Alternate switching for 220v 12w pumps

[martink]

Hi, I would like to do a project that will enable me to switch 2 small pumps on and off alternately every 30 seconds or so and was wondering how easy or difficult this would be.
I don't have any electronics design experience but have previously followed plans to assemble small projects.

I would be really grateful for any help with some design ideas of how I can do this. If it is possible, I would like to have a variable timer for the switching but don't mind if it is a fixed time interval between 30 seconds to 1 minute or maybe a little more.

The pumps are mains operated and 12 watts each.
Many thanks.

 

[alec_t]

I don't know if you've looked at this (very lengthy) thread about pump timers? We could probably use the timing part and adapt the output to drive 220VAC pumps instead.
https://www.electro-tech-online.com/threads/help-with-water-pump.124250/

 

[4pyros]

What are your pumps for??

Alec; Ya sounds like it could be the same thing as Salty's.

 

[martink]

Haha, as soon as you mentioned someone called Salty, I figured it would be for a similar thing.
Indeed I want to place a powerhead/pump at each end of an aquarium and switch them alternately to create a changing water flow.
So, one pump on for a set period of time while the other one is off then switch them the other way round and repeat.

 

[alec_t]

You could probably find an off-the-shelf solution for that simple timing requirement, but if you really want a home-brew solution then a mod of the 'Salty setup' should do it.

 

[martink]

Thanks Alec, think I will investigate an off the shelf solution. Looks like Salty'sproject is quite complex and possibly not cheap to build.