My Zero-Effort Automation Setup

Overview

Over the years, I've tried pretty much every type of smart plug and timer setup out there.

One thing most people don't know: while there are a lot of cheap options on Amazon, you want to buy something with longevity. I've used budget brands before — and when they stop producing them, the app stops working and you're left with a bunch of useless plugs. Buy something that's going to last.

I highly recommend Kasa smart plugs. They're reliable, the app is well-supported, and they're what I use across all my tanks.

My Schedule

Lights

I run my lights 6 hours a day — 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

• Walking into your apartment with guests? Turn the lights on before you even get through the door.
• Want to darken the room to sleep? Kill the lights instantly from your phone — no fumbling with switches.

CO2

I run CO2 for 8 hours total — starting 2 hours before lights turn on. CO2 needs time to dissolve and build up in the water before your plants are actively photosynthesizing. By the time the lights come on, it's already there.

• Adding new fish from the store? You can temporarily cut CO2 to raise oxygen levels while they acclimate — without touching anything physically.

Filters

Filters run 24/7. But I use smart plugs so I can turn off every filter in my place with a single tap — useful for feeding, water changes, or any time you need flow to stop instantly.

• Feeding time — turn off all filters so food doesn't get sucked away before your fish eat.
• Catching a fish — kill the flow so the current isn't working against you.

Skimmers

Depends on the tank. For tanks with fish that like to swim near the surface, I don't run the skimmer all day. My schedule: wait 1 hour after lights on, run the skimmer for 30 minutes, then off. Keeps the surface clean without disrupting the fish.

• Surface agitation affects how much CO2 off-gasses. Running the skimmer on a short timer keeps the surface clean while minimizing CO2 loss during peak plant hours.

Equipment I Use

Pro Tip