Need Help! Water Pump Timer Settings

Grew ebb and flow way back in the day.

Got a MicroGarden to give aeroponics a try.

Reading some threads it sounds like you want to run the water pump 1min on and 3-5 min off.

Only prob is those timers are $60+, and my hydro stores don't have them. (I know I could order on line)

I was able to find a timer that runs in 15 min intervals.

Right now I have it 15 on/ 15 off through out the day. I'm running 24/7 for my light cycle.

Is this effecient? Too much? Should I be running 15 on and 45 off??

TIA for the help!

Precise timing is only important in a true aero system that uses minute amounts of water for the mist.
With a sprinkler type aero system you can use similar timings to those used with nft systems 15on/15off or 15on/30 off, or 24/7.
If you are reasonably proficient with a soldering iron, you can build a basic 1min on/4min off cycle timer for about $4.