Best Aquarium Light Timers and Smart Plugs (2026)
Plug-in timers for aquarium lights and CO2 solenoids, grouped as mechanical, digital, and smart plugs, with rated loads and outage behavior.
If you want the simplest option with no programming, use a mechanical timer: the BN-LINK U47 2-pack, the BN-LINK U208D, or the Woods 50001WD. They switch in 30-minute steps and lose time during a power cut. If you want minute-level schedules without Wi-Fi, use a digital timer: the BN-LINK U6 or U210S 2-packs, the Woods 50009WD, or the Hydrofarm TM01715D. If you want to schedule from your phone, use a Kasa smart plug: the EP10, the HS103, or the EP25 2-pack with energy monitoring. Running the light and the CO2 solenoid on different schedules takes two timers, because every dual-outlet unit here switches both outlets together.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for planted tanks whose light has no reliable built-in schedule, or where a CO2 solenoid needs to turn on before the lights and off before they do. Our timers and lighting schedules guide covers photoperiod length, solenoid offsets and setup step by step. For how long to run the lights, see light intensity and duration.
Check two things before choosing a timer. First, add up the wattage on the label of every device you'll plug into it, and confirm the total stays well under the timer's rating. Second, decide whether the light and the solenoid need separate schedules.
Comparison table
| Product | Fits | Best for | Skip if |
|---|---|---|---|
 BN-LINK Indoor Mini 24-Hour Mechanical Outlet Timer (3-prong, 2-pack)Model U47 | See notes | Simple daily on/off for a light and a CO2 solenoid on separate timers. | You need minute-level scheduling or settings that survive a power cut. |
 BN-LINK Indoor Dual Outlet Heavy-Duty Mechanical 24-Hour Timer (1 pack)Model U208D | See notes | Switching a light and a second device together on a daily cycle. | You need the CO2 and the light on different schedules from one timer. |
 Woods Indoor 24-Hour Heavy Duty Mechanical Timer (1 grounded outlet)Model 50001WD | See notes | A no-fuss daily timer for one light or CO2 solenoid. | You need finer than 30-minute steps. |
 BN-LINK 7-Day Heavy Duty Digital Programmable Timer (Dual outlet (single control), 2-pack)Model U6 | See notes | Running a light and a CO2 solenoid on separate, minute-accurate schedules. | You want app or voice control. |
 BN-LINK 7-Day Heavy Duty Digital Timer with Dual Outlet (2-pack (U210S-2P))Model U210S | See notes | Minute-accurate light and CO2 schedules without Wi-Fi. | You want app or voice control. |
 Woods Indoor 7-Day Heavy Duty Digital Timer (2 grounded outlets)Model 50009WD | See notes | A programmable digital light timer that handles the daylight saving change by itself. | You want app control. |
 Hydrofarm Autopilot Dual Outlet 7-Day Grounded Digital Programmable Timer (Dual outlet)Model TM01715D | See notes | A grow-room style digital timer for an aquarium light. | You need separate light and CO2 schedules from one unit. |
 Kasa (TP-Link) Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (1-pack)Model EP10 | See notes | App-scheduled control of a light or CO2 solenoid with remote on/off. | You do not want Wi-Fi devices or app setup. |
 Kasa (TP-Link) Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (1-pack)Model HS103 | See notes | A low-cost app-scheduled switch for an aquarium light. | You want offline operation or energy monitoring. |
 Kasa (TP-Link) Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim with Energy Monitoring (2-pack (EP25P2))Model EP25 | See notes | Scheduling a light and a CO2 solenoid separately while tracking power use. | You want an offline timer with no app. |
Mechanical timers
BN-LINK Indoor Mini 24-Hour Mechanical Outlet Timer (3-prong, 2-pack)
- Best for
- Simple daily on/off for a light and a CO2 solenoid on separate timers.
- Skip this if
- You need minute-level scheduling or settings that survive a power cut.
- Type
- 24-hour mechanical (pin dial)
- Outlets
- 1 per timer, 3-prong
- Settings
- Up to 24 on/off settings per day in 30-minute intervals, repeats daily
- Rating
- 125 V, 60 Hz / 15 A, 1875 W resistive / 8 A, 1000 W tungsten / 5 A ballast
- Compatibility
- Compact fluorescent, LED bulbs and most small appliances
- Pack
- 2 timers
- No programming or app: set with pins in 30-minute steps
- Two timers per pack, e.g. one for the light and one for a CO2 solenoid
- 15 A / 1875 W resistive rating
- 30-minute resolution only
- Mechanical dial loses time during a power outage
The U47 is a 24-hour pin-dial timer with one 3-prong outlet. You can set up to 24 on/off periods a day in 30-minute steps. It's rated 15 A / 1875 W resistive, 8 A / 1000 W tungsten, and 5 A ballast. The pins ship pressed down (on), so pull up the pins for the off periods. The 2-pack lets you put the light and the solenoid on separate dials. Because the dial stops while there's no power, reset the time after any outage.
