I found the right timer
A Chauvet light timer.
http://www.chauvetlighting.com/fixtu...imer_fix.shtml
You can set it from 1 second to 60 seconds, or 1 minute to 15 minutes. It can alternate between the two pumps. Goes for 'bout $30 on ebay. It's used for theatrical lighting applications. I'm going to call around the city tomorrow looking for one. Can't see it being more than $50 canadian. none of the e-bayers ship to canada, it seems
I'm going to play with a 555 timer simultaneously. I work at the source, and I'll just pick up a 555 from my store and play with it for learning's sake.