of the day?

 

[Meche]

If your talking about linking them up in series then you would end up with a "and" logic gate (the pump would only run when both timers were on). You would not increase the number of on/offs.

If your going to wire them in parallel then you would have a "or" logic gate. This would give you 36 on/offs but would require you to Y the cord to the pump. If you f*** up the wiring something will explode.

 

[Skimmy]

i read a thread on rc that says you can pop open those timers and take a gear out, and that speeds it up from taking 24 hours to complete a cycle to about an hour to complete the cycle, thus increasing the frequency of "on off" cycles one has...i'll see if i cant find it

 

[burning2nd]

no its eazy, if you thikn about about you have say 18 slots over a 24 hour periord you have 1 of a run while b is doin its thing,

i cant explain it.

but the other thing, i would think that reduceing the power to the magnet would be worse, that on and off.