BN-LINK Indoor Dual Outlet Heavy-Duty Mechanical 24-Hour Timer (1 pack)
- Best for
- Switching a light and a second device together on a daily cycle.
- Skip this if
- You need the CO2 and the light on different schedules from one timer.
- Type
- 24-hour mechanical (built-in pin dial)
- Outlets
- 2 grounded, controlled together
- Settings
- Up to 48 on/off settings daily in 30-minute intervals, repeats daily
- Rating
- 125 VAC, 60 Hz, 1875 W, 15 A tungsten and resistive, 1/2 HP
- Warranty
- 15 months
- Two grounded outlets on one schedule
- 15 A / 1875 W rating for tungsten and resistive loads
- No programming or app
- 30-minute resolution only
- Both outlets share one schedule
- Loses time during a power outage
The U208D has two grounded outlets that switch together. It allows up to 48 on/off settings a day in 30-minute steps and is rated 1875 W, 15 A for tungsten and resistive loads. It suits a light and a second device that should run on the same schedule. It doesn't suit a solenoid that needs its own offset. Like any mechanical dial, it loses time during a power cut. BN-LINK lists a 15-month warranty.
Woods Indoor 24-Hour Heavy Duty Mechanical Timer (1 grounded outlet)
- Best for
- A no-fuss daily timer for one light or CO2 solenoid.
- Skip this if
- You need finer than 30-minute steps.
- Type
- 24-hour mechanical
- Outlets
- 1 grounded
- Settings
- 48 on/off settings, repeats daily; programmable in 30-minute intervals; pins cannot be removed or lost
- Rating
- 125 VAC, 60 Hz, 1/2 HP, 15 A 1875 W resistive, 8 A 1000 W tungsten, 5 A ballast
- Compatibility
- CFL, LED and incandescent
- Dimensions
- 2.5 x 5.25 x 6.25 in
- Captive pins cannot be lost
- 15 A / 1875 W resistive rating
- Grounded outlet for 3-prong plugs
- 30-minute resolution only
- Single outlet
- Loses time during a power outage
The Woods 50001WD has one grounded outlet, 48 settings in 30-minute steps, and captive pins that can't be lost. The Southwire catalog rates it 15 A / 1875 W resistive, 8 A / 1000 W tungsten, and 5 A ballast. It measures 2.5 x 5.25 x 6.25 in, so check that the body fits on your power strip next to other plugs.
Digital timers
BN-LINK 7-Day Heavy Duty Digital Programmable Timer (Dual outlet (single control), 2-pack)
- Best for
- Running a light and a CO2 solenoid on separate, minute-accurate schedules.
- Skip this if
- You want app or voice control.
- Type
- 7-day digital programmable
- Outlets
- 2 grounded per timer, controlled together
- Programs
- Up to 8 on/off programs; settings as short as 1 minute
- Rating
- 115 V, 60 Hz, 15 A / 1725 W
- Backup
- Backup battery keeps settings during a power outage
- Other modes
- Random (vacation) mode; daylight saving button
- Indicator
- Red LED when outlets are on
- Pack
- 2 timers
- 1-minute programming resolution
- Backup battery retains settings through a power cut
- Two grounded outlets per timer
- Both outlets on a timer share one schedule
- 8 on/off programs maximum
The U6 is a 7-day digital timer with two grounded outlets that switch together. It holds up to 8 on/off programs, with settings as short as 1 minute. It's rated 15 A / 1725 W. BN-LINK says a backup battery keeps the settings through a power outage. Use the second timer in the pack to give the CO2 solenoid its own offset schedule.
BN-LINK 7-Day Heavy Duty Digital Timer with Dual Outlet (2-pack (U210S-2P))
- Best for
- Minute-accurate light and CO2 schedules without Wi-Fi.
- Skip this if
- You want app or voice control.
