Reddit mentions of Timer Outlet, Nearpow Multifunctional Infinite Cycle Programmable Plug-in Digital Timer Switch with 3-Prong Outlet for Appliances, 15A/1800W

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

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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

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.
  
  

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.

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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