Auto timer coordinated on-off for light, CO2, and air pump

[elmizze]

What do we need to do to have a timer that coordinate the auto on/off for the light, CO2, and air pump? I.e. 8pm=Light on+CO2 on+air pump off; 2am=light off+CO2 off+air pump off?

Is is there a device for this? Or,need to DIY?

[elmizze]

*sorry. 2am = air pump on

[Urban Aquaria]

Just get electrical socket timers (can be analog or digital versions), can get from most hardware/homeware shops.

If you want the Co2 and lights to on and off at the same time, then both can share 1 socket timer (use a multi-plug to connect both to 1 socket), then the air pump use another socket timer, so in this case just need 2 timers altogether.

[elmizze]

Just get electrical socket timers (can be analog or digital versions), can get from most hardware/homeware shops.

If you want the Co2 and lights to on and off at the same time, then both can share 1 socket timer (use a multi-plug to connect both to 1 socket), then the air pump use another socket timer, so in this case just need 2 timers altogether.

I see, that's simple enough. But What about solenoid? Do I still need it?

[wongce]

You need solenoid to switch co2 ON and OFF. It is used together with the timer.

[Urban Aquaria]

I see, that's simple enough. But What about solenoid? Do I still need it?

Yeah, the solenoid for the Co2 regulator is what you use to plug into the socket timers.

[elmizze]

I see. So, if I don't get it wrong, one timer is plugged to the air pump. The other timer is plugged with the solenoid. This same timer is plugged with the light also?

[Urban Aquaria]

I see. So, if I don't get it wrong, one timer is plugged to the air pump. The other timer is plugged with the solenoid. This same timer is plugged with the light also?

Most socket timers can only be used with one device... so you need a multi-plug adaptor to connect 2 devices to it.

The connection path would be... 2 devices -> multi-plug adaptor -> socket timer -> main socket.

The air pump will be connected to a separate socket timer as its timing schedule is different.

[Urban Aquaria]

Btw... not sure if you are aware, for planted tanks its a common practice for the light and Co2 to be running on separate timing schedules, hence separate socket timers.

The Co2 is switched on earlier, perhaps 30 mins to 1 hour before the lights go on (to build up the Co2 to optimal levels before the lights come on) and then the Co2 is switched off 30 mins to 1 hour before the lights go off (so that the plants can finish utilising the remaining Co2, helps reduce excess accumulated Co2 in the water during lights off period).

If you run this sort of schedule, then the light and Co2 will need to each have their own socket timers.

[elmizze]

Btw... not sure if you are aware, for planted tanks its a common practice for the light and Co2 to be running on separate timing schedules, hence separate socket timers.

The Co2 is switched on earlier, perhaps 30 mins to 1 hour before the lights go on (to build up the Co2 to optimal levels before the lights come on) and then the Co2 is switched off 30 mins to 1 hour before the lights go off (so that the plants can finish utilising the remaining Co2, helps reduce excess accumulated Co2 in the water during lights off period).

If you run this sort of schedule, then the light and Co2 will need to each have their own socket timers.

Gosh! I didn't know that. Thank you so much for the info. I guess I will need three socket timers then - each for light, CO2, and air pump.

Btw, how do I connect the solenoid? Where does it go?

[Urban Aquaria]

Btw, how do I connect the solenoid? Where does it go?

When you buy most Co2 systems, the regulator, solenoid and needle valve will usually be attached together in one unit.

Here are what the parts look like together:



Source: http://www.aquariumadvice.com/beginn...-planted-tank/

Since you are starting out on Co2 injection systems, it'll be best to buy a full complete set from an LFS (which will include everything else that you need, like bubble counter, hoses, check valve, diffuser etc). The LFS staff will help you set it up, test that its working properly and show you how to operate it.

Btw, you'll also need to get a Co2 drop checker to enable on-going measurement of the Co2 levels in the tank. Get those drop checkers that come with pre-mixed indicator solution (ie. Ocean Free or ISTA brands), much easier to setup and use.

[elmizze]

That is informative! Thanks!

[Streamer]

Sorry where can we find digital or timer that can run daily without you resetting? The mechanical timer i saw at NTUC seem to require me to wind the timer daily which would not work if i am going away for a few days.

[Urban Aquaria]

Sorry where can we find digital or timer that can run daily without you resetting? The mechanical timer i saw at NTUC seem to require me to wind the timer daily which would not work if i am going away for a few days.

You can buy digital socket timers from most hardware stores (ie. Homefix, SelfFix etc)... even neighborhood hardware shops also sell them. Digital socket timers are powered by an internal re-chargeable battery supply, so will automatically run and maintain their programmed schedules everyday.

[vipered]

As for the mechanical timer I am using, there is a slider button setting where it does not reset your photoperiod for example, From 10am to 6pm after it has completed 24 hr cycle.

[Streamer]

Thanks for the tip. Time to go shopping again...