Power strip

[chemmjm]

Does anyone have a power strip with timers for sale in the Northwest suburbs?

 

[ostrow]

I don't recommend those ones with the built in timers. Lots of stories of failure.

Get a good power strip (no surge protection) from a place that sells rackmount type strips. These are good: http://www.provantage.com/tripp-lite-ps2408~7TRPM001.htm

 

[RF_rookie]

I use this one and I love it
http://www.guitarcenter.com/American-DJ-PC-100A-8-Switch-ON-OFF-Power-Center-100313636-i1155517.gc

 

[bidny]

Definitely stay away from the power strips with the built-in timers. The digital ones are glitchy, and they are all prone to fire hazards.

The best alternative I found was a Reef Keeper Lite for $99.

 

[poidog81]

you can get grounded digital timers at target for $7.99

 

[skunkmere]

menards got a 5 foot power strip for $25 bucks., looks slick next to my tank.

 

[polka]

I used two of these for 5 years no issue with it.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=11379

 

[SlowCobra]

I used two of these for 5 years no issue with it.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=11379

And I am the flip side. I used 2 of these for a couple months before I had nothing but issues with them.

 

[Whaledriver]

Definitely get the guitar center type. Its so nice to have on/off switches for each plug. It also gets the plugs out of the way. Its important to have the plugs so water cant drip into the socket and this type is easy to mount in a dry space.

Also get a label maker for a few bucks so you don't end up pulling the wrong plug all the time

 

[chemmjm]

Got the guitar center strip. Will be nice have that on/off button in the front. I

 

[FiReBReTHa]

I used two of these for 5 years no issue with it.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=11379

no issue with the one I had as well.

 

[Whaledriver]

Read the specs on timers before you buy. You can only find the info you need online at the timer web sites most of the time unfortunately Most lighting ballast will go beyond the capability of a timer. Its a special spec in the small print that says most timers don't like the amp spike that happens when the ballast starts.

 

[Jeff]

Read the specs on timers before you buy. You can only find the info you need online at the timer web sites most of the time unfortunately Most lighting ballast will go beyond the capability of a timer. Its a special spec in the small print that says most timers don't like the amp spike that happens when the ballast starts.

Good advice. Thats probably why you hear of them starting fires. At low amperage, they would probably be ok to use.


http://www.marineandreef.com/v/vspfiles/pdf/PowerCenterDigital.pdf

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=584645&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

 

[ostrow]

For my halides, I only use the heavy duty outdoor timers. I think they are rated to 15A each or something.

 

[ostrow]

Jeff I'm pretty sure that first link is the one that led to the fire in your second link.

 

[Jeff]

Agreed Joel. They determined that the Coralife timer caused the fire. I found it ironic that when the tank finally blew apart, the water from it put the fire out. It's amazing what kind of damage a small fire can do to a house what with the smoke, heat and the damage from firemen. I have been on many fires that were small, like a chair or mattress and when we finished opening the roof and walls to vent and look for fire extention the house was destroyed.

 

[ostrow]

That's what happened to mine -- the tank cracked and plumbing melted putting out the fire, which re-ignited because power never cut off as it was an arc and not a ground fault (fixing that problem with the new setup as well!)

The small fire in our living room had us out of the house over 2 months and required the whole first floor to be emptied out.

Anyway....

This is what I use for the lights:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00002N5FJ