Seperate timers or surge protector with timers?

[MarineMa6]

Ok just wondering the best practice here.

Is it better to have separate times for lights or to use a surge protector with a timer built into it?

Examples:

Single timer

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-TM0...400004426&sr=8-2&keywords=digital+power+timer

Surge protector with timer built in

http://www.amazon.com/Zilla-11893-D...400004475&sr=8-5&keywords=digital+power+timer

Thanks in advance for the replies.

 

[stingythingy45]

I like separate timers on a GFI. No surge needed.
You can get digital timers very similar to that first one at Home Depot.
I have had one running on my refugium for years with no issues.

 

[MarineMa6]

What are some good single timers?

Looking for lights only at this time.

 

[reef87]

how many lights do you have to control?
one or two is okay. but if you have to control 3-4 lights then a basic controller like (reefkeeper or apex basic) would make more sense
those separate timers do take up a lot of space and very bulky

 

[wpeterson]

I wish I had bought a powerstrip with built in timers. Having two bulky lamp timers plugged into a power strip takes up a lot of real estate and makes it clunky. The integrated timers seem much nicer.

 

[JohnK]

Some of those power strips with the built in timers have been known to catch fire. Coralife branded ones in particular, but I'm pretty sure those are just re-brands form somebody else.

 

[stingythingy45]

^^^

+1

There's been quite a few stories of the digital Coralife strip catching fire in the past.

 

[ro_nicu]

You can buy a digital timer that is a little larger than a full size plug, it only takes up an outlet on the plug as it does not cover the adjacent ones. Target had some on sale a while ago (2 timer package for like 7$). I got some running for at least 6 months and they did not give me any issues. The more expensive digital ones I have can be set for 12 separate on off cycles each of the days of the week. those have been running for about 2 years with no issues either. Just watch the current rating on them.

 

[Bobbofin]

Isn't the second one the same as the Coralife one responsible for several fires?