Metal Halide and timer

[jc_k]

Has anyone found a timer for a MH that doesn't blow or go out? I would like to put mine on a timer and i believe its a 150watt. It gets annoying having to turn it on manually... So any recommendations would help. I would buy a controller but don't have the money.

Jacob

 

[jeffmuse]

Prior to getting a controller, I used a couple of different timers for my MH with varying degrees of success. Like you, I never found a solution that worked long term. The one that lasted the longest was this... I think it worked for about 9 months.

http://www.marinedepot.com/Coralife_Power_Center_%28Day_Night_Timer_Or_Wave_Maker_Timer%29_Timers_for_Aquarium_Lighting-Coralife-ES01690-FILTACTM-vi.html">http://www.marinedepot.com/Coralife_Power_Center_%28Day_Night_Timer_Or_Wave_Maker_Timer%29_Timers_for_Aquarium_Lighting-Coralife-ES01690-FILTACTM-vi.html</a>

The easiest way to manage lighting is with a controller. Since I picked up my reef keeper, everything has been perfect. I use it to manage: MH, T-5, Moon Lights, heaters/ temp, pumps, and the calcium reactor :thumbs:

 

[kstyle13]

I have 3 175 watt metal halides on the same timer. It's a simple time that cost like 9 bucks at homedepot. I have had it for 7 or 8 years and it's ran everything metal halide lamps to 500 watt work lights, huge shop exhaust fans. Never had an issue with it. But I've had the cheap 5 dollar timers and they blow fairly quick

 

[freezerrat]

Of course a controller is ideal.
I use a low tech dial timer. Simple and works flawlessly. I had a digital one that failed in the on position while I was on vacation. Came home to a bleached tank. I don't know how long they where on but it could have been as king as 10 days. Thankfully everything recovered. So yeah, controller.

 

[acroholic]

Go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy yourself a heavy duty appliance timer. Make sure it can fit a 3 prong plug, and you should be good to go. They cost about $10-$15 each. Ones with Digital displays are a bit more expensive.

If you want to have your mom or dad driver you by the house, I can give you one. I have a lot of them.

 

[jc_k]

Acroholic;945786 wrote: Go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy yourself a heavy duty appliance timer. Make sure it can fit a 3 prong plug, and you should be good to go. They cost about $10-$15 each. Ones with Digital displays are a bit more expensive.

If you want to have your mom or dad driver you by the house, I can give you one. I have a lot of them.

Pm'ed