Power Supply

[fyrfytr]

Trying to stay away from the expence of getting a controller for a while or at least until I am more confidant in what I am truly doing when it comes to saltwater...that and I want to try and DIY a controller.
I have been google searching for a programmable power strip for the new (first) tank build...but I have been coming up a little short with what I am looking for. Most that I have found are 8-outlet strips with 4 of them programmable, but not each indipendently. Would LIKE to find one where they are programmable differently so I can plug on what I want and then not have to worry about it, like a controller but just not as fully featured.

 

[jlymner]

let us know if you find one! there is this but once again not individual programible Aquarium Light Timers: Coralife Power Center

 

[cdness]

As far as I know there are no 100% controllable power strips that do not require some sort of a controller head unit. If you are just looking for light timers, pick up some digital timers from your neighborhood Walmart and plug them into a normal power strip. Not exactly what you are looking for, but it would be the easiest if you want to avoid the controller.

By the way the controllers are crazy simple most of the time. You only get the difficult stuff when programming oscillation timers that are on 15 mins then off for 45... Those take some getting used to, but other than that it is like setting multiple timers from one spot. The easiest DIY is using Arduino so that is always an option for you too...

 

[jlymner]

how about this? Manage your power cords with DJ power switchers — Advanced Aquarist | Aquarist Magazine and Blog

 

[fyrfytr]

@jlymner - I have seen those and looked at those. The Dr Fosters/Smith ones sadly are 2 on each program, and I guess I could make it work for this application but it is not necessarly what I am looking for. The DJ rack I have seen before, and that would work to turn on and off but it is manual and I am trying to keep this first build as simpe as possible

@cdness - The awful look of timers coming off a powerstrip is what I am trying to avoid, although it looks like that may be my best option when it comes to what I am trying to do. I have briefly looked into Arduino, but my programming skills are REALLY rusty and my DIY electronic knowledge isnt the best for making the Arduino system function right