Consider the Super Feeder CSF-3. It's built like a tank and I haven't heard of any cat breaking in. To promote self-control, you can also connect it to a cycle repeat timer so it feeds tiny portions down to every few minutes. It's pricey, but I think it's worth it.

I have a Honeywell programmable light switch that knows sunrise and sunset for wherever you live. It comes on at dusk and turns off when I want. So I never have to turn the porch lights on or off, and it looks like I'm home when I'm away.
http://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-Econoswitch-RPLS740B-Programmable-Switch/dp/B004AP92N2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1415045747&sr=8-1&keywords=honeywell+light+switch+programmable

As an ER nurse... I REALLY want to stress to everyone reading this....

only use an approved indoor heater.

NOTHING THAT USES PROPANE OR NATURAL GAS ! ! !

If the ELECTRIC heater you use doesn't have an automatic shut-off timer, put it on a timer so you don't accidentally cause a fire.

It's much easier for us to treat hypothermia than it is to treat 3rd-degree burns or carbon monoxide poisoning.

Stay warm, but stay safe

Hey! So sorry you've had to deal with this, it must be really scary.

I lived in a sketchy area for a while, and though I didn't get a weapon, I felt safer after I took a women's self-defense class and put alarms on the windows and doors.

A self-defense class will make you feel safer and provide you with some practical tips on what to do during a dangerous situation like a break-in. A good program should also lay out what legally counts as self defense in your state, which is really good to know. I did (and highly recommend!) the RAD program. It's designed specifically with women's safety in mind, and the course will teach you how to escape a variety of different holds, project your voice to scare off assailants, and fight back long enough to escape. At the higher levels, they teach how to use pepper spray, which is a skill that needs practice.

One other cool thing RAD teaches you is to use your voice as defense-- they make you practice a firm, assertive shout of "NO!" It feels silly at first, but knowing you have that in you can make a difference. My mother in law, who is a tiny librarian, once scared off a car-jacker just with a calm but loud shout of "GET OUT OF MY CAR."

You can get door and window alarms really cheaply on Amazon. They're not a real home security system in that they don't alert the police, but they DO make one HELL of a noise if someone rattles or breaks your door or window, and that can be enough to scare a thief off. They usually come with a sticker you can display on the door or window as a deterrant, too.

Make sure your external lights (porch, etc) are working, and leave them on at night. (You can also get an outlet timer to turn the lights/radio/tv on and off, so you can make it look like you're at home when you're not.) Introduce yourself to your neighbors (you don't have to tell them you're living alone-- you can even recruit a friend to pay these visits with you if your neighbors are super sketchy) and let them know what happened-- if they know your name and associate you with a friendly warning, they'll be interested in your safety and keep an eye out. If you have a sliding glass door, lay a stick in the track when you're away so it can't slide open. Even if the thieves didn't take anything, file a police report anyway so the cops will know what's up.

It's really awful to not feel safe in your house, but you can take steps to make yourself safer.

EDIT: Should add that my friend who teaches self-defense really, really stresses that you should know the basics before you rely on any object to keep you safe. Everyone has to make this choice on their own, but she always says that a knife or a gun (or even pepper spray) can be taken out of your hands and then used against anyone, and that having a weapon often escalates a situation. If you're going to go that route, get training so you know how to use your weapon!

Perhaps you could use a timer for the outlet and set it to go on 30 minutes prior to your usual medicating time, and to go off around your stop time. Something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Woods-50006-24-Hour-Mechanical-Settings/dp/B006LYHED0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1473442959&sr=8-3&keywords=outlet+timer

The low-tech solution is to go to the hardware store and get an electrical timer for $5. There are ones that work in 15-minute increments; just set it to power off from 4:00 to 4:15 in the morning and be on the rest of the day.

I bought mine from Home Depot down the street. It was the same price, and it was a spur-of-the-moment idea. :) EDIT: here's the link on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/401A-Mechanical-Multiple-Lighting-Polarized/dp/B00435FRXS/

SLA battery + DC-AC inverter + cheapo analog light timer + light bulb.

Edit here's a parts list.
Inverter - https://www.amazon.com/Silicon-Devices-Inverter-Converter-Adapter/dp/B01J4S7YKC/ref=sr_1_3?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1479399479&sr=1-3&keywords=power+inverter+clip

Timer (2pk) - https://www.amazon.com/Woods-50006-24-Hour-Mechanical-Settings/dp/B006LYHED0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1479399756&sr=8-3&keywords=outlet+timer

Plug light - https://www.amazon.com/JACKYLED-Extension-Hanging-Lantern-2-Prong/dp/B016MDPWL0/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1479399822&sr=8-6&keywords=plug+in+light

Then just grab a 12V car, boat, lawn tractor battery. Use an led bulb for less power draw. You'll have to recharge every so often (the battery capacity will determine how often).

Also you can add a solar charger so you never have to charge it. http://www.harborfreight.com/15-watt-solar-battery-charger-68692.html

Possible cheap solution

All 3 lights are controlled by a single switch??? If so, one of these might work

Yeah, that is what it is :) https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B000BDD83M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Had my girlfriend sew a piece of fabric together to make the fit a bit tighter. It's removable so makes it easy to clean. As for the wand, I have it plugged into this timer( https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0184CG9K0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ) so that I can have it turn on and then off for a little bit... over and over again. She found the magic wand a bit too strong so I also added an inline fan speed controler to lower the speed a bit ( https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01MXQG4UZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 )

​

One of these mechanical timers:

http://www.amazon.com/15076-24-Hour-Plug-In-Mechanical-Timer/dp/B002HEY300/

Set it to turn ON an hour after you leave for work. And turn off an hour or so before you get home.

If you use only small ones this shit will help you sleep like a baby:

​

https://www.amazon.com/Century-Indoor-24-Hour-Mechanical-Outlet/dp/B01LPSGBZS/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=timer+plug&qid=1567112084&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzQzM5MUZBT0dUVTVZJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTMxMzQzM0JWQ1lMSFBLNkRQNCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTQwODA5MklVRkQwQUxGMTdZWSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

no need to get complicated: https://www.amazon.com/GE-Mechanical-Polarized-Intervals-15076/dp/B002HEY300

I turn it on before I get into the shower. Then it just runs keeping the mirror from fogging up. Ten minutes later it turns off.

Leviton LTB60-1LZ Decora 1800W Incandescent/20A Resistive-Inductive 1HP Preset 10-20-30-60 Minute Countdown Timer Switch,White/Ivory/Light Almond https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00313JXB0/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_fkBQDb6R8AMX6

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01G6O28NA/ref=sxts1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484259010&sr=1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65

I would not leave a slow cooker on high for 10-12 hours. High setting is for the 4-6 hour range and low is for the 8-10. A few hours over the recipe will not hurt your food; slow cookers provide a lot of leeway. If you are the type to really worry, purchase a timer for the socket and force it to shut off at 8 hours.

I use this timer with 2s on and 5min off. I've been experimenting a lot with the intervals, it is difficult to figure out the best timing.

Century Indoor 24-Hour Mechanical Outlet Timer, 3 Prong, 2-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LPSGBZS?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

(Pack of 6) Barrina LED T5 Integrated Single Fixture, 4FT, 2200lm, 6500K (Super Bright White), 20W, Utility Shop Light, Ceiling and Under Cabinet Light, Corded electric with built-in ON/OFF switch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HBT3BVM?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Hgrope 5W LED Grow Light Desk Lamp Clamp Flexible Neck for Hydroponic and Indoor Plants https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CVKWZH3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7ZEaBbZSW8ASJ


this last one isn't the exact red/blue lights i have but it looks better than mine hahaha

7-day Digital Program Timer

I think you're looking for too complicated a solution for something that is easily (and cheaply) performed. I get it, but...Just seems like a lot.

General list is:

• CO2 bottle (5# / 2.6 kg bottle).
  
• Regulator with solenoid.
  
• Needle Valve.
  
• Some way of dispensing the CO2. This varies from Atomiser, Reactor or Bubbler.
  
• Tubing.
  
• Light timer.
  
• Drop checker.
  
  I am planning on doing this. Buying a 2.6kG CO2 bottle, Getting a cheap UP Aquarium Regulator, Getting a Needle Valve, Building a Cerges Reactor or going with an Inline Atomiser, Drop Checker and hooking the solenoid through a Light Timer.
  
  Only extra is CO2 tubing, which can be gotten from pet stores or home brew (beer) stores, and teflon tape for wrapping the regulator stuff with. This can be obtained at hardware or plumbing stores.
  
  The drop checker measures the amount of CO2 in the water via it's acidity. If the indicator is too yellow then you're running too much CO2 and the water is too acidic (< 6.5 pH I think). Green is good (6.5 to 7 pH) and Blue is not enough CO2.
  
  You want around 30 parts per million of CO2 in your water which equates to that drop checker being a nice light green (light as in close to yellow).
  
  In the end you'd get a crappy version of this awesome system. Cheap but it would still work. You just need to program CO2 to turn on an hour before your lights turn on and an hour before your lights turn off.
  
  Edit: This is often referred to as a "high tech tank". When you are injecting CO2 and have good lights and added nutrients then your ecosystem will do well.
  
  At the moment I have high lights but no added CO2 or fertilisers. My tank does well but not great. I still have issues with algae occasionally and plants that aren't dark or vibrant green.
  
  Think of a tank in this way. It's like a stool with 3 legs on it. You want all 3 legs to be even to make a nice seat.
  
  The 3 legs of a well maintained planted tank are Lights, CO2 and Fertilisers. If you're not providing enough of one of these "legs" then your stool becomes unstable and you won't get the best use out of it. What you want is to balance the addition of CO2, Fertilisers with the amount of light so that you get great plant growth, no algae growth and the fish are happy and breathing well. It's a fairly hard thing to get perfectly balanced, but when you do you end up with something like this. (You can see the drop checker in the top left corner and the ceramic disc "bubbler" in the right lower corner). Or this.
  
  http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/index.php is a great resource to read though too.

Heres what I use

Use this and your bacon will wake you up in an even more pleasant way.

Go to a thrift store and get a used crock pot, even a small one. It shouldn't cost more than a few bucks. Then get a book like this one: Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker. If you want to be really fancy, get a lamp timer to delay the start, so that stuff doesn't end up too overdone by the time you get home/wake up.

I wanted that Philips dawn simulator, but I was a broke grad student in the humanities... so I hacked it with a $15 lamp timer. Not quite as gentle, but did the task!

Might not be too difficult if you use one of those 24 hour mechanical outlet timers to turn the gear..
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0035GF8NA/ref=aw_d_iv_hi?is=l&qid=1342494595&sr=8-1

Just cover it up with something

Put the lights on a timer. I sleep with earplugs because my wife snores like something out of a cartoon.

http://www.amazon.com/Woods-50007-Indoor-Digital-Settings/dp/B005WQIDHY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416518902&sr=8-1&keywords=electric+outlet+timer

and

http://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-SL24-Spiral-Energy-Saving/dp/B002P4NRUE/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1416518914&sr=8-3&keywords=blue+light+bulb

The problem is that your husband works 60 hours a week, so you are expected to be the parent the 60 hours he is unavailable, while doing the whole "emotional labor" for everyone in the house (like having to even bring up the fact that you need a service to clean - that should have been obvious).