- Type
- 7-day digital programmable with LCD display
- Outlets
- 2 grounded (3-prong)
- Programs
- Up to 8 on/off schedules; settings as short as 1 minute; specific days or preset day combinations
- Rating
- 125 V, 60 Hz; 15 A / 1875 W resistive, 10 A / 1250 W tungsten, 1/2 HP
- Other modes
- Random (vacation) mode; daylight saving time support
- Pack
- 2 timers
- 1-minute programming resolution
- 15 A / 1875 W resistive rating
- Two timers per pack
- 8 on/off schedules maximum
- Button programming on a small LCD
The U210S is a 7-day timer with an LCD, two grounded outlets, and up to 8 schedules with 1-minute resolution. You can set them for specific days or preset day combinations. It's rated 15 A / 1875 W resistive, 10 A / 1250 W tungsten, and 1/2 HP. BN-LINK lists aquariums among its suitable uses. You program it with buttons on a small screen. The 2-pack works the same way as the U6: one timer for the light and one for the solenoid.
Woods Indoor 7-Day Heavy Duty Digital Timer (2 grounded outlets)
- Best for
- A programmable digital light timer that handles the daylight saving change by itself.
- Skip this if
- You want app control.
- Type
- 7-day digital
- Outlets
- 2 grounded
- Programs
- 20 on/off settings, repeats weekly; weekday, weekend or daily schedules
- Modes
- Countdown, random and manual; automatically adjusts for daylight saving time
- Rating
- 125 VAC, 60 Hz, 3/4 HP, 15 A 1875 W resistive, 8 A 1000 W tungsten, 8 A ballast
- Compatibility
- CFL, LED and incandescent
- Dimensions
- 2.5 x 5.25 x 8.25 in
- 20 on/off settings with weekday/weekend options
- Automatic daylight saving time adjustment
- 15 A / 1875 W resistive rating
- Both outlets share one schedule
- Button programming
The Woods 50009WD offers 20 on/off settings that repeat weekly, with weekday, weekend or daily schedules. It also has countdown, random and manual modes, and it adjusts for daylight saving time automatically. It's rated 15 A / 1875 W resistive, 8 A / 1000 W tungsten, and 8 A ballast. Both outlets share one schedule. It measures 2.5 x 5.25 x 8.25 in.
Hydrofarm Autopilot Dual Outlet 7-Day Grounded Digital Programmable Timer (Dual outlet)
- Best for
- A grow-room style digital timer for an aquarium light.
- Skip this if
- You need separate light and CO2 schedules from one unit.
- Type
- 7-day digital programmable
- Outlets
- 2, grounded, controlled simultaneously
- Programs
- Up to 8 on/off cycles per day; 1-second on/off
- Rated amperage
- 15 A
- Rated wattage
- 1725 W
- Voltage
- 120 V
- Listing
- UL-listed (UL registration E218111)
- Use
- Indoor only
- Warranty
- 1 year
- Up to 8 on/off cycles per day
- 15 A / 1725 W rating, UL-listed
- Two grounded outlets
- Both outlets share one schedule
- Indoor use only
The Hydrofarm TM01715D is a 7-day digital timer with two grounded outlets that switch together. It allows up to 8 on/off cycles per day, and Hydrofarm describes 1-second on/off settings. It's rated 15 A / 1725 W at 120 V and is UL-listed (E218111). It's for indoor use only and has a 1-year warranty. Hydrofarm notes it's suited for aquaponics. For separate light and CO2 schedules, you'd need a second timer.
Smart plugs
Kasa (TP-Link) Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (1-pack)
- Best for
- App-scheduled control of a light or CO2 solenoid with remote on/off.
- Skip this if
- You do not want Wi-Fi devices or app setup.
- Type
- Wi-Fi smart plug (app scheduling)
- Input / output voltage
- 100-120 VAC
- Maximum load
- 15 A
- Maximum power
- 1800 W (general use, resistive load)
- Wireless
- IEEE 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only
- App
- Kasa Smart (Android 5.0+, iOS 10+)
- Features
- Schedules, timer, scenes, remote control; voice control via Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings
- Certifications
- RoHS, FCC, IC, UL
- Operating environment
- 0-40 C (32-104 F); 10-90% RH non-condensing
- Also needs
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network; Kasa Smart app
- Schedules set from a phone
- 15 A / 1800 W rating
- Compact single-outlet design
- Needs a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network and the Kasa app
- One outlet per plug
The EP10 is a single-outlet Wi-Fi plug rated 15 A and 1800 W for resistive loads. You set schedules, timers and scenes in the Kasa Smart app, and it supports Alexa, Google Assistant and SmartThings. It needs a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. If your router only broadcasts a combined or 5 GHz network, check its settings first.
Kasa (TP-Link) Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini (1-pack)
- Best for
- A low-cost app-scheduled switch for an aquarium light.
- Skip this if
- You want offline operation or energy monitoring.
