cheapest/best timer

I have that Marineland timer, but with two grounded outlets. It's a good basic timer for about $10. and has lasted longer than any of my other ones. I even have an extension cord on one of the outlets for more lights. lol
 
I use two of the same type although I think I picked mine up at Home depot and they've worked continously for quite some time with no problem. The dial ones have the advantage that if you turn on the lights and forget to turn them back off, they'll eventually turn off on their own.
The key thing (and thanks to CWOGunner for this bit of info), is to check how many amps the timer is designed to handle and figure out if that will be sufficient for what you want to power with it. Usually overloading the capacity of the timer is what causes it to burn out early, or even catch fire.
 
oh wow, im so confused
 
I mostly use 3 prong $5 timers from Target. Though they need the space of 2 outlets the lift up, push down strips are easy to use. I also have some very old lamp timers that work with old lights, 2 equal size (nongrounded) plugs. For multiple lights I plug in a power strip to the timer. I don't know about longevity, I only use them for vacations & 2 hard to reach tanks.
 
i can't stand having to re-set the time on analog timers every couple weeks.

a couple timers i have i really like...


aqualight digital power center day - night timerhttp://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...SyLi-f5U2wRdLUf5Q&sig2=uSg9YO_qieIKzCofhfIpkA;
coralife-aqualight-digita.jpg

2 day, 2 night, 4 - 24/7 outlets. when you program them the day and night outlets turn on and off at the same time. one turns on and the other turns off... every time... no other way to program. it is handy, though if you need it.

ge 7-day 8-outlet power strip timer... http://www.homedepot.com/buy/electr...-8-outlet-power-saving-strip-timer-72361.html
half these outlets turn on/off according to the timer. the other half are always live. great solution for a simple tank.

mist king seconds timer... http://www.mistking.com/Digital-Seconds-Timer.html
this is great for individual control of anything that needs better accuracy as it can be set to a single second if need be. this would be great for a lot of applications from regular timing applications (kind of overpriced and short on outlets for that, though), to applications needing more intricate timing such as auto dosing, terrarium misting, etc.. one great feature on this particular unit is the installed battery re-charges itself between down power times and thus keeps time very well for a long time without having to replace over-priced batteries or re-setting.
 
hmmm... are you going to use the timers all the time? if not, i'd definitely go analog. if so, i'd go digital (set it and forget it) and make sure to get a good one with a good reputation and enough open slots to expand on. you never know what you'll want to plug in later.
 
Go to home depot they have a heavy duty timer for $20.00. I have about 6 and have not had any problems.
 
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