Timer for MH

[IanJ]

Although i have used timers for my 250W MH's for many years, recently one needed to be replaced.

I have now purchased 3 different timers(1x cold storage, 1 x NTUC and 2 x Jireh marine) All bar one failed within 48 hours, the other shows signs of failure after just over 48 hours(failed to turn off last night)

Can anyone suggest suitable timers, where to get? or do they need to be constructed/DIY?

[lightningstrike]

i use the normal theben mechanical timer for my 2x250W MH. no problem so far.

[IanJ]

i think they are the ones i got from the marine shop, i have used them before and have lasted a few years.

Both the recent purchases have failed to switch off after one or two days use. On one even if you turn the thumbwheel manually, it remained switched on.

Last night i stripped it down and could not see what the problem was, no burning/fusing couold be seen. It now seems to be working again.

The other failed to switch off, but did switch off when i turned the wheel manually. I will see if this works tonight.

[hotlemond]

I got "theben" one and it sometimes dun switch off at the predetermined time, esp when I was out the whole night.

came back once in the morning to a tank of stressed coral and diatom bloom.

[IanJ]

Sounds like just the problem that i have on my old and 2 new units.

How do other people manage? are there better timers available?

[teohb]

Hi

perhap i can offer my solution as wat u describe happen to me too.

all these german brand (theben, ava etc..) hv a limited surge tolerance..

that mean if u connect 2 MH together to the same timer using a 3way adapter(correct me if i guess wrongly your configuration), when they fired at the same time, the sudden surge in current due to the firing of the two bulbs might cause the components in the timer to fail as they r sensitive. So depending on your luck...if u manage to get one that is less susceptible to such current surge..then u r ok.

The solution is : best to use separate timers for each MH (one timer to one MH) plug onto a 4way or 5 way extension power cord and best if they r fired at different timing.. say 15 minutes apart

i m now running my 2 x 250w MH without encountering any more such problem..btw i m using AVA brand and it cost me $28..

u can try and c whether it works for u too?

cheers

[ciaolong]

hey

have a look at this

http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=27602

janet has some Mh with timers if u want to buy them

and the timers work like a charm 100 %

[IanJ]

Teohb

I do use seperate timers for each MH

Where do i find the AVA brand timer so i can take a look?

Thanks

[teohb]

ava brand timer..can be found at almost any diy..

anyway i got mine at sim lim tower, basement at one of the electrical shop

weird that yours couldnt work...

good luck ...

[IanJ]

I now have had 3 The Ben timers fail to switch off at the set times. Having taken them apart, it can only be that the contacts stick or burn closed. Once the timer is open, the contacts are open and the timer switches on and off again.

Now this is 5 timers in as many days.

[dr evil]

hi IanJ,

through my experience, a normal theben timer should be able to cope with ur 250watts without any problems. unless u are firing a 400watts n above.

my advise to u is check ur MH. u may have loose wires or something that might shock the timer that cause to to overide.

i know of a reefer who had such problems.

if u cant solve it, u may want to go for a commercial timer. it cost @ 50-80 dollars ea but they can take high current.

my 2 cents

[IanJ]

Dr Evil

Thanks for the info, i will check out the electrics tonight.

The unit in question was bought in the UK from STM (www.s-t-m.co.uk) its their own unit that they make and sell. Its very bright. When they fire up, a very loud noise comes from the remote ballast box. This may be due to the casing vibrating, but its a whole different experience to my aqualight. The noise seems to be reduced with higher K bulbs, louder with 10k bulbs. I guess that there are differneces between this and the aqualight ballast which can be seen by the differences in the blueness and brightness of the Phoenix bulb when used in each.

In the long run a commercial timer/s may be a solution, where would i find them?

[dr evil]

Dr Evil

Thanks for the info, i will check out the electrics tonight.

The unit in question was bought in the UK from STM (www.s-t-m.co.uk) its their own unit that they make and sell. Its very bright. When they fire up, a very loud noise comes from the remote ballast box. This may be due to the casing vibrating, but its a whole different experience to my aqualight. The noise seems to be reduced with higher K bulbs, louder with 10k bulbs. I guess that there are differneces between this and the aqualight ballast which can be seen by the differences in the blueness and brightness of the Phoenix bulb when used in each.

In the long run a commercial timer/s may be a solution, where would i find them?

the case that i mention, the ballast produce a sharp sparking sound when fires. when check, the wires had loose contact maybe due to some handling.

the timer can be found in sim lim tower. there are many brands to choose from.

cheers