This pace will not be able to be kept up.

When I had a hectic schedule I would do crockpot freezer meals...You have to prep a bunch, which will easily take up one of your days off (shopping one day, prepping the next, b/c it's really too much to do on one day). But what I usually did was planned about 20-30 crockpot meals that I could put in the crockpot and put it on a timer so it would turn itself off and on (couldn't just do this with the machine - maybe you can now...but my machine had a timer that let me start it hours after I left, but then it just went into "warm" mode after- which was still too hot and left the meal unappealing and kind of like mush, so I used a light timer to automatically shut off my machine. It was still warm when it was time to eat. I would use bag salad, frozen bread/canned biscuits, frozen veggies as sides...b/c they were all quick and tended to be ready in under 15 minutes.

It sounds like you're not home for meals for a few of the days, though. So even this may not be an option. Is your husband home during this time and HE could do things that a normal adult does at mealtime?

This isn't a sustainable existence unless you have A LOT more help - like a nanny taking care of the kids and also doing the shopping, and a few general chores so on your days off you aren't running around like a mad person.

My crock is the simple Off-High-low manual switch type, but I use a simple lamp timer to have it start while I'm gone or asleep.

Please have common sense about food safety if you do this- ie don't leave chicken in the crock at room temperature for 6 hours. However, putting refrigerated ingredients in at 8am and having it come on at 10 or 11 is fine.

This is the style timer I have:
https://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-TN111K-15-Amp-Appliance-Timer/dp/B00LBHBLEU?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_3

A common electric timer outlet will do, like this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Century-Indoor-24-Hour-Mechanical-Outlet/dp/B01LPSGBZS/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?crid=P70J7N4FPNRS&keywords=electric+timer+outlet&qid=1554977390&s=gateway&sprefix=electric+tiner&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1

Buy these three things below to get you through the winter (or all year)! I've used these for a few months now on a 16-hour timer and all my cacti and succulents have thrived.

• Lights: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079BD5CG7/
  
• Timer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LPSGBZS/
  
• Mounting Tape: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009NP1OBC/
  
  You could quickly and easily install these on your shelves. The only concern I would have is the angle of the shelves. The sides of the plants on the back of the shelves would get more direct light, so just be sure to rotate your plants every week.
  
  p..s that is a great looking setup!

something like this should do the trick

If you can lock the massager ON then it should be trivial to wire up a timer switch. Better yet get one of these and just set it for whatever time you want to get up.

Buy a digital timer for $13 and plug your wireless router into it. Program it to turn off every day at 4:00am and back on at 4:01AM. Your wireless internet will be MUCH more reliable.

Battery bloat will be a problem if you keep them charging 24x7. Get a Sabrent 60 Watt 10 port charger and a mechanical timer. Set the timer for about 1 hour on, and one (or more if you can) off.

https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-Family-Sized-Charger-X3-3foot-AX-TU63/dp/B016JZVZ8A

https://www.amazon.com/GE-24-Hour-Mechanical-Grounded-Outlet/dp/B0035GF8NA

You can get programmable light switches in decora style.

I've installed these a few times and they work just fine, just read the manual for setup and you're good to go.

https://www.amazon.ca/Leviton-VPT24-1PZ-24-Hour-Programmable-Astronomical/dp/B003AIKQZ8

Don't worry about motion and get a timed switch:

Leviton VPT24-1PZ Vizia 24-Hour Programmable Indoor Timer with Astronomical Clock https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003AIKQZ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_bTGlybYMQ89WX

I really wouldn't recommend the pi/arduino. You are highly overengineering the problem. I would imagine one of those timer plug ins would be more than sufficient if you needed to power something to get water to the plants (or to regulate water flow). http://www.amazon.com/401A-Mechanical-Multiple-Lighting-Polarized/dp/B00435FRXS/ref=zg_bs_6291363011_9 (as a quick example)

set it to run for 15 minutes every day to turn on a pump/open a valve to allow water through and set up some drip tubing.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/DIG-Corp-Raised-Bed-Garden-Drip-Irrigation-Kit-ML50/202614215 (as another quick example)

Entire setup will take maybe an hour or two of cutting tubing and testing water flow, maybe an hour to make it look pretty and possibly some additional time (depending on needs) to refine the pump/valve.

• Replace all toilet seats with soft-close models.
  
• Add timer switches to all bathroom exhaust fans (https://www.amazon.com/Leviton-LTB30-1LZ-Incandescent-Resistive-Inductive-5-10-15-30/dp/B002WTC91K)
  
• Add timer switch that tracks sunrise/sunset for lights you want on at night like front porch (https://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-Econoswitch-RPLS740B-Programmable-Switch/dp/B004AP92N2)

I think the solution you're looking for lies in the switch not the light. I just recently switched my front outdoor lights to a timer switch that has 7 days of programming available. You enter where you live and adjusts for when the sun rises and sets. You can also program a particular time as well for it to shut off or turn on. So far it works great and was a fairly easy install.

Here's a Link:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AP92N2/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's the "Honeywell Econoswitch RPLS740B 7-Day Solar Time Table Programmable Switch for Lights and Motors"

It’s a timer switch. I have similar ones to control my driveway lights. The white rectangle at the bottom is a flap that flips up to uncover the programming buttons. Honeywell timer switch

I do this with GE Z-Wave wall switches, an Aeotec Z-Stick, a Raspberry Pi, and Home Assistant. Home Assistant is best run on Linux in my opinion, but there is probably similar software you can find on Windows. (The "an Aeotec Z-Stick, a Raspberry Pi, and Home Assistant" are the controller that the FAQ mentions.)

If you want to be less fancy there are also standalone programmable light switches that can both turn themselves on and off on a schedule.

Damn almost all mine are pork based. However in terms of fixing your cook time problem just get something like this http://www.amazon.com/Woods-50006-Indoor-24-Hour-Mechanical/dp/B006LYHED0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1406851393&sr=8-1&keywords=outlet+timer&dpPl=1

Leave it on and put it on a timer. If it loses power, does it require you to touch it to turn it back on? Mine doesn't. I use these timers:
https://www.amazon.com/Woods-50006WD-24-Hour-Mechanical-Settings/dp/B006LYHED0/

Honestly, I leave mine plugged in for days at a time sometimes. They have a protection circuit built in to prevent overcharging. So I would not sweat it. If it's something you want to make your life easier, get yourself one of these. Woods 50030WD Indoor Countdown Timer, 1-Outlet Grounded https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FSQTSB8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Rbtzzb37WRB9R

There are new timers on the market that can switch on and off every 15 minutes. https://www.amazon.com/GE-Polarized-Interval-Appliances-15119/dp/B00P76URH8/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=light+timer&qid=1574606752&sprefix=Light+t&sr=8-5

Also in NJ and growing indoors for transplanting. A cheap and effective option (what i'm using) is to get a shop light from lowes/home depot and put in one T8 cool white and one T8 warm light bulb. You want one bulb from each end of the spectrum. Once your seeds are sprouting keep the lights 2 inches from the top of the plant for about 14-16 hours a day (helpful to use a outlet timer, get one on amazon). I also have a fan going for the same time to prevent mold on top of soil and also make the stems stronger

Here's what i'm using, cost about $30:

• Lamp: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Utilitech-Linear-Shop-Light-Common-4-ft-Actual-4-55-in-x-47-92-in/4013481
  
• Bulb 1 - Warm White - https://imgur.com/a/HT145
  
• Bulb 2 - Daylight - https://imgur.com/a/eJtPV
  
• Outlet timer: https://www.amazon.com/Multifunctional-Infinite-Programmable-Appliances-Energy-saving/dp/B01G6O28NA/ref=sr_1_10?s=lamps-light&ie=UTF8&qid=1520920442&sr=1-10&keywords=outlet+timer

Nope it's completely normal to have lights off overnight. Usually you aim for 12 hours of light and 12 of darkness. Because of my and my husband's work schedules we have them set for on at 7 am so we can feed them before work and off at 8 pm because we're not home until after 5:30 pm and they should have two hours of basking before lights out to digest their food properly.

I suggest getting a digital thermometer that records the lowest temps to make sure it's not getting too chilly overnight. Ours hovers around 70 overnight with the ceramic heat emitter. I don't recall offhand what's the lowest it can safely get down to but I think it's around 67 degrees.

This is the timer we use: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01G6O28NA/ref=sr_ph_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505841548&sr=sr-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=digital+timer+outlet

And this is the thermometer/hydrometer (to keep tabs on the humidity): https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0013BKDO8/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1505841625&sr=8-10&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=digital+hygrometer&dpPl=1&dpID=516gPXAOs5L&ref=plSrch

Why not just use the tumble dryer - then the clothes come out all nice and warm!

But the best way might be to get a timer swtich, a space heater and build a large-ish sized box that can fit a complete load of laundry on --- maybe 3 ft long, 3 feet deep, 6 feet tall --- with stainless steel pipe or plastic pipe that can be used to lay the clothes over.

Put the space heater in the box, hook it up to the timer switch however you'd like, connect electrical power to the big box however you'd like (by creating a cord with a plug that you plug into the house power or by running house power directly to it) and then test it.

The space heater should have some temperature safety setting to make sure it doesn't get too hot. The switch ensures you don't forget and leave the heater on when you leave the house. The box keeps the warm air in the box to help save power.

With a temperature safety on the space heater you can set the heater to a specific temperature to avoid shrinking wool clothes. You'd have to do some research into the proper temperature.

Based on what you described, this is what I'd do, in general terms.

EDIT: Here's a Picture of what I was thinking of. A small exhaust hole at the top would probably help equalize temperature so the top of the box didn't get substantially warmer than the bottom (which you probably happen without a small exhaust hole at the top.

EDIT: Suck air from basement and try to exhaust it out of the house. Thanks to /u/iproblywontpostanywy for pointing out you'd end up with a lot of humidity in the box.

Things I forgot to buy were:

Syringe 10ml

extension cord


strong tape

timer


room temp monitor

Sure! It's pretty basic, actually. The table is a 4x2' stainless steel table from IKEA. Pretty cheap, but you could do cheaper, I just already had it. The heating pad is the same size (happy coincidence.) The cups are regular solo cups, most expensive element was the lights. You'll also want a timer, I use this one. And finally, the most ghetto part of the whole set up, the tent! I made it out of cardboard, tin foil and duct tape. Gotta save that paper.

Something like this? Although I'm not sure why you couldn't google light timer on your own.

Compact Dehumidifier

Timer outlet

Costs about $50, lets you run a dehue on your filaments for a few hours each day to keep the moisture down, and you'll only have to empty it every so often since it's not on constantly.

I use these for my planted aquariums.

Cheap and easy, and very reliable. The only time they've ever messed up is when my cat walked across it and pushed some of the pegs down.

Also they're analog so if the power ever goes out I know for how long it was out for by how far off the timers are.

You want to make sure the new switch can handle inductive loads. Here's one that will: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00313JXB0/

This is what I will test with Plan B: a basic electrical timer and a 500-watt flood light. I just ordered them. This is actually cheaper than the $70-80 Phillips light—it'll only cost you around $35.

Although it might be a shock to wake up to, I speculate that I'll get used to it in a few days. Really really bright light is probably very good at entraining circadian rhythms—it needs to be too bright to comfortably ignore. I want to be assaulted with photons.