- Type
- Wi-Fi smart plug (app scheduling)
- Rating
- 100-120 V~ 60 Hz, 15 A max
- Maximum load
- 1800 W (general use / resistive load)
- Wireless
- IEEE 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi only; no hub required
- Certifications
- RoHS, FCC, IC, UL
- Operating environment
- 0-40 C (32-104 F); 10-90% RH non-condensing
- Also needs
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network; Kasa Smart app
- Phone scheduling with no hub
- 15 A / 1800 W rating (v5.0 datasheet)
- Compact single outlet
- Needs 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and the Kasa app
- No energy monitoring
The HS103 is a single-outlet Wi-Fi plug that doesn't need a hub. Its hardware version 5.0 datasheet rates it 15 A and 1800 W for general and resistive loads. Earlier hardware versions may be rated differently, so check the rating printed on the plug you receive. It doesn't have energy monitoring.
Kasa (TP-Link) Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim with Energy Monitoring (2-pack (EP25P2))
- Best for
- Scheduling a light and a CO2 solenoid separately while tracking power use.
- Skip this if
- You want an offline timer with no app.
- Type
- Wi-Fi smart plug with energy monitoring
- Input
- 100-120 VAC, 15 A
- Maximum load
- 15 A, 1.8 kW at 120 V, 1/6 HP motor
- Features
- Real-time and historical energy monitoring; schedule and timer; Apple HomeKit support
- Operating environment
- 0-40 C (32-104 F); 5-90% RH non-condensing
- Warranty
- 2 years
- Also needs
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network; Kasa Smart app
- Energy monitoring shows what the connected light or heater actually draws
- 15 A / 1.8 kW rating
- Two plugs for separate light and CO2 schedules
- Needs Wi-Fi and the Kasa app
- One outlet per plug
The EP25 2-pack gives you two single-outlet plugs, each rated 15 A and 1.8 kW at 120 V. They support schedules, timers and Apple HomeKit. Energy monitoring shows real-time and historical draw, so you can confirm what the light or a heater actually uses compared with the rating. With two plugs, the light and the solenoid each get their own schedule. Kasa lists a 2-year warranty.
Alternatives and when to skip buying
If your light has its own schedule and you don't run CO2, you may not need a plug-in timer at all. If you do run CO2, you only need one timer for the solenoid. If you want to avoid app setup, choose a mechanical or digital timer. If you don't want to reset a clock after power cuts, choose a digital model with backup, like the U6, or a smart plug. You can see more options on the Timers: what to check before you buy ↗ hub, or plan your whole setup with the setup finder.
How we chose
Each timer and plug was matched to its Amazon listing by model number. Ratings, outlet counts and programming limits come from manufacturer pages, catalogs and datasheets. We only describe power-outage behavior where the maker states it or where it follows from a mechanical dial design. Every pick had at least a 4-star Amazon rating when we checked. Compatibility came first: rated load, number of independent schedules, and connectivity. We haven't tested these timers hands-on, and we don't rank or score them.
Related guidance
- Aquarium timers and lighting schedules
- Aquarium light intensity and duration
- Aquarium CO2 system guide
- CO2 regulators and parts for planted tanks, for solenoid-equipped regulators to put on a timer
- Planted tank lights for 10-gallon, 20-gallon, and 40-gallon aquariums
Sources
- BN-LINK 24-Hour Mechanical Outlet Timer (U47) product page, BN-LINK
- BN-LINK Indoor Dual Outlet Heavy-Duty Mechanical 24-Hour Timer (U208D) product page, BN-LINK
- BN-LINK 7 Day Heavy Duty Digital Programmable Timer (U6) product page, BN-LINK
- BN-LINK 7-Day Heavy Duty Digital Timer with Dual Outlet (U210S) product page, BN-LINK
- Southwire Woods 2024 product catalog, indoor mechanical and digital timers, Southwire
- Hydrofarm Autopilot Dual Outlet 7-Day Grounded Digital Programmable Timer (TM01715D), Hydrofarm
- Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini EP10 datasheet, TP-Link
- Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Mini HS103 (US) v5.0 datasheet, TP-Link
- Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim with Energy Monitoring (EP25), TP-Link
This page is research-based: we have not tested the equipment or methods ourselves. It draws on the sources listed and established hobby practice.
Keep reading
Aquarium Timers and Lighting Schedules
How to put your planted tank light and CO2 solenoid on a reliable schedule: timer types, load ratings, power cuts, and step-by-step setup.
Aquarium Light Intensity and Duration for Planted Tanks
How bright and how long to run a planted aquarium light: a conservative starting photoperiod, ramping up, siestas, and reading your plants and algae.
Aquarium CO2 Systems Explained: A Planted Tank Guide
When injected CO2 helps a planted tank, how each part of a pressurized system works, how to dial it in safely, and the mistakes that put livestock at risk.