Plank auto feeder with hydros programming help

[Naturalreef]

Can anyone show me examples how they have the Plank working with their hydros controller?

Thanks!

 

[JHSteepat]

I have mine feeding 2X per day, 10AM, 1PM. Feeder turns for 1 minute, pump goes for 15 minutes.

Set up two Generic outputs called Plank Feeder and Plank Pump, plugged into your Hydros-controlled power strip.

For Both: "Has schedule" on, Active in Normal mode, feeding mode (or whatever you decide).

Enable advanced settings:

Feeder - Start time 10:00:00, Run time 00:01:00, run count 2, run interval 03:00:00
Pump - Start time 10:00:00, Run time 00:15:00, run count 2, run interval 03:00:00

 

[Naturalreef]

Exactly what I was looking for! Thanks JH!

 

[SocalS14]

I run something similar - except four times a day @ 25 seconds. I also run the pump for 15 minutes each time and setup a feeding circulation pump schedule that is triggered when the Plank pump is on.

 

[Reefer Dan]

This is what my settings look like. I leave the pump in the rehydration chamber on at all times since it is an AC pump

 

[Naturalreef]

Thanks everyone! All good stuff. Reefer Dan, can you explain why you leave it on all the time because it is AC? Is it harder on the pump turning on and off vs just leaving it on?

 

[Reefer Dan]

Thanks everyone! All good stuff. Reefer Dan, can you explain why you leave it on all the time because it is AC? Is it harder on the pump turning on and off vs just leaving it on?

From what I understand AC pumps aren’t intended to be turned off and on frequently. Doing so may shorten the pumps lifespan, whereas DC pumps are better suited for on, off, and gradients. I’ve never really looked into it to see if it’s a myth or not, but that’s my reasoning.

 

[Naturalreef]

Makes sense, thanks for the explanation.

 

[JHSteepat]

From what I understand AC pumps aren’t intended to be turned off and on frequently. Doing so may shorten the pumps lifespan, whereas DC pumps are better suited for on, off, and gradients. I’ve never really looked into it to see if it’s a myth or not, but that’s my reasoning.

Good point. I think I’m a convert.