I also want to test what it's like when the light is colored blue, I imagine that will be more relaxing, since early morning light is very blue.

• 500-watt halogen flood light
  
• 24-hour mechanical timer

Egg timers work for an hour/one rev. Two egg timers stacked will get you two revs in an hour.

A mechanical timer will give you one rev in 24 hrs

I got this light switch for my outdoor fixture:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003AIKQZ8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I really like it. Due to the strange wiring, the switch is on the ceiling in the basement, so I didn't want to have to go downstairs to turn it on or off. I am able to set various programs, but I just keep it to turn on at dusk and off at dawn. Though, this switch will require that you have a neutral wire in your junction box.

We have a Honeywell astro-timer switch for our front yard lights. Love it. I set it 2 years ago and it's never not worked. Best part about it is that it never needs adjustments throughout the year. It already knows based on the date when dusk/dawn is. All I had to do is set what time I want them to shut off.

The added bonus for us is that there's also an outdoor outlet on that leg. So we run all our holiday lights off it and everything comes on and shuts off together.

You could have 2 next to each other (they're standard single-gang size). But in your case, you could probably get one and tie the two switch legs together.

+1 for keeping it simple. A smart switch could certainly do this but I wouldn't set up a home automation system for a single light.

Your call of course, but I'd feel a bit weird having a light with no user-operable switch. You could put in a programmable timer which keeps the light on for a set time every day. If the light is already on they would be less inclined to mess with it. And you could still turn it on if necessary. I have this one, highly recommend it. It has a feature to come on/off at sunrise and/or sunset plus an offset feature. I have mine come on 20 mins after sunset and go off at 11:00, it handles all the seasonal variation in sunset just fine. I've had mine a bit over a year and I haven't touched it since the original programming.

My husband wants one of these so I will probably get it for him.

Yep! It’s pretty cool. Turns off in the morning. Here’s the link:

Honeywell Home RPLS740B1008 Econoswitch 7-Day Programmable Light Switch Timer White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004AP92N2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qqMQCbZZPGVZS

greyam already covered how to get if off.

I'm not sure if you just don't like the timer in general or where this switch is, but I replaced a switch with one of these fancy timers that also has a simple on/off switch. It's nice and even has a "vacation" mode if you're into that sort of thing (randomly turns lights on and off during "on" times).

http://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-Econoswitch-RPLS740B-Programmable-Switch/dp/B004AP92N2

Non-mobile: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005WQIDHY/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1426488604&sr=8-3&keywords=outlet+timer&pi=AC_SY200_QL40\](http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005WQIDHY/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1426488604&sr=8-3&keywords=outlet+timer&pi=AC_SY200_QL40%5D\(this))

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

it's the mechanical timer. it happened to me so i dropped the mech ones for these http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005WQIDHY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
haven't had the problem again

Put a light on a timer. I bought these timers. Generally I'd use a not-too-bright lamp or a string of white Christmas lights so the light isn't too harsh right away.

Have your first alarm go off about five minutes after the light timer. Have preworkout mixed and ready to go next to your bed. After the first alarm, chug the pre-workout. Roll back over to "sleep" more. Second alarm would go off about 10 minutes after the first one. By then the preworkout is kicking in and it's time to wake up!

I've also incorporated a radio alarm in the past as well. Gets my brain going to listen to the music/DJs.

Is there a reason for not using a plain old outlet timer like [this] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005WQIDHY/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1426488604&sr=8-3&keywords=outlet+timer&pi=AC_SY200_QL40) ?

Of course there is. It's just a standard timer. You can get it at any Target, Home Depot, etc. It will look something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-TN111K-15-Amp-Appliance-Timer/dp/B00LBHBLEU/ref=zg_bs_495340_3

Or you can get a fancier digital one with more options.

> an Arduino/relay/thermistor system

I guess when all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

Here's a simpler solution for $9:

http://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-TN111K-15-Amp-Appliance-Timer/dp/B00LBHBLEU/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1454108954&sr=8-13&keywords=timer

It’s called an outlet timer. I’ve used this one: https://www.amazon.com/Multifunctional-Infinite-Programmable-Appliances-Energy-saving/dp/B01G6O28NA

I would change the Can Fan cycle 30 min on/off, as it is probably getting it really dry in there literally half the day. Buy a cycle timer like this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G6O28NA and set it to something more like 2min on 18min off. 300 cubic feet of air change every 20 min is more than enough. This will also let the humidity catch up in your room.

Edit: Also, nice set up. Thank you for posting. Didn't mean to be all business. HA!

I don't know of a specific grow light that has this function but you can buy an electrical timer for the socket. Here's is an example but I bought mine from a local hardware store for $5.

https://www.amazon.com/Century-Indoor-24-Hour-Mechanical-Outlet/dp/B01LPSGBZS

I mean, I'm only half-joking. That's what the plug-and-play option looks like.

I don't get the safety logic here, though. You're either confident leaving a printer unattended or you're not. You want to print through the night, but cut the power at a certain time? They're not Gremlins, it's okay to print after midnight.

Sure! Here is a dual bar light type and a circle type. Here's also a more low profile type you can clamp to the shelf above: top down light.. With any of these, for ease of use I recommend getting an outlet timer, takes a lot of the hassle/worry out of making sure your babies get enough sun: outlet timer. Hope this helps!

Whats the timer for? If you dont have to use it for any fancy control and it is just a bath fan or something you can use a mechanical Timer

For bathroom fans, as much as I love tech, I use old school, because it works:
Intermatic FD60MWC 60-Minute Spring Loaded Wall Timer, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002NAPD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_vN7OybPXX2KN0

Maybe this could be a shortcut for those without circuit literacy.

Amazon Link to wall timer

I am an experienced cook myself and have been discouraged by slow cooker recipes in the past. For a long time, it seemed that no matter what I cooked it never turned out just right and most times (despite using different seasonings and ingredients) even smelled the same while cooking. I really think it boils down to (pun totally intended) temperature and cooking time. If the food is mush, it just means that even on a low setting it was cooked too long. I suggest getting a timer to shut it off earlier. I find 5-6 hours sufficient for many recipes that call for 7-8 hours. OR hacking your crock pot into a sous vide, capable of producing unbelievably better food. Experiment with different styles of food from well reviewed recipes as they are not created equally. Here are a few I like from a reputable source. I've recently made this lentil sweet potato stew and a pesto lasagna that turned out incredibly.

Here are some things to put on your WL. :)

First, an indoor [grow light.] (http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-JSV2-2-Foot-Start-System/dp/B0006856EQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1422226251&sr=8-4&keywords=grow+light&pebp=1422226264209&peasin=B0006856EQ) This one is quite good; the hanging apparatus lets you raise and lower the light to the best level for the type of plants you're growing.

Second, a [timer] (http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-TM01715D-7-Day-Digital-Program/dp/B001BPOBTY/ref=pd_sim_lg_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0E2RX335ER9JP2WTKJX5) to turn the light on and off. This is a surprisingly good timer for only $16; I use these for everything -- grow lights, heat mats, the pump for my mantis humidifier...

Next, a little [growing center.] (http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-TM01715D-7-Day-Digital-Program/dp/B001BPOBTY/ref=pd_sim_lg_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0E2RX335ER9JP2WTKJX5) I linked this one because it has a 7" dome -- I think that's immensely useful. When you're just getting seeds to sprout before putting them outside you can use a smaller dome. However, if you're going to grow them inside longer, it helps to have a taller dome.

That germination station comes with a heat mat, which is why it costs $40. I'm rather ambivalent on the heat mat. Many people swear by them, and I do think they help certain types of seeds. (And they help keep up the humidity in the dome.) If you decide to forgo the mat, though, just look for a growing station with a 7" dome.

I like [this one,] (http://www.amazon.com/9GreenBox-Starter-Germination-Station-Complete/dp/B00IMP1HVQ/ref=sr_1_6?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1422226397&sr=1-6&keywords=germination+station&pebp=1422226594696&peasin=B00IMP1HVQ) incidentally. Notice that it has an outer tray, and you put the seedling pots in it -- this is perfect; it allows you to use whatever size seedling pots you want.

And then the fun part -- search for seeds and put them on your WL. Since you're growing inside, you can grow virtually anything!

However, I recommend NOT starting carnivorous plants from seed. CVs are notoriously fickle, and they're extremely difficult to raise from seed. If you're interested in CVs, you can have young CVs sent to you. Before you do, though, do some reading so you know what to expect -- caring for them is very different from other plants. I can give you some help there, too. :)

Never heard of the device, but I can speak from personal experience with light as an alarm/ waking up naturally with light: it works for me. I started with one of these wake up lights and because I liked it (and my apartment had very little natural light) I decided to buy an additional full spectrum bulb and put it on an electronic timer, like this It turns on at 7 am and shuts off at 6 pm. As a result, I developed a rhythm for waking up that didn't require a noise-making alarm. Additionally, it's much easier for me to get out of bed in a "sunny" room. Light wakes you up, or at least it does for me.

I don't sell anything yet. My profession is software-development, and I'm not very good at sales, so I'd probably spend more effort on trying to sell, versus what I could get otherwise.

If I had more land, and a green-house, I might be able to scale it to the point it would be worthwhile selling.

> I'm just eager checking the plants twice a day to turn the lights on and off etc.

Get a timer, turning lights on and off manually is not sustainable. I have 2 of these and they work quite well, and are inexpensive. That said, if you're only growing basil, darkness is not really needed, unless you're trying to conserve energy.

It would depend on the size of the grow bed. But you'll want to have the aquarium overflow into another holding tank below. From there you can pump into the grow bed. you'll need the sump at the bottom to hold a few more gallons than the grow bed can hold. That way you can have some evaporation with out worrying about running the pump dry.

For the overflow you'll need a setup like this:
http://www.backyardaquaponics.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=4086&hilit=no+holes
Unless you want to drill a hole or already have one in your tank.

I would suggest doing a timed system. While it is a bit more elegant to do the auto siphon it can be tricky to get it to run well all the time, especially on a small system.

here is the timed system
http://affnan-aquaponics.blogspot.com/2009/06/timed-flood-drain-system.html

for the timer use one like this:
http://www.amazon.com/59366-Appliance-3-Prong-Outlet-Repeats/dp/B001D8VIKE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1318230141&sr=8-2
not like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-TN311C-Heavy-Grounded-Timer/dp/B00002N5FO/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1318230141&sr=8-8
since you'll want lots of on and off cycles.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions, or hit up the BackyardAquaponics Forum for tons more info.

Ok, I'll tell you what you can do to get a few oz's of shroomy delight for yourself for a measly ~$150.

This is going to be my take on growing, or in other words - pofs' tek. Yea...I like the sound of that. Except it's not going to be very detailed.

