very short intervals

[justinl]

I apologize for the noob question, but are there controllers capable of having 5 second long intervals? I need a controller/timer that will turn on a fan for 5 seconds, then keep it off for several minutes, repeat.

I would assume yes since I know people use them to control maxijets on waveboxes if im not mistaken. Can you point me to one that will do this?

[Myka]

My RedSea Wavemaker does something like that, but you can't really controll when it comes on or off, it just its own pattern. Why do you want the fan to come on and off all the time? IceCap fans sense temperature and will come on when needed, and go off when the temp drops.

[justinl]

sorry, I probably should have explained. Im currently raising copper rockfish (Sebastes caurinus) larvae at work and there's currently a big problem with having the initial birth of larvae settle on the bottom of the tank and suffocating there. The idea is to have a slow rpm fan (underwater) come on for a few seconds to blow the drifts back up into the water column, then turn off for a few minutes so as not to damage the very very delicate larvae. It only takes about five minutes for the drfts to start accumulating.

We also have oxygen bubbling in the tank but vigorous bubbling will kill larvae so that's not an option.

edit: also, because it is not for a powerhead, but for a fan instead, i need the controller to accept a standard three prong plug.

[Myka]

The RedSea Wavemaker just may do the trick for you. It has different settings for gentler or more aggressive. If you were closer I would offer for you to try mine out for awhile before you decide to buy one because they aren't cheap. Why don't you use a small powerhead instead of a fan? I imagine the fan will rust in no time. MaxiJet puts out a MiniJet and MicroJet powerheads, which are tiny and have adjustable flow. The smallest MicroJet goes down to 32 gph and is something like 1.5 x 1.5 x 2". They are cheap too, about $20-25. I know J&L carried them awhile back.

[justinl]

powerheads are a no go in a larval tank because they'll chop up the larvae. the fan im talking about isn't what you're thinking about... it's a modified variable speed ceiling fan with a gearbox that makes it run slow... about 1rpm. the fan diameter is about a foot and a half across and the tank is 5 feet in diameter. the fan motor is on the ceiling and a shaft and fan propeller reaches down into the water. Your input is much appreciated though.

anybody know if the red sea will do the job for me?

[Myka]

Sounds like an interesting setup.

[banditpowdercoat]

Easiest way I know is with 2 Omron Timers. Most Electrical wholesalers/commercial contractors will have Omron Timers. H3CR is the model code I use. With the 2 timers, you wire them up so the one sets on time, then the other sets the off time. You will probibally not find a ready made timer setup for purchase for your unique application. If you need help, I can draw you out a wiring schematic for wiring. They should also be able to help you at the Elec supply store

[RCFA]

I came across this thread on Reef Central and it may be just what you are looking for:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=464971&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

It is a lgihting timer but you can control the intervals. Sounds like it might be what you need. Here is a link where you can get it:

http://www.progearwarehouse.com/Chauvet-SF-4005

I'm considering getting one, just trying to figure out the best/cheapest way to get it to canada.

[christyf5]

Wrong time of year but I used to use christmas light timers, basically they plugged into the wall and then your christmas lights would plug into them. I got them from the dollar store and they worked awesome on hagen/MJ powerheads. You might try that route.

[justinl]

thanks for the input guys. I will definitely look into that DJ light timer... In fact I'll probably pick one up for myself while I'm at it since it looks like a very cheap alternative to a wavemaker and would do well on my own tank at home!

[untamed]

I can see that the trick to this is going to be getting the on/off adjustable to the second. There are lots of timers, but they are limited to on/off by minute.

I control my peristaltic pumps to the second with my Aquatronica...but I'm sure you don't want to go that extreme.

[Delphinus]

Something to look into maybe what they call "repeat cycle" or "percentage cycle" timers.

Some links you can try exploring (look at page 2 of this thread):
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=43323&

Happy hunting though .. I don't imagine you'll find these timers at your average hardware store.

[Pescador]

The only programmable timer I can find with a minimum setting of 1 sec is the Mist King timer (http://www.mistking.com/Seconds-Timer-p-16198.html) I use on my viv.
It only has 8 programs so it might not be enough for you.
There are repeat cycle timers (http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories/3021/Repeat-Cycle-Timers) that go down to 5 sec and I think I saw some that were min 1 sec. Check out the hydroponic stores.

[spreerider]

there are many electronic timmers that are for industrial and commercial use, just check with an electrical supply store and see what they can get you.
I think Omron makes a fully programable down to the second 24hr timer
i have one at work that can be programed down to the second in a full year period, just needs to be wired up and then programmed

[banditpowdercoat]

The only programmable timer I can find with a minimum setting of 1 sec is the Mist King timer (http://www.mistking.com/Seconds-Timer-p-16198.html) I use on my viv.
It only has 8 programs so it might not be enough for you.
There are repeat cycle timers (http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories/3021/Repeat-Cycle-Timers) that go down to 5 sec and I think I saw some that were min 1 sec. Check out the hydroponic stores.

Those are the timers I am talking about. Omron H3scr's have On delay, Off delay, repeat, and other featires built in. BUT, the repeat is the same on/off time. SO, if you set a 5 sec time, it will be 5 sec on/5 sec off. You need 2timers One in ON delay, on in OFF delay.

That price is also a bit high I think. Check eBay for some smokin deals too. Omron makes timers 1/4 the side of that one too. The one in your link is 1/16 DIN Sized. THey make smaller ones, 1/32 DIN I think?

Heres one $20
http://cgi.ebay.com/H3CR-A8-OMRON-Timer-Relay-NEW_W0QQitemZ180335857111QQcmdZViewItemQQptZBI_Ele ctrical_Equipment_Tools?hash=item180335857111&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1729|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18|301%3A0|293%3A1|294%3A50



Here is the PDF file on the omron H3CR series timers

http://www.omron247.com/doc/pdfcatal.nsf/0/5003B91A047F523986256B8100742AEA/$File/D19H3CRA0302.pdf