questions about timer for lights

[loki993]

ok I tried searching, but couldnt find anything.

I dont really see a problem with it, but I want to ask just to make sure.

I see lots of timers sold through aquarium catalogs and websites. Im wondering if its ok to use a simple light timer like the ones you get at walmart or the hardware store that you would use for a lamp when youre traveling or for christmas lights. I really dont see there being a problem with it, but I just wanted to make sure the hoods may have not needed some sort of special heavy duty timer. you know dont really want to burn the house down.

thanks.

[Mgamer20o0]

yep.... i got mine for like $4 at home depot. just make sure its the better one with the grounding plug.

[j_chicago]

I have problems with those only if your plug isn't vertical (for some reason some plugs are sideways) and if you plug the timer into a powerstrip. The timer seems to be unable to keep time properly in any position than vertical.

[irishspy]

I see lots of timers sold through aquarium catalogs and websites. Im wondering if its ok to use a simple light timer like the ones you get at walmart or the hardware store that you would use for a lamp when youre traveling or for christmas lights.

I got mine at a local hardware store, and they worked just fine. I had two, so that I could stagger the times at which the two fixtures would come on. No problems.

:thm:

[simplyorange]

yeah some of the cheaper ones i have would start to lag but still keep the daylight length the same. you can get some powerstrip savers at walmart instead of buying the Squid powerstrips. go with the grounded ones.

[loaches r cool]

yeah, really any will work just depends on what your want. You'll need digital if you want multiple programs (like turn the light on earlier on the weekend or something like that) also if you want it to keep time during a power outage youll need one with a battery backup.