Pofs' Tek - A guide for the partially lazy

So, basically, I cut out a few steps - that of making your own substrate and and sterilizing it and prepping a bunch of jars and grain spawn. I use Out-Grow's bulk supplies package which consists of 4 quart jars of sterilized rye grain, and 4 lbs of compost (manure-based substrate) and it costs $35 + shipping which was $15 for me for a total of $50

Then I used a 13.5qt clear bin I bought from amazon made by Iris, which cost $5/ea + $4 shipping (which is a steal in bulk, but you'll only need 1 for this guide) which will cost $9, or $59 total

I did this inside so I used a Timer($7), a Lamp Cord ($9), and a 6500k cfl ($8) for a total of $24 on this part (which can be replaced by sunlight if you have a room with natural lighting) and a total of $83

I used spores from lilshopofspores.com - b+ to be specific. I've switched to thehawkeye.com's spores since, because they are cheaper and come with a lot more spores inside the syringe. You'll run around $15-$30 for spores no matter where you get em and bring the total to $113 assuming $30 for syringe and shipping.

I also bought Polyfill ($7) for a total of $120 bare minimum start price.

And now you have all of the essentials.

I'll write the growing process later.

Yes. Buy a cheap plug timer like this and set it to run during the hours you want to set as "daytime" for your fish. Generally 8 hours or less is advisable to keep down on algae growth, but if you want you can go up to 12.

You can buy a timer you plug into the wall, that you then plug your lamp into, making the light come on and go off whenever you want even if you're not there. There are a lot, but here's a pretty basic one: https://www.amazon.com/15076-24-Hour-Plug-Mechanical-Timer/dp/B002HEY300/

put it on a timer

I use these for the fans in my bathrooms, but they'd work for your situation as well, and pretty inexpensive:

Woods 59007WD In-Wall 30-Minute Decora Digital Countdown Timer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002KS1DBU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_4UbLAbGF22772

First press is 5 minutes, then consecutive presses moves up to a maximum of 30 minutes, then off.

Sure - you need a timer switch. The old rotary ones didn't need a neutral, so they could replace any single-pole light switch. The newer electronic ones need a neutral. Here's a Hubbell-Woods switch that does 5-10-15-30 minutes. There are others that do less than 5 minutes.

Silicone spray would be safer, but I would instead replace it with one of these.

Should work, word of caution many of the digital timers require a neutral wire, otherwise you may need to get an analog one and be careful you are buying a timer specifically for a fan.
I've bought three of these for my house
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00313JXB0?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Get an in-wall timer and wire it to the lights, fan, and outlets:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00313JXB0/ref=zg_bs_6291360011_14?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=7MXDJ0XKHX9ERT13J8SP

This way, not only is it a permanent solution (better than cords and plugs exposed in a wet environment), it also helps both of you. Neither of you has to worry about a stuffy or moldy bathroom with fogged-up mirrors, because the fan stays on for a while after you leave the shower. You don't worry about her straightener staying on. And she doesn't have to fear the fumes after you take a dump.

Win-win!

(And I would steer away from buying her a new straightener. The frizziness or lasting straightness of her hair will subsequently be blamed on your straightener purchase. Offer to fund it, but let her pick out the one she wants or keep using her current one on the above timer if she doesn't want to change it.)

GE 7-Day On/Off Plug In Digital Timer with 1 Outlet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0035GAXA8/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_1q-NwbJNVRB2P

Say you're home at 6pm and leave at 8am. If you want a recipe to cook for 6 hours on low, you'd set it to turn the outlet on at noon and just put the dial to where you want it (high/low)

Or you could just get a crockpot with a timer

One of these bad boys.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0035GF8NA/

One of these + one of these is what I have set up. Only downside is the light turns on suddenly but you get used to that. And it's cheap! (And winter is coming... no one likes waking up in the dark).

I've got my turtles' lights on a timer, and my girlfriend has her beardie's on a timer too. Totally hassle free, which is good because I'm half lazy and the other half busy. They're like $10 for good ones with a decent current rating. I've got two 100W lights running off a single one of these with no problems.

Cheap wireless router + outlet timer = stupid easy access control (assuming the room you keep them in is secure).

I too dislike the idea of an unattended heat source being on 24/7.. Have you considered an outlet timer? Set it for 30 mins before you're off work and come home to a warm nano every day? www.amazon.com/GE-24-Hour-Mechanical-Grounded-Outlet/dp/B0035GF8NA/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1453206480&sr=8-7&keywords=outlet+timer

I ended up buying a new crockpot that has a built in timer, but before that, I used this cheap and simple timer which worked fine for my needs.

I recommend this one.

Intermatic DT620CL for a plug-in.
Leviton VPT24W for a wire-in.

An astronomical timer would be easier to work with than a DCF77, since it doesn't need an antenna.

Here is the timer I just bought for my 20g long. it works very well. However, it does buzz from time to time, but over all I'm veryhappy considering the price I paid. :)

http://www.amazon.com/401A-Mechanical-Multiple-Lighting-Polarized/dp/B00435FRXS/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1415111796&sr=8-4&keywords=light+timer

I’ve had good luck with just daylight led bulbs. Just amazon the daylight led t8 bulbs. You can also hook up a timer switch to mock daylight hours. Honeywell Home RPLS740B1008 Econoswitch 7-Day Programmable Light Switch Timer White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004AP92N2

I keep them 6-24 inches from the plants with a small fan to help them dry out between watering

This sounds like the BS I went through with my grandmother. She was entirely focused on photoelectric eyes for dusk-and-dawn and didn't respond to the idea of motion sensing or timers. The result was a lot of halogen lights that would stay on for 12 hours at a time and burned out fairly quickly and attempts at CFLs that burned out even quicker due to the photoelectric eye.

LEDs are likely to run cool enough that they won't care about an enclosure... mine don't. I'd also recommend a 7 day timer like this solar one, that adjusts to date-based dusk/dawn cycles. https://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-Econoswitch-RPLS740B-Programmable-Switch/dp/B004AP92N2

How about a timer instead? I have a programmable timer on my front light that automatically comes on at sunset and shuts off at 10pm (or a different time you program). And recognizes changes in sunset times.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AP92N2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

it's not exactly a "smart" switch, but i got this switch that lets you plug in your lat/lon, date, and time, and it automatically flips the lights on at dusk and on at dawn based on a preprogrammed schedule. this handles my front porch light and my driveway light. it can also be programmed to turn off at a specific time if you don't want the light on all night long, but i have LEDs in so i just keep them on all night. there's also a button that will let you control the lights off schedule as well.

very easy to install, requires zero intervention once programmed. i'm strongly considering getting a second to control my side porch light as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-RPLS730B1000-7-Day-Programmable-Switch/dp/B004SOZHXY/ Well I mean more like this, but I see.

Until they nail down what in the firmware causes the random dirt naps, if you are real worried about it get one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Woods-50007WD-24-Hour-Digital-Polarized/dp/B005WQIDHY (They were on a stupid-good sale a week ago so they are currently low on stock, I paid $7.50 for 4 of them). Just set it to reboot once a day and you should be good.

I have it on a timer, like this. I absolutely cannot wake up when it's dark. Having the light turn on 10 minutes before my alarm really helps me.

I use these: http://amzn.com/B005WQIDHY

They allow two on/off periods per day and work great for me. There is an easy override too.

It's the little things that make the journey that much better. :) (You could always get an outlet timer to turn it on automatically, btw.)

My dad has a Christmas light timer for his. Starts when he turns the lights off when he leaves and runs for 6 hours(I think) then stays off until the lights come back on.

While not the same thing. I use a mechanical timer for my dehydrator. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006LYHED0/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_r-fntb0DC62QJ

Just plug it in, let it run. Get the stuff out the next morning. Usually for that, I will have it turn on for a few minutes every hour or so even after the actual dry time so the stuff doesn't absorb moisture before I get to it.

I just use these. Cheap and works well.

• Buy this timer.
  
• Plug timer into wall. Set times you want it to turn on.
  
• Plug light into timer. Turn light on. If timer is in "off" mode the light will not come on, yet.
  
• Go to sleep and wait.
  
  Timer search on Amazon.
  

I have posted Amazon links to what I use below. You should be able to do under $20 for just 5 plants. I haven't used these long but my plants seem like they are pretty happy with it so far.

The lamp.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HHQ94C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The bulb.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005P29K1S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Optional Timer.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006LYHED0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm on my phone so I'll try to come back with a link but I've seen these outlet timers you could use? Basically plug it between your slow cooker and the wall outlet and it keeps power from hitting your cooker until whatever time you set. Originally made to turn lamps on at night but would work. That way you could get whatever slow cooker you liked, set it, then it wouldn't come on until you wanted it to.

Edit: something like this http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006LYHED0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1396462397&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006LYHED0/ref=sr_ph_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483374648&sr=sr-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=timer

Extremely convenient. Plug the timer into an outlet, turn the little arrow to the current time, and push down the tabs for the time you want the light on. Set it to timer mode and you are good to go. It's very intuitive when you use it.

I grabbed one of these Indoor Countdown Timer after a reddit user suggested it. Pretty great not having to worry.

The battery has a cutoff for itself to prevent damage but it may still wear on the components. Better to be safe than sorry kind of situation I guess?

Great start for a low tech tank! I really like your stone placement. I think that it would be better if you grouped similar plants together. If it were me, i would put all of the java ferns in the back right, the grass in the middle and the anubia in the back left.

1. Did you bury the java fern? The rhizome needs to be attached to a rock or piece of drift wood and not buried or else it will start rotting and die.
   
   
2. With that anubia ensure that the 'crown' is exposed or else it will rot and die.
   
   
3. What kind of grass is that?
   
   
4. I think that if you had some smaller crypts and anubias with color that would look incredibly nice. You need at least two to three more mid ground plants and some smaller foreground plants like anubia nana 'petite to complete it. This will increase the depth and overall perspective of the tank.
   
   
5. Are you using osmocote root tabs? At a bare minimum since you are goin low tech, you will need to use this to fertilize the heavy root feeders in the inert substrate that you have. Here is a link for more info on why its important to use them!
   
   Quick run down of osmocote root tabs
   
   
6. what is your lighting time like? For low tech 8-10 hours is recommened so get a timer to automate the lighting a little bit like this one: Light timer
   
   
7. Any questions feel free to ask.

For light go to LEDlightdepot’s website and choose an LED for your tent size and budget. You could also go with a quantum board from meijiuled on alibaba, Horticultural Lighting Group, or Mars Hydro from there websites.

https://www.amazon.com/GE-Polarized-Interval-Appliances-15119/dp/B00P76URH8/ref=mp_s_a_1_15?keywords=light+timers&qid=1566403792&s=gateway&sr=8-15
There is a link to a timer

You many also need fan speed controllers if you run an intake and an outtake fan so you can equalize the amount of air going in and out of the tent, plus you might not need to run the fans at full speed

I use a $5 analog lamp timer on my Bonavita 1800 if i want "automatic". Requires grinding the night before.

https://www.amazon.com/GE-Polarized-Interval-Appliances-15119/dp/B00P76URH8/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=lamp+timer&qid=1572626248&sr=8-7

I use one of these set to 5 minutes on, 20 minutes off and haven’t had any issues at all. No air stone but I change the water solution after 5 days and they are transplantable before the second water change usually. You might be able to find a similiar product a little cheaper.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0184CG9K0/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_uqYyDbRFDH3W5

Yes. You will want this timer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0184CG9K0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can adjust how long it stays on (fill) and how long it stays off (drain). It totally replaces a siphon in function. Use a small enough hole in your growbed to drain that the pump you use will overcome it. Mine takes about 35-40 seconds to fill, and a little longer to drain. You will need to fine tune it now and then to account for sediment, more plants, etc.

