How can I turn filters back on automatically?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
he needs something can turn off the filter for a few mins then automatic goes back on, NOT MANUALLY !!!
 
You could use a feeding timer. Check out this thread I started on them:
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=385506

I use my Tsunami Wavemaker's "feed" function whenever I feed and I love it. I just push a button and the pumps all shut off. The time is adjustable from 30 seconds to forty minutes. I use the maximum (40 minute) setting, as my biological filtration is in the sump and runs off a separate pump. It has made a huge difference as to the amount of food in the mechanical filtration.

You can also do a DIY electronic feeding timer using BeanAnimal's design (link on second page of my thread), or you can use a mechanical timer (the kind used for bathroom fans) and a "normally on" solenoid switch.

It is hard to believe more MFKers don't use a feeding timer, they are very effective at keeping food out of the filter. :popcorn:
 
epond83;4992011; said:
I had the exact same problem so I made this http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=389064

The Beananimal one is great but a little complex for me.
Click to expand...

That is really nice!

The Beananimal timer is way too complex for me. Even yours is a bit of a project for most people (myself included), but not as difficult as the one I linked to.

The Tsunami timer isn't cheap, but it also is a nice wavemaker, which makes it more worthwhile.
 
Dan F.- That Blueline Tsunami wavemaker would work excellent. Thanks for the link to your thread. It is steering me in the right direction. I found beananimals link in your thread also.
http://www.beananimal.com/projects/555-based-aquarium-feeding-timer.aspx

epond83- That is exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks for the link. I'll need to research this a bit more before deciding what I'll do.

I knew that I'd get some top notch responses here at MFK's DIY forum. :headbang2
 
Here is a crazy idea. get one of the times that let you set the time in 5 minute steps. select only 15 minutes of off time. Now when you are ready to feed your fish simple rotate the time until it hits the start of the 15 minutes off. Feed you fish and go about your day. It will cut back on after 15 minutes. And provided you feed your fish within 24 hours it wont just randomly cutt of on you later, and if it does its only for 15 minutes.

Still some manual labor but it does exactly what you want, only instead of unplugging or flipping a switch you turn a dial.
 
Just buy a plain appliance timer with the removable on off tabs. Remove all tabs except for one of the green on tabs. Roll the on/off switch to turn your filters off, and move the green tab to the position just before the switch every time you turn it off. I think each position is about 10 to 15 minutes. Your filter will automatically turn back on, and since the only tab is an on tab it will never turn off by itself. Simple, easy, effective.
 
Why to take my idea and one up it :-) j/k, well done sir, I actually like that Idea I have several of those that is a great idea to remove the tab.
 
Blue bulb- I gave your idea a try and it works. I already had an appliance timer too. I just wonder why I didn't think of this earlier. Thanks for the help.
 
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