Feeding timers

rroselavy · 09-18-2007, 07:06 PM

I'm looking for a feeding timer to automatically turn off my return pump for a preset number of minutes during feeding (so I don't space out and forget to turn the pump back on). Does anyone here use such a thing...and if so - what brand/model? I thought Rob mentioned feeding timers in an early podcast.

I'm thinking about getting an entry-level Controller for temp/ph monitoring and control. Many of the available controllers have feeding/service timers but have little to no support for Mac OS X. One entry-level controller (Lighthouse) has a ethernet jack and built-in web server - but it does not have a feeding timer...

Therefore, I am seeing if I can just get a separate feeding timer on the cheap.

Thanks all,

-Scott

**Seahorsedreams** · 09-19-2007, 02:43 PM

How are you with DIY stuff because I could put together a thread on how to make one using a bathroom timer and a relay. I've used mine for years and all you do is twist the timer to however minutes and the pumps shut off until the timer runs out.... just like a bathroom fan.

rroselavy · 09-19-2007, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seahorsedreams

How are you with DIY stuff because I could put together a thread on how to make one using a bathroom timer and a relay. I've used mine for years and all you do is twist the timer to however minutes and the pumps shut off until the timer runs out.... just like a bathroom fan.

This would be fantastic if you have the time to write it up. I may even install a timer on my actual bathroom fan while I am at it....

I will be surprised if there isn't a product out there for just this purpose...

Thanks much,

-Scott

**Seahorsedreams** · 09-19-2007, 04:04 PM

There are a few of them but when I made them originally there was just the Tunze's and you needed Tunze's pumps. Now it is present on a few things but I don't think they come cheaply. I actually took step by step pictures of me putting one together. I got the spring timers very cheap on ebay from a guy who was sellign a bunch... I have a lot of tanks.

rroselavy · 09-21-2007, 03:43 AM

I found a "SPDT" timer that can act as a delay timer. I suppose I would have to get a heavy duty extension cord, cut it in half and put the timer in the middle?

A solution with a built-in outlet would be bit more tidy. If anyone knows of a specific brand/model of feed/delay timer, please let me know...

thanks,

-S

**Seahorsedreams** · 09-23-2007, 03:25 PM

Yes, that's the timer. You'll also need a relay because that timer turns the power ON when you twist it. You need it to turn the powert OFF... that's where the converter comes in. I'll have the thread up soon.

rroselavy · 10-01-2007, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seahorsedreams

Yes, that's the timer. You'll also need a relay because that timer turns the power ON when you twist it. You need it to turn the powert OFF... that's where the converter comes in. I'll have the thread up soon.

Sorry for the delayed reaction Renee-

My link is for a "SPDT" timer, which, as the table indicates on the link page - is designed to work in reverse of a "SPST" timer so that the current is interupted during the countdown and restored when the timer shuts off. Most hardware stores only carry the SPST timers, since the SPDT timers have far more limited applications.

Please correct me if I am wrong...

Thanks!

-S