Yup, 30 mins on/off works for me, for the first 24hrs I leave the pump on constantly though to help them deal with being cut off from the mother's life support.

This is the timer I use for cycles:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G6O28NA/

edit: it's worth noting though they should root even with 24hr on, so it's likely a problem elsewhere.

double edit: I just found a cheaper one tht looks identical... https://www.amazon.com/Switch-Digital-Programmable-Countdown-Gardening/dp/B01N78E9ZT

The cheapest and easiest way you can do it is probably by not using an arduino (especially if you value your time!). If you are in it for the fun of the build, go for it, but I have a recommendation if you just want to water your plants.



I grew indoor plants for several years at medium scale (60 plants, 20,000 watts), and now grow commercially for the recreational market in OR.



Start with a short cycle timer like this:


https://www.amazon.com/Multifunctional-Infinite-Programmable-Appliances-Energy-saving/dp/B01G6O28NA



and a pond pump like this (get whatever size you need, generally 100gph per 5 gal of medium/soil is more than enough for very thirsty plants - so this one would water 5-6 large plants in 5 gallon pots):


https://www.amazon.com/KEDSUM-Submersible-Aquarium-Powerhead-Hydroponic/dp/B017R708QO/



Then use a Rubbermaid Brute (commercial) trash can as a reservoir (they come in sizes from 10gal-50gal depending on your needs). They are a bit more expensive, but cheaper than flooding your house or apartment:


I use these: https://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Commercial-Recycler-Rollout-Hinged/dp/B0007845JC/


and these: https://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Commercial-FG263256GRAY-Plastic-32-gallon/dp/B005KDAQ3I/



You can likely find the trash cans cheaper at a big-box hardware store. they are generally $1/gallon.



let me know if you have any questions and id be happy to help!

Some routers have the ability to do scheduled restarts, but not a whole lot of them have the ability to turn themselves on and off (at least to my knowledge). The last time this question was raised, the top answer was to use some form of outlet timer (e.g. https://www.amazon.com/Multifunctional-Infinite-Programmable-Appliances-Energy-saving/dp/B01G6O28NA)

*Note* I've never used that product before. It's just for reference.

I don't know if this is the best, but it's easy to use and reliable.
Timer Outlet, Nearpow... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G6O28NA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I've been using it for 6 months with no problems

No problem! It turns off completely. I have this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Multifunctional-Infinite-Programmable-Appliances-Energy-Saving/dp/B01G6O28NA/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=timed+light+plug&qid=1572303897&sr=8-3

You just set it to your preferred on and off times. Super easy to use.

The kratky method is a great beginners method to get into hydroponics. I currently have about 30 plants all doing the kratky.

General Hydroponics is a good brand and mix of nutrients. Its simple to use and doesnt require a scale to mesure stuff out. Use a tablespoon to measure stuff or a syringe.

Buy the PH up/down from GH too but be warned you will need to dilute it first or youre in for a fun time trying to correct your PH. (let me know when you get to this step and I can give better directions.

Get a simple PH tester. It will make your life a lot easier. Once I figured out that adding nutrients to my water brought my PH to around 5.9 I stopped testing everytime. (but i recommend that you do use it everytime)

You DO NOT need to grow in soil first, but like /u/BroposkisRump said you can just be careful washing off the roots. GOTO the youtube channels mentioned on check out Khang Starr's video first.

Some advice:

• Kratky is BEST for leafy plants like basil, lettuce, kale, etc.
  You cangrow those with no effort.
  
  
• Make sure all containers are opaque to prevent algae growth.
  
  
• Get seedlings and sprouts under a grow light to prevent stretching!!
  
  
• If you live in anything but a hot climate you will want a grow tent to grow peppers over winter - And a grow light - Get a digital timer and give your plants around 16 hours of light (you can get cheaper ones but I am showing you what i bought)
  
  
• Get 2 inch net pots and a 2 inch hole saw for your containers
  
  
• A fan on your peppers will help make then thicker and stronger plants and may help polinate them. You can also shake your plant ( thats what I do)
  
  
  Thats all I got for now. Once you understand this method try hydroponics using a different method as well.
  
  

A timer like this one with a lamp plugged through it. The lamp would be ideally pointed straight at your face and be a 100-watt or equivalent.

Dude, buy her a socket timer and save both of you some stress:
https://www.amazon.com/Century-Indoor-24-Hour-Mechanical-Outlet/dp/B01LPSGBZS/ref=asc_df_B01LPSGBZS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167139094796&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1011593326816466711&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9021895&hvtargid=pla-307469470485&psc=1

I totally get it. Personally, as long as things don't get out of balance I try not to fret about screen time too much.

If you're really concerned I'd recommend getting a outlet timer. Say that the new rule is that the TV needs to go to sleep and can't wake up until noon or something. Say that we're making this decision together to make sure our minds and bodies grow and are healthy.

Then provide other things that he can use to entertain himself. Building sets, crafts, books, etc. He'll definitely find something when left to it. Remember how entertaining sticks were when left with nothing else? He'll adapt.

I too would recommend nest, very easy to set up and monitor.

Additionally, I would recommend one of the following: a smart outlet, a smart light switch, or a few manual timers ([similar to this] (https://www.amazon.com/Century-Indoor-24-Hour-Mechanical-Outlet/dp/B01LPSGBZS/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1537666467&sr=8-16&keywords=circuit+timer)). Then plug in a desk lamp or floor lamp in various rooms and set them to turn on/off at various times. Will simulate someone being at home.

It's hard to say but I'd suggest at least 3x a week if not daily, anywhere from 25-50%...it's more to make sure the water stays clean for the one with fin rot than anything. I wouldn't expect the bloom to last more than a few days. You can also turn the lights off for a day or two and see if it helps.

A plug-in timer would be something similar to this (I just randomly pulled this off Amazon so am not endorsing this product, just using as an example). I get them from Walmart/Target, usually found where the extension cords and power strips are kept.

It might be janky, but you could plug them into timers for the three outlets. Time each outlet to turn on long enough to charge and then turn off. You'd still have to see if you can charge 50 at a time. Something like this -- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LPSGBZS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_ht2RCb0SECW8K

I've never had problems with this kind of basic and cheap mechanical timer - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LPSGBZS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_3elSCbFG61K6Z

Simple and as easy to program as it gets. Cheap enough that you can buy spares just in case.

It sounds like you want a timer not a thermostat

Intermatic FD60MWC 60-Minute Spring-Wound In-Wall Countdown Timer Switch for Auto-Off control of Fans and Lights, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002NAPD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5r-kDbWPVAFP5

Can have one for cooling and one for heat, would just take a bit of wiring

If you want a smart one you could use some zigbee relays and IFTTT to make it do what you want.

Because the nest thermostat is not going to do what you want

I have been happy with https://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-FD60MAC-60-Minute-Spring-Loaded-Lights/dp/B00002NAPD/ - I tried an fancier electronic one that didn't work, now have two of these in two different bathrooms.

Air out that thing.

Open all Windows and doors at least once a day for 20+ minutes to reduce the humidity.

Get a induction cooktop, instead of the Gas burner - burning with Gas produces a huge amount of water vapor.

Leave the cabinets cracked open.

Every time you use the bathroom - use the fan

- get a fan timer: https://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-FD60MWC-60-Minute-Spring-Wound-Countdown/dp/B00002NAPD

So anytime you use the bathroom - put it on 10-15 minutes.

Hmm first time I have heard this, would this one be okay?

I have been using that one for 8 months now with no issues, putting about 450 watts through it on the daily for both my led lights.

https://imgur.com/gallery/hOyQB

I use a ballast and 4 foot t5 bulbs which i bought from incredigrow on macleod trail. Its attached to a rolling shelf from costco. Theres also pulleys that let me raise and lower the lights. Everything can also be purchased for cheaper on amazon.


Ballast

T5 lights

Ratcheting pulleys

Stand

Timer for lights

Could get a cheap one and put it on a timer so it's only running a couple hours every day.

Hydrofarm TM01715D 7-Day Digital Program Timer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001BPOBTY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_QrglzbP0Z78J4

I have this one, yoy would be able to turn your dehumidifier on and back off up to 4 times a day

Terrariums aren't great for carnies. They introduce problems you really shouldn't have to deal with, like mildew. They do just fine in individual pots.

OP: I recommend a sundew as a great starter carnie. Also buy a single CFL & a timer.

Just DIY the PID ones. Those turn on immediately once it's powered on. Then all you have to do is connect it to something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/15076-24-Hour-Plug-In-Mechanical-Timer/dp/B002HEY300/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1394517371&sr=8-7

Although if you were looking to reduce the cooking time for meals after work, just cook all your portions before hand and refrigerate/freeze it if it's longer term. Then when you get home, throw one of the pre-cooked meals into the water bath. Should only take 20 min or so to reheat back up to temp since it's already cooked.

A few thoughts:

• Pick up a timer for your light. It'll give the tank a regular light cycle every day of the week without you having to do anything for <$10 (probably cheaper at a local store than Amazon).
  
• A lot of algae means there's a lot of nutrients in the tank your plants are unable to use. In the case of the dwarf baby tears, they probably need more CO2 than is available in the water column; if they don't have enough CO2, it doesn't matter how many other ferts you dose -- CO2 will be a bottleneck for its photosynthesis and it's going to struggle; meanwhile then the algae will happily use those extra ferts. Keeping up your Flourish Excel would help this situation if you didn't want to go all out and inject carbon. IIRC the correct dose for Excel for your size tank would be about 1ml every day. Flourish should only be dosed once or twice a week; I can't speak to Iron. Simply take whatever the recommended dose on the label is and divide it to match your tank. Example: if label says 5 ml per 50 gals; that's 1 ml per 10 gals, or 0.5 ml for 5 gals. I use graduated eyedroppers to dose my nano tanks.
  
• I think your substrate looks fine for plants (because you're not trying to plant in the sand). If it's not a fertilized substrate, consider getting some root tabs like /u/thefishnoob suggested.
  
• The dwarf baby tears also probably needs more light -- consider getting a higher-output fixture, or add a second of the one you already have. (But wait until after you knock down your algae.)
  
• Another tactic when it comes to knocking down algae can be reducing your photoperiod -- again something a timer can come in handy for.

It turns your lamp (or any electronic device) on/off based on the time of day.

http://www.amazon.com/15076-24-Hour-Plug-In-Mechanical-Timer/dp/B002HEY300/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1418253308&sr=8-3&keywords=lamp+timer

It's a pretty clever device.

I don't think that one has a countdown feature, but there are many wall installed countdown timers that would be perfect for a bathroom fan (permanently installed)

http://www.amazon.com/Woods-59007-Decora-30-15-10-5-30-Minute/dp/B002KS1DBU

Here is the model you linked for sale on the Canadian Amazon. Slightly cheaper, but still not $10.

$21.27 on Amazon.ca

http://www.amazon.com/Woods-59007-Decora-30-15-10-5-30-Minute/dp/B002KS1DBU/ref=sr_1_5?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1419811824&sr=1-5&keywords=timer+switch

I put one of these in all 3 of my bathrooms, I tell the kids 60 minutes for bath or shower, whatever you want for shits.

I strongly suggest you install this Wall Timer Switch

problem solved

I think THIS is what u/tvtb wanted to link to.

