Turn On Timer

[fatdaddy]

When I feed my corals, I want to turn off the protein skimmer for an hour or so. Is anybody aware of a timer that I can use to turn the skimmer back on?

 

[Tswifty]

I don't see why a normal light timer wouldn't work.

Some digital ones will allow you to set more than 1 program per day also.

 

[fatdaddy]

Just a pain to program. In my bathroom, I have a fan timer that turns on the fan for 0-60 minutes and then automatically turns off. I've been looking for something similar that turns something off and then back on when the time runs out.

I suppose I could couple the fan switch to a relay.....

 

[cdness]

Technically you could do it the same way as you are in the bathroom if you are good with wiring. You will need a SPDT relay rated at 115V. Run the relay to an outlet box. When the relay is off the skimmer is on. When the relay is on (using the 1 hr timer) the skimmer powers down.

Don't know the cost but it can't be too hard to build into a double or triple outlet box...

This all depends on how much you like wiring and your DIY skills... But it is possible

 

[IslandCrow]

There are timers that turn things off for a specific amount of time. Someone was talking about one of these in one of the forums many months ago. Unfortunately, I can't remember where you can find them. Sorry I'm not much help, but they are out there. . .somehwere.

 

[heyfredyourhat]

Is it a pain to just unplug it?

 

[Doahh]

And if you forget to plug it back in and all of your fish and coals die?

 

[heyfredyourhat]

Why would you forget to plug in your skimmer....?? That would be stupid....!!

 

[reefergeorge]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13016231#post13016231 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by heyfredyourhat
Why would you forget to plug in your skimmer....?? That would be stupid....!!

Not as stupid as when I unplug my heater to do a wc, and forget to plug it back in.:eek1:

 

[snorvich]

I used a battery backed up digital timer that has 14 on/off programs. Highly recommended. For manual, I use DJ on/off switches.

 

[atvdave]

Re: Turn On Timer

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13012101#post13012101 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fatdaddy
When I feed my corals, I want to turn off the protein skimmer for an hour or so. Is anybody aware of a timer that I can use to turn the skimmer back on?

Lowes...... $15.