Review: Current USA Single Ramp Timer

 

 Features:

• Program On & Off Times
• 15 Minute Ramp To Full Intensity
• 15 Minute Gentle Dim To Darkness
• Simulate Sunrise & Sunset
• Manual On & Off
• Low Voltage 12 - 24VDC 
• Compatible With Most LED Lights Which Are 12-24VDC That Use A Standard 2.5mm x 5mm DC Plug

The Good:

• Works With Most LED's
• Sleek Design Taps Right Into Power Line
• Manual Override For On & Off
• Can Control Two Lights Simultaneously

The Bad:

• More Expensive Than A Mechanical Timer
• Not Fully Compatible With Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Plus

 

Experience:

 

I bought this a few months after buying my Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Plus. I needed something to keep my fish on a regular light cycle because I work third shift during the week and sleep normally the rest. My fish seemed to get really agitated from 'getting up' at 5:00 AM one day and 11:00 AM the next. I looked at several mechanical timers, but liked how this one plugged directly into the line.

I've been fully satisfied with this timer. It turns on and off exactly when it is needed. Its only downfall is that only on & off  function work with my Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Plus. I'm not too sad though because I like to keep a constant full spectrum light on for my plants anyway. It is about five  times the cost of a mechanical timer, but worth not dealing with a bulky box. I payed $25.16 when I bought it on Amazon. My favorite feature is the on or off override, where all you have to do is press the Hour + button to turn the light in a constant on or off mode. I have my light set on an earlier cycle so sometimes I miss my last feeding. Just make sure to press Mode when done or you will give your fish a 24 hour light torture. I'll definitely be buying another one for my other tank in the future.

 

Should You Buy It?

 

Buy it if you want to simply your light cycle or can't keep up with your cycle.

 

Buy On Amazon

Review: Aqueon 55 Gallon Deluxe Aquarium Kit

 

The Good:

• Comes With All The Basics To Start A Tropical Or Goldfish Tank
• Reasonable Price Compared To Buying Everything Individually
• Aqueon Filters Have The Highest Flow Rate For HOBS

The Bad:

• The Florescent Hoods Look Outdated 
• Aquarium Addiction Possible

 

Contents:

 

This set comes with most of the essentials to get a tank up and running. It includes a 55 gallon glass aquarium, two 24 inch fluorescent deluxe full hoods, a QuietFlow™ 55/75 filter, a 200 watt submersible heater, a small fish net, a sample of tropical fish food flakes and enough tap water conditioner to set up your tank.

 

Other Equipment Recommended For Tank Set Up:

• 55 Pounds of Gravel, Sand Or Other Substrate
• Aquarium Stand
• Decor
• Air Pump / Bubbler
• Gravel Vac
• Extra Filter

 

Experience:

 

I bought my set when it was on sale at Petco for right around $150 with taxes. I hadn't had an aquarium since I was a kid but the easy set up guide was clear enough to get everything going. Each piece of equipment also came with their retail instructions. The aquarium is built very well and should last for many years. The hoods are very sturdy and have plenty of room for equipment in the back. The fluorescent lights were complete junk. I had one of them go out within three months and the other went out two months after that. The filter keeps the water crystal clear and my parameters at safe levels. The filter media is expensive and should be replaced with any cut-to-fit filter media asap. The heater has performed flawlessly. It even kept my fish alive during a furnace failure in the dead of winter! The heater has a convenient light to show when it is on. The net and food do what you would expect. The tap water conditioner works fine, but I would suggest you buy Amquel / Novaqua or Prime for water changes.

 

Should You Buy It?

 

The Aqueon 55 Gallon Deluxe Aquarium Kit is a great starter kit for the price. You might have to buy a few extra piece of equipment later, but this set will get you started. I would definitely buy this again if I ever set up another 55 gallon.

Update 4/12/2014: 

 

I am currently only using the 55g tank from this set. My parents have the HOB filter running in one of their tanks. The only thing that actually failed from this set were the two florescent hoods. I would still recommend buying this if you see it on sale or are just starting out.