Didn't even think about this before! Do you know of any that have a regular switch for the light then a timer for the fan? The ones I can find just seem have one switch/timer.

Edit: Found it!

This +
this

Timers switches are perfect for bathroom timers (and are code in some places.) People are much more likely to actually use the fan if it will turn itself off automatically, and using the fan is a Good Thing for minimizing mold/mildew in a bathroom.

This is the one I installed.

I think any old light timer would be fine, they are relatively cheap. I think the only two different styles are ones like thisversus fancier digital style. The main difference with the analog one is that the little dial physically rotates around, so you can end up bonking it or flipping the switches (this dictates the light cycle on/off time). That being said, I have the analog one and it works fine, it's just not as "convenient" if you are prone to accidentally touching it i.e. if you use it in a crowded/busy outlet.

Oh, sorry another thing, make sure it has the right prong style (three versus two). The particular analog one I linked has two prong only (I use it for a lamp).

Basically what I did was got this fan and connected it to this timer

I didn't use the cord that came with the fan, instead I got a DC cord from Radioshack (you can probably find something cheaper online). I cut the DC plug off the end of the cord, ran that through the drain hole and connected the wires to the fan and taped everything up with electrical tape.

I sealed the drain hole with insulation foam and then covered that with electrical tape for good measure!

I hope that makes sense!

Two plug-in timers, synchronized and connected to two lights of different wattages. Have the dimmer one come on first. Then, have the dimmer one turn off and the brighter one come on. Then, have the dimmer one come back on with the brighter one still on. Basically like a 3-way lamp.

I highly recommend something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/GE-15153-Heavy-24-Hour-Mechanical/dp/B0035GF8NA/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1405141459&sr=8-7&keywords=power+timer

You can get them at walmart or a hardware store for ~$5 (less when Christmas lights go on sale), and they take care of the light for you.

I have the 6 qt crock pot ($35) and a timer I got from a hardware store ($10).

just pick up a cheap timer like this: http://www.amazon.com/15153-24-Hour-Plug-Mechanical-Timer/dp/B0035GF8NA
I get them at Home Depot for $5. It has 30 minute intervals.

Get what is called an astronomical timer. It will operate totally on solar (sunrise/sunset) time based on the lattiude/longitude coordinates you program in, and should account for DST.

I looked at the Leviton VPT24-1PZ and it should do the trick.

So leave it under her pillow again, but this time plug it in with one of these and set it to go off shortly after she gets into bed.

I have this timer and it works great. < $6 too.

>Do you struggle to wake up? Find yourself hitting snooze for hours on end? Sure, you could try one of those light-up alarms that simulates the sunrize, but those things cost anywhere from $50 to $200+. Here's my $5 solutions.
>
>Buy one of those plug timers (like this one on Amazon), and plug in a lamp. Set it to turn on about 10 minutes before your alarm every day, and set to turn off around sunrise. Now, never change it. It will blow your mind how easy waking up becomes.
>During the week, I get up at 5am. I'm also leaving this setup on durring the weekend when I sleep in. That way, my body is naturally starting to wake up on its own even when I don't have to. On Saturdays, I just sleep with the lamp on and feel like I'm sleeping through the morning. When I actually get out of bed, its only like 8am!
>
>If you couldn't tell, I'm way too proud of this discovery.
>
>edit: Fixed link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/401A-Mechanical-Multiple-Lighting-Polarized/dp/B00435FRXS/
>
>edit 2: To clarify, the lamp isn't supposed to wake you up on its own. You should still have an alarm set. For me, the lamp pulls me from a deep sleep into a light sleep (no pun intended), so the snooze button is no longer appealing. Makes waking up suck less. ☺ In time, I hope to wake up every morning at the same time, lamp or no lamp, without the alarm.

They're not that expensive. I use this one and it's only like $6. Mine looses time after a bit - I think it speeds up around 5 minutes a month but it's still working good and I've had it running 24/7 since last May.

Grant it, I don't use it for the phones - I have it set to a light for my leopard gecko. There's this more expensive one that you can set multiple times a day. I have one that looks like it but is much older but I can't seem to find it.

So to add to my previous comment, im not sure about commercially, but if you latch this onto the gate where it swings out it will keep it in place with a little handy work and depending on the gate style.

https://www.amazon.com/27-5A-Spring-Plunger-Solenoid-Electromagnet/dp/B00S4U3WWQ

Combine this with a Zwave plug or a timer to power it on when you want the gate to become free. You could angle the gate or spring load it from the opposite side to free open.

https://www.amazon.com/General-Mechanical-Multiple-Lighting-Polarized/dp/B00435FRXS/ref=sr_1_4?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1479876032&sr=1-4&keywords=timer+plug

https://www.amazon.com/GE-Lighting-Control-Receptacle-Wireless/dp/B0013V1SRY/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1479876060&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=GE+zwave+outlet

Programmable light switches are super handly for when you're out of town and want to make it look like you're home, and if you're forgetful about turning off lights.

Keypad deadbolt never worry about getting locked out. If someone is house sitting you can give them the code and then change it when you get home.

Energy saving outlets are great for things like charging cell phones or computers and keeping your power bill lower.

Wifi thermostat. I think Nest is overrated and expensive for what it is.

Electric crockpot-pressure cooker-rice cooker-yogurt maker. This thing does it all, seriously. Pressure cookers are awesome for getting things cooked quickly so you can buy cheaper groceries (dried beans vs. canned). Slow cookers are great for tough pieces of meat, roasts, soups... They're also great in summer as they don't heat up the whole kitchen. It being multi-purpose is a bonus for kitchen space.

Thanks for the sugestion. I will just go ahead and try it this way. so something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-Econoswitch-RPLS740B-Programmable-Switch/dp/B004AP92N2/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1467182862&sr=8-4&keywords=timer+switch+for+lights

alternately, if you have many light bulbs on your porch, this dusk to dawn switch: https://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-Econoswitch-RPLS740B-Programmable-Switch/dp/B004AP92N2

you could also get an internet-connected smart switch if you plan on building out more of a smart home, but this is great as a standalone.

it's very nice to get home at night with the porch lights already on, and not have to keep adjusting a mechanical timer as the days get longer or shorter.

Thank you so much for the response

1. I want the lights to come on in the morning to help me wake up (and stay up) on time.
   
2. The room is in the basement, it's my bedroom, and the lights are fluorescent tube light bulbs.
   
3. One of the switches controls the ceiling lights and these are the main light source in my room. The other switch controls a tiny light in the closet and it barely serves a purpose. I've never turned it on deliberately. I wouldn't realize if the switch disappeared and I turned the switch box from a double into a single. I found a switch on amazon that I was interested in, and I think this would fit (link below). I think the switch box is standard size for a single switch box.
   
   ​
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-Econoswitch-RPLS740B-Programmable-Switch/dp/B004AP92N2/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=V4RK6EJQLE81&keywords=programmable+light+switch&qid=1557905889&s=gateway&sprefix=programma%2Caps%2C175&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1
   
   ​
   
   I would prefer that both lights don't come on together. I also don't care for how the switch looks at all, I'm only concerned with function.

I put up 2 standard light fixtures on either side of my garage. I then replaced the actual light switch (I'll see if I can find link) with one that you program date and time. It then turns itself on at dusk, off at dawn. Been going strong for about 8 years.

Edit: Not the exact one I have, but essentially the same thing.
Honeywell Econoswitch RPLS740B 7-Day Solar Time Table Programmable Switch for Lights and Motors https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004AP92N2/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_ld.Eub046W4J1

Honeywell econswitch

Use something like this. Set it and forget it.

First I just had lamps on something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Woods-50007-24-Hour-Digital-Settings/dp/B005WQIDHY/ you probably can find something like this much cheaper.

I ended up installing a switch like this: http://www.amazon.com/Honeywell-Econoswitch-RPLS740B-Programmable-Switch/dp/B004AP92N2/

Not exactly what you are looking for, but I have this and works great. Always when dark and I use LED bulbs so the electricity wont cost too much.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AP92N2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I recently replaced my porch light switch with one of these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AP92N2 It turns them on at sunset, off at sunrise, auto adjusts with the day of the year, and self adjusts for daylight savings time.

Depending on your use cases "home automation" doesn't mean you have to tie it into a hub or do something fancy - it simply means automating what you would do manually. I'm extremely happy with my timer so far.

If you literally just want the light off/on at certain times and don't need to control it remotely, get a Honeywell Econoswitch RPLS740B 7-Day Solar Time Table Programmable Switch. No hub required.

This is the switch that I have: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004AP92N2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You're interested in a smart switch that's aware of sunset, right? You want a switch to go on at or some time after sunset, and then go out after an interval or at a set time?

Check out this and this

They have internal batteries that keep the clock going during power outages.

I'm off next week. On the docket for this weekend and next week:

• Edging the landscape. I think it looks best when I use an edger and keep it flush all season using a string trimmer. It's a bit of a PITA to get setup every spring, though.
  
• I have two crepe myrtles I cut down to the ground because I screwed up the last time I "trimmed" them (I cut them off at about 2' above the ground and then just let them go). I need to figure out how to get them to grow back from the root stock in the best way possible. I'm thinking about drilling holes in the root stock and stuffing the new shoots exactly where I want them. I have no idea if it'll work, though.
  
• Installing another flood light timer for the back lights like the one we have for the front lights. I can't find the breaker, so I'm going to have to turn 'em all off until I find it.
  
• Sanding and staining the stairs. We've painted the walls using Behr Marquee Iron Gate and decided to change the color of the bannister and hardwood oak in the entryway from this golden pecan color to a dark walnut color.
  
• Getting a permit to put in a fence.
  
• Replacing the rear exterior door because the door frame is rotting.
  
• Installing an outlet and transformer for exterior deck lighting.
  
• Scrubbing and sealing the deck. It's western red cedar. We haven't been staining it, so after it gets a bit weathered, all that's needed is some Oxi-Clean, some water, a stiff brush, and some elbow grease. We've been putting TWP on, but I kinda want to try out Sikkens Cetol SRD.
  
• Plugging our weep holes with some sort of mesh screens. I see wasps fly in and out of these things every now and then and since we have mulch up next to the house and I've seen subterranean termites around, I don't want any way for those fuckers to get in. We haven't seen any mud tubes, but I'm going to put out some termite pest control liquid at the base of the brick anyway. Termites scare the crap out of me.
  
• I cut down two diseased arborvitaes in the front yard and now I have to figure out how to pull the roots out. I'm not looking forward to this one.
  
• If time and weather permits (figures that it's supposed to rain most of the week next week), I have a bunch of cedar 2x4s, aluminum balusters, and the hardware to put a gate on the deck. I'm really hoping to be able to get to this, simply because I want an excuse to pull out the mitre saw and cut some cedar.
  
  I think that's about it.
  
  Edit: We're staining the stairs, not painting them. Also clarify that we painted the walls and link the paint we used.
  
  Edit #2: I threw my back out digging underneath the sink looking for a vase to put some flowers in for mother's day. My week of home improvement activities just turned into a week of me struggling to take a shit.

