Timer for pond water feature

[ianamke]

I have a small spray fountain at the edge of my garden pond plumbed to a water source and controlled by a 24v solenoid valve. I want this valve to open and close multiple times a day for short periods of time. I have 120v power near the valve, but I want to buy something other than an expensive irrigation-type timer with multiple stations and only a few start times. A simple manual 120v clock-type timer would work, but the minimum interval is 30 minutes. I'm looking for something with more flexibility. I have a transformer that will provide 24v to the valve but need a timer. I'm not having much luck finding anything that looks like it might work. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

 

[Lisak1]

First question - what's your goal? Why the multiple on and offs all day long?

I have timers on garden hoses that give me multiple on and off options, but they're limited to 4 times per day. I did have a wifi connected one that I could turn on and off many times a day, but the connection was too unreliable for the price.

 

[combatwombat]

If you can provide the 12v source weather protection, a simple mechanical timer is cheap and usually has 15 min. Increments.

Struggling to think of a timer w/ finer control that isn’t “smart”

 

[ianamke]

If you can provide the 12v source weather protection, a simple mechanical timer is cheap and usually has 15 min. Increments.

Struggling to think of a timer w/ finer control that isn’t “smart”

I can provide weather protection, and I think that's how I'll do it. I have mechanical timers, but they are in 30 min intervals. I'll keep searching for the 15 min kind. Thanks.

 

[ianamke]

First question - what's your goal? Why the multiple on and offs all day long?

I have timers on garden hoses that give me multiple on and off options, but they're limited to 4 times per day. I did have a wifi connected one that I could turn on and off many times a day, but the connection was too unreliable for the price.

The goal is to provide a fountain spray for a few minutes multiple times a day to keep the bird bath clean and full (overflow goes into the pond) and provide water for plants and spray for hummingbirds.

 

[Mgessert]

I use this timer, ordered on Amazon, for my aquaponics flood and drain system. It’s held up well so far, going on three years, and is very adjustable.

BN-LINK Short Period Repeat Cycle Intermittent Timer, Interval Timer - Day, Night, or 24 Hour Operation, Photocell Light Sensor Dusk to Dawn for Hydroponics Aquaponics​