timers + old lights, vacation rant

fishorama

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Jun 28, 2006
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SF Bay area, CA
I'm trying to get ready for a short vacation so putting tank lights on timers. Every time I do this I have to remember which tank lights are newer 3 prong, older 2 prong with & without the wide blade & which timers work with each. 1 is so old I can't use a timer at all, I'm debating on leaving it on or off the whole time, there are only some plants, no fish.

Most of the timers take up the space of 2 outlets on the power strips, 1 even takes up 3. My house is old & there are still a couple 2 prong outlets (but they're grounded). Add some slight electrical fire fear :eek:

I've recently rearranged tanks & gotten a new set of lights so the way I was used to doing it is different again.

1 timer doesn't work any more so I had to go buy 1, got 2 just in case thank goodness, I needed it too. But the old 2 prongs don't fit in the new timers.

I have yet to leave notes & pack up food for the fish-sitter. And 1 filter is now unhappy about being unplugged so I'll have to clean it.

This our first trip since getting juvenile discus, my husband is very worried about them.

Sometimes I wonder if it's worth it to go away :irked:
 
mine are all on timers, all the time.

Since most of my lights pull only about 50 watts each, one timer will handle a 2-3 tanks.
I attach an outlet strip to the timer, and plug my lights into that.
 
FWIW, Home Depot has been clearancing outdoor light timers for ~$6 each. They have a cord, so they take up one outlet, and have 6 switched outlets. I have several. SKU is 280-747.

This timer:

http://www.1000bulbs.com/43366/?utm...campaign=SmartFeedGoogleBase&site=google_base

The old 2 prong lights don't fit in the new timers? Not sure I understand...non-polarized plugs fit in a polarized outlet.

2 prong lights not fitting in ancient non-polarized timers I would understand....and would advise you to buy new timers in that case.

FWIW2
2 prong house outlets can be legally replaced with a GFCI, just need to add 'no equipment ground' sticker (which is usually included)...and 3-prong plugs can be legally connected to them.
 
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