Honeywell RPLS730B1000/U 7-Day Programmable Light Switch Timer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004SOZHXY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2mmJAbZQCK3M1

That’s the timer

Same goes for timer switches: they require a 3 wire connection including neutral EXAMPLE. Why? Because they need nonzero (voltage, current, power) for the control circuitry, when the switch is closed and delivering power to the load. If they were simply wired in parallel with the switch contacts, the (voltage, current, power) available when the switch contacts are closed is (0, 0, 0).

Couple of cheaper options:

1. Plug in one of your lamps into a standard timer
   
   
2. Use an [aquarium ramp timer] (http://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-Single-Timer-Aquarium/dp/B00FDV1AFA/ref=sr_1_7?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1419378654&sr=1-7&keywords=ramp+timer) with an LED strip
   
   
3. Use a programmable timer switch. Some of these even have cycles to follow the normal sunrise and sunset (though i'm assuming that it's dark when you wake up in the winters lol)

This is what you need.

The older model is $25 on Amazon. It requires dimmable bulbs I believe. The newer model doesn't.

Yup, here ya go. Receptacle was a little bulky to mush into the gangbox, but otherwise easy install, no complaints.

That's a great idea. They can keep the existing switch for speed control and then add a swtich for programmable timer function and manual on/off. Would the below work as second switch?

http://amzn.com/B004SOZHXY

Unless you need massively heavy duty, these are great:

http://www.amazon.com/Woods-50007-24-Hour-Digital-Settings/dp/B005WQIDHY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1457973938&sr=8-3&keywords=digital+plug+in+timer

I use them on 2 aquariums and a basking light for our snake.

https://www.amazon.com/Woods-50007WD-24-Hour-Digital-Polarized/dp/B005WQIDHY?keywords=digital+timer&qid=1537563870&sr=8-13&ref=mp_s_a_1_13

I have a couple of these, once programmed properly I haven’t had a problem. They sell something similar at Home Depot/Lowe’s/Walmart for around 10 dollars for one and it works just as well.

These are the actual ones I have. They are a little wonky to set up but they work well.

Woods 50007WD Indoor 24-Hour Digital Plug-In Timer, 2 Pack, 1 Polarized Outlet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005WQIDHY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_iD9dBb60SSZ94

Get a timer...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005WQIDHY

To answer the bonus question, yes, definitely get a timer. They're inexpensive and make the lighting management very easy. I got this two-pack from Amazon (one for my basking light and one for the UVB tube) and they've worked great for several months now. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005WQIDHY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Desk lamps are great for small tanks. Get a cheap plug-in timer and you won't even have to turn it off and on. ☺

Here you go.

EDIT:

I also use one of these to reboot my wifi router once a day in the middle of the night.

There are a lot of schools of thought on keeping various animals, I read up on what differences full spectrum lighting does for pets and for snakes and crabs there seemed to be limited ROI. Crabs do supposedly do better when there is a day/night cycle as well as temperature variation but the later is more expensive to emulate and probably not very important.

A cheap timer like this one set to 12 hours on 12 off is fine but you could research and find out how long days actually are in summer/winter and adjust it if you're super OCD.

Biggest mistakes I see being made are having too small a tank, incorrect/insufficient substrate, lack of salt water (which I'm still not sure they need honestly), not having multiple hides, incorrect temp/humidity, and not having enough spare shells. If you've got those things then the rest is just fluff.

I don't like the analog timers because they make clicky noises. I've also been through A LOT of various timers on Amazon because I own 2 auto cat feeders along with my multitude of reptile lights. I will break down my experience for you:

Enover TS18 Digital Timer -- I needed this for my triple-prong power strip and it worked for a couple months but then started turning the "random" feature on by itself and wouldn't turn off in the evening. Junked.

Westek TE08WHB Timer Strip -- I really like this one and I still use it for a couple of my cages. I like that 4 are timed and 4 are always on. NOTE though that when the power goes out this does NOT keep the time and will reset, which is very annoying.

WenTop Digital Timer -- I used this one for my single cat feeder for awhile, but it eventually stopped working for some reason. I never figured out why but it stopped turning anything on. Junked.

Century Digital Timer -- I bought a second feeder and needed a timer that had 2 outlets. This one has worked well so far, but you may just need a single outlet.

Woods 50006WD Analog Timer -- I still use these when my digital timers break lol. Honestly, they're really reliable, they just make that clicky sound that drives me nuts. But it's a great deal if you're just looking for something that works with no frills.

Nearpow Digital Timer -- My most recent purchase. I've only been using it for a few weeks but has been working fine. It has a bunch of settings, I have no idea what all of them do, I just need it to turn the lights off and on lol.

I picked up these and they seem to work okay, although I would prefer something that had a countdown rather than programing a 24-hour dial. If I were to purchase something again, I would go with something more like this.

Well you say you warm the engine up for 10mins, but that's only the engine, your trans will still be 90% cold (all but little bit of conductive heat from the engine). Do you happen to have a garage? You could get a transmission pan heater (might as well get an oil pan heater too) then you can just set one of those wall timer things, just wire them up so the cords are on the driver's side, and hopefully you have an outlet on the driver's side, then you can just plug them in when you get home and unplug them before you leave. I'd set the timer 2 hours before you leave, and then you could start your truck like 5 minutes before you leave (just so the oil has enough time to go through everything, but the block should be warm anyways, just an extra safety measure i guess). I'd highly recommend doing it.

Heater

Mechanical Timer

Proctor-Silex 33043 4-Quart Slow Cooker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004O07LRC/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_62vWub04N0C5D

This is the slow cooker I've used for the years. I warn you that you might want to throw open a window before you cook because after four hours whatever you're cooking is going to permeate the house.

Woods 50006 Indoor 24-Hour Mechanical Outlet Timer, 2-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006LYHED0/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_I4vWub1FYZVTB

Woods 50006 Indoor 24-Hour Mechanical Outlet Timer, 2-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006LYHED0/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_RXdGwbFHBWAZP

They sell similar things at Walmart

Timer switch. http://www.amazon.com/Woods-50006-24-Hour-Mechanical-Settings/dp/B006LYHED0/ref=sr_1_7?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1452954535&sr=1-7&keywords=timer+switch

Here is the mobile version of your link

Are you in the USA? if so I've had pretty good luck with these cheap timers off Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006LYHED0/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1499851115&sr=8-10&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=timers+for+electrical+outlets&dpPl=1&dpID=410-DNaFBZL&ref=plSrch

The caveat is that some of them start making a faint clicking/buzzing noise after a while so if you're keeping it in your bedroom i wouldn't recommend it. Also they don't have a ground.

get one of those plugs that lets you set when it turns on and off, something like http://amzn.com/B006LYHED0 .

Yeah I saw that, he was running at the top end, a full 15 amps. I haven't looked at the vibe tumbler's power requirements (and naturally all the reloading sites are blocked here at work,) but I can't imagine it being more than an amp or two at the most.

I'm thinking of going with this timer anyway, more timing options + a tad less expensive.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FSQTSB8/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdo_t1_ACTdBbGKCDTTS

Yeah, that's a lot fancier than how I do mine.

Timer

you can use cron/ahk/etc to make the computer lock itself every x seconds 5-9

use cron to turn your router off at 5pm

plug your monitor into https://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-TN111K-15-Amp-Appliance-Timer/dp/B00LBHBLEU/ref=zg_bs_495340_8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=KF1F0V4932Z052WY4W02

I have built some larger modules for lighting the interior of a hydroponic setup (1200 sq ft of lit area). It was quite an undertaking even though I'm apt at electronics.

For smaller setups such as yours I'd recommend combining several different wavelengths of these LED ribbons and control the light cycle with a timer such as this. It won't really matter which timer you choose, although i prefer the simpler mechanical ones with pins as they are simpler to program and adjust than some of digital ones, which can be a headache. You'll have to do a lot of window shopping to find the LED ribbons that offer the right balance of colors for what you want to grow.

Have you given any consideration to the PAR spectrum your aiming to provide? If your not trying to grow top shelf medical marijuana, I'll be honest its not worth getting to crazy about. A simple formula I've used to make LEDs for some of my house plants was to split up the total LED count into 1/5's, with 2/5's being red, 1/5 being blue, 1/5 warm white, and 1/5 (hyper)violet. Violet is highly overlooked and especially important in making things taste good, ultraviolet light is better at this but harder to find in general purpose lighting so I left it out of this.


Any more questions you have I'd be happy to answer. Shoot me a PM anytime

I did for my cfl set up, I got the one recommended on growweedeasy: this one

Now that we upgraded our system it looks like it can't handle the power. It has no power turning it off at the right time but it doesn't turn it back on. And no the timer isn't broken, we tested it on the cfl lights and it works, so I'm assuming the current from the ballast is too strong?

After some googling, it appears that they aren't for ballasts and that it could be a fire hazard. I tried searching for a strong digital one but it seems like they all say "not suitable for ballast" so hoping to find someone in the community that uses one that works for them.

I google'd and Amazon'ed before coming here, I promise ; )

I put most of my potted plants outside for the summer and the ones that would freeze to death, I bring inside to 'overwinter'. Some of them stay green all winter and others go dormant losing all their leaves. The plant you're looking at is tropical so I doubt it goes dormant.

You can get a small bag of potting mix at walmart or a hardware store. I've never found one that wasn't better after adding sand to it. I buy big bags of washed play sand at the hardware store. You can probably find a small bag in the fish section of the pet department that would work fine. You'll see the difference it makes when you add it to the potting mix.

Here is an example of a swing arm lamp that has both a desktop base and a clamp for table edges. $20 is not a bad price.

Pot prices vary greatly. Dollar stores around here sometimes have 6 inch pots with built in trays. A nice ceramic pot should be less than $5 and a plastic one should be about $2. I sometimes use large yogurt containers with a few holes in the bottom as temporary pots or to place in fancy pots that I don't want to fill directly with dirt.

Most regular stores and even some discount stores are way over priced on pots. Sometimes ceramic trays aren't too bad though. I often use frozen dinner trays for beneath my pots...the rectangular black ones look nicer in my opinion.

As for timers, simpler is better. If you shop around you might find it for around $5 so this price isn't out of line.

You may need to repot eventually. It's unlikely to be necessary for at least a couple of years though.

Ditch the infrared bulb. It messes with their sleep. And I would get a timer for your basking lamp and uvb - I got a cheap $5 one that they had at target for Christmas lights but you can find them on Amazon too. For me it's a lot easier having his lights going on and off automatically than having to remember to switch them on and off everyday. What kind of substrate are you using? Do you have a basking rock under the basking lamp? You should and you should also get an infrared thermometer to make sure the basking rock is at the proper temp. I think it's 105-110 for juveniles and 100-105 for adults but I could be off a bit. That part is important though for digestion. What size crickets are you offering? They should be no bigger than the space between your beardie's eyes. If your beardie is at least 16" you can also try super worms. My beardie is 8 months old and it took a lot of veggie buying before I found the two leafy greens he likes best - collard and turnip greens. He also hates it if I try to add fruit or veggie toppings he just wants the leaves. He eats more veggies when I just give him leaves. Oh! What kind of substrate are you using? Tile is recommended in here and works really well.

ETA links - thermometer https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DMI632G/ref=sxts1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487564979&sr=1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65

Timer - https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00P76URH8/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1487564997&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=outlet+timer&dpPl=1&dpID=41oJZwx0ioL&ref=plSrch

There are dedicated solutions- I know because I have seen them installed, but I haven't ever had to use them myself. That being said...in the short-term 'til you find a purpose built solution, I would go with, or build, a 120v (or 240, if that's your flavor) commercial relay box running off of a short-period timer like this one. A good electrician could put one together for your specified voltage and amp load. Picture a flip flop hub, but with only one side, so it carries all of the current and allows you to use a low-amperage timer to control it. The only problem I could see is that you would have no redundancy- so, find the very best possible timer.

Actually found what I am looking for Century Short Period Repeat Cycle Timer Day/night, or 24 Hours Operation https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0184CG9K0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_dJ9WAb61M8A9R

29g tank standard dimensions. I use this timer

Timer Outlet, Nearpow Multifunctional Infinite Cycle Programmable Plug-in Digital Timer Switch With 3-prong Outlet for Appliances, Energy-saving Timer, 15A/1800W https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G6O28NA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vXnGAbJCB2WHM

Just get yourself something like This

It's cheap, it's programmable, it just sits on the outlet.

There are mechanical options as well, just search for "120V countdown outlet timer". There's no need to get all fancy and wire something up.

As for the on/off switch, a photo would help, and you'd do well to search http://digikey.com

I got a bunch of LED lights from ikea and I have the wireless controller for them - I don't see why you couldn't hook them up to some sort of timer like this that plugs into the wall.

This is the one that I use.

Assuming you would like to have a nice, neutral and clean spirit to build into whatever you like (ie, everclear style); here’s my advice.

1. Make a large wash with basic sugar. 30kgs in 80 liters with one bag of turbo yeast will give you a 17-20% abv wash. (The turboyeast will multiply and do the work, no need to pitch in a lot of yeast)
   
   
2. Get ready to build up to your final product in stages — get at least three large 17.5 liter water bottles with airlocks or lids.
   
   
3. Buy a timer for the still like the ones used to turn lights on and off when you are away. Set it to run airstill for about 3 hours each time. This way you can run in the morning before leaving, once you are home, and again at night. About 9 liters of wash processed daily.
   
   
4. First run output goes into bottle #1, you will likely fill it before you get through the 80 liters, so maybe do 2 of these initial bottles. Dump the dregs, of course.
   
   
5. Throw some activated carbon pellets in #1 jugs before you start. Buy these from fish / aquarium shop. (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=activated+carbon+for+fish+tanks&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzIux7-mR5AIVFarsCh00oAPFEAAYASAAEgLpAvD_BwE&hvadid=214400406882&hvdev=t&hvlocphy=9061122&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=9515818740707918485&hvtargid=kwd-314829173026&hydadcr=16139_9891889&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_2m9jzfil1k_e)
   
   
   
6. Rerun all in jug #1 again through the air still. This will take it from 50-60% up to 80% or so. Put this output into jug#2, also with a few cups of activated charcoal. The dregs left in the still are about 20%, so dump them back into your original wash, if they are cooled down enough.
   
   
7. Once you’re ready with enough volume in jug #2, run it again but ensure you catch the first 100mls at least. This is the run you cut out the methanol, acetone and other light end nasties. You can use this stuff for washing up fluid, but not drinking. You can place a cup inside your gathering bucket under the spout.
   
   
8. Now you should have some really clean 180 proof base fluid. Max output form 32kgs sugar into 80 liters = +/- 20 liters of 180proof.
   
   
9. Add fresh spring water to get it back to 35%-40% and make your booze of choice. Everclear website has a lot of good ideas.
   
   If you try all this, pm me back and let me know how it went or if you had any problems.
   
   Timer — https://www.amazon.com/Century-Indoor-24-Hour-Mechanical-Outlet/dp/B01LPSGBZS/ref=sr_1_16?crid=1CF5S5I0380KI&keywords=timer+switch&qid=1566317740&s=gateway&sprefix=timer+electric%2Caps%2C-1&sr=8-16

Ensure the connection between the paintball tank and regulator will fit.

Most regulators the US are cga320, paintball tanks are not. there are adaptors that are sold for fairly cheap

I use these mechanical timers and they work perfectly:
https://www.amazon.com/Century-Indoor-24-Hour-Mechanical-Outlet/dp/B01LPSGBZS

You could use this

Or use https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LPSGBZS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8u3BCbTK04AWK

Tent: TopoGrow 2-in-1 Indoor Grow Tent 108"X48"X80"

Lights: Three of these: MARS HYDRO 960w, apparently they just came out with a 2nd version of these at 900w, so here's that link

Soil:Fox Farm FX14054 Happy Frog Potting Soil

Pots:Fabric Pots
Humidifier:3.5G humidifier

Fan: basic large oscilating fan

Exhaust:AC Infinity CLOUDLINE T6
CO2 Bag: Exhale 365

Fertilizers: Technaflora Recipe for Success Starter Kit
Timers: Basic ones

Basil Seeds: because basil is fucking delicious

let me know if you all see anything extra i need or anything you think i could improve on!

Thanks again for the help!

I just switched to 12/12 from 24/0, started the flowering formula for the nutrients, and switched on the "bloom" light on the lights.

Honestly just buying outlet plugs with timers is probably the better option than trying to figure out a way to program it with c# and a computer.

https://www.amazon.com/Century-Indoor-24-Hour-Mechanical-Outlet/dp/B01LPSGBZS

Use a timer switch for lamps. Power off and back on at 3 AM daily. We do that for a linksys router that has a similar issue
Century Indoor 24-Hour Mechanical Outlet Timer, 3 Prong, 2-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LPSGBZS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_rbIRCbMCK0CJ5. Cheap but effective!

Pretty much anything, they are kind of bulletproof. I use these, but I imagine they are all pretty much the same:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LPSGBZS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

Also, what PhotoProxima said above, this will get you started

https://www.growweedeasy.com/basics

I had the same worry, so I got these which are pretty idiot-proof. You just

spin the center wheel to the current time,

push in the little black tabs around the wheel for the spaces of time you want the light to be on (in 30 min increments),

plug in your lamp and make sure the lamp is turned to the "on" setting and

make sure the switch on the side of the timer is clicked down to the little clock symbol.

It's been pretty reliable, though is always a few minutes off (about 3 for me) which I don't mind. I may get a fancier one later, but this one has done exactly what I need it too, plus I have a backup in case I decide to get crazy with any other lights in the house. Good luck!

Doesn't seem to be as bad as I thought charging it. It does get really warm on the sides like a laptop charger. However, I do remember charging it with a timer outlet and if I remember correctly, it was hotter when charging my board through that.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LPSGBZS?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title

That's the timer outlet I'm using. Could this cause my battery to heat up more than normal when charging it through this?

It is a ridiculously cheap IKEA lamp. I'm not sure how well it'll hold up to the heavy LED grow bulb... but it's trying. The lamp is LERSTA.

The bulb is this thing. It's quite bright, but I suspect the Monstera and the Marble Queen pothos would like to be closer to it. I'm considering a stand to get them up higher.

And I'm using this physical timer to turn the grow light on and off. My office is basically a cave - near no natural light. So the plants get 12 hours with that grow light when the office is less busy. I'm not certain this is enough, with the distance the light is from the plants, but I'll keep an eye on them and find additional supplemental light as needed.

You'd need to supply a grow light. You can get a cheap timer and set it to only turn on after work hours so you don't get a headache from the light (though I set mine to turn on 5 minutes before I leave for the day so I know it's working, the cleaning staff have accidentally knocked it out of it's socket when vacuuming once or twice)

These are what I use
Timer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LPSGBZS/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Light: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01N9OR7OZ/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I think I'd rather have a spring-loaded model like what is currently there, apparently they still sell them: http://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-FD60MWC-60-Minute-Spring-Loaded/dp/B00002NAPD/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1420672697&sr=8-5&keywords=wall+timer+switch

Multi plug timer

Have two of those, no issues. Easy to program.

For pump control first check the draw on the pump. Then start looking for plug in timers that can handle the load. Pump looks pretty small so just about anything will likely work. (better safe!)

If you go cheap, you can probably get a 30 min increment timer like this.

My setup is outdoors so I use something like this, but you could go all out and do this.

Of course if you are techy type, look into an arduino project you can program to the second or based on flow or a float. For inspiration!

These are pretty good

Edit: fixed link

It depends on your desires. If you want more phones now I have a feeling this is going to be the best option. If you are willing to wait the price may lower again. One thing I recommend if you don't already have one is a outlet timer. People say LG devices (LG Fuel mostly) have battery bloating issues more than other devices.

Outlet timers allow you to set the hours a device charges and doesn't charge. So you may say charge for 3 hours stop for 3 and repeat the remainder of the day. The one I linked is a two pack (Cheapest I could find) for $9. At Walmart they are $5-ish for one outlet timer.
__
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006LYHED0

I thought I'd share my experience for the community, and hopefully my experiences help or encourage others to give this a shot on their own. I had absolutely no experience growing anything when I started, so if I can do it, so can anyone else!

I've got an equipment list of the stuff I'm using since it took me a long time to figure out what to buy. This doesn't include the $1.50/week for RO water from the local grocery store, the electricity, or the other stuff I ended up buying afterward for my clones.

No grow tent or ventiliation is needed for my scenario since I have full access to a basement. It's perfect since there is a water heater and a boiler in the same room so the temp is always pretty constant, there is plenty of CO2 from the gas that the appliances burn, and the humidity is also pretty constant.

A few of the mistakes I made that I'd fix next time:

• Buying a heating mat for germination/clones. I only got 1 out of 5 seeds to germinate, and thankfully that one turned into a good plant. I think heat was where I went wrong since I also tried to do clones without a mat and none of them rooted. When using the mat I bought, I had much, much better success.
  
  
• After transplanting my germinated seed, I let that plant go too long in a small container and it got a little root bound. Should have transplanted sooner.
  
  
• I was in the veg stage longer than I think I needed to. Went on vacation in the middle and that screwed up my schedule a little bit, but I think I'd be better off with less veg time for the next plant
  
  
• Buy a better pH pen. I cheaped out on that and I've never gotten it calibrated correctly, so I've been using the dropper/eye test method with the General Hydro test kit that comes with the pH Up/Down. That method seems to work just fine, but it's kind of a hassle.
  
  The images have some details about my grow, but I'll be happy to answer any other questions folks might have.
  
  Item | Cost | Product Link
  ---|---|----
  Seeds (OG Kush Feminized, 20ct) | $80 | Marijuana Seeds NL
  Coco Coir | $17 | Kempf Coco
  300W LED Lighting | $80 | GalaxyHydro
  Plastic Pot | $0 | Craigslist - Free
  Light Timers | $12 | Light Timers
  pH Tester | $18 | pH Pen
  pH Up and Down | $16 | General Hydro
  Jeweler's Loupe | $6 | Magnify Me
  Nutes | $35 | Canna Coco 1 & 2
  Perlite | $13 | Black Gold
  CalMag | $17 | Botanicare Supplement
  TOTAL | $294
  
  
  Also, THANK YOU to everyone in this sub. There is a ton of info out there about growing, but this place is the best location I found for timely info related to my new hobby.
  

What about something like this?
Intermatic TN111K 15-Amp Lamp and Appliance Timer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LBHBLEU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_uHeGwb95EM0PE