timers for aquarium/ vivarium lights?

[stevethegator34]

hi, im looking into getting a timer so i can automatically regulate the lighting in my aquarium and vivarium. does anyone have experience with using timers, and if so where can i purchase them?

 

[dane_zu]

ive got one for my newt/salamander lights and my snake lights and they work great

you can get them anywere like target, kmart, wall-mart, and maybe at places like home depot or something

 

[Kaysie]

Any timer will work. You don't need one specifically for aquariums.

 

[caudataman]

If you have multiple tanks, you can save money on timers by plugging an extension strip into the timer and running all your lights off the single extension strip. I use cheap clamp type shop lights (without the clamps) with compact flurescent bulbs which throw a lot of light but do not get hot. Each light set-up costs about $10 total from Wal-Mart. I usually use 2 per tank (20 and 30 gal tanks). For tops, I cut clear lexan covers to fit each tank, then cut center holes for the lights to sit over and access and notch the sides for powercords and air lines.

 

[Jennewt]

I have one additional recommendation. Get a digital timer with power backup. In case of a power failure, it will keep the correct time and doesn't need to be reset. It doesn't cost much more than an analog timer.

I have a system like what Ed describes - shop lights and tank lights all run from a single timer via power strip. When I had a cheap-o analog timer, the fluorescent tubes in the shop lights had a very short lifetime. (Admittedly, my shop lights are also cheap-o.) Since switching to the digital timer, the fluorescent tubes last much longer (and don't flicker as they come on, as they did with the analog timer). I haven't had this problem with regular aquarium fluorescent fixtures, though, only the shop lights.

 

[Zapher]

I usually use the Coralife Digital Power Center on my tanks as i like to put on blue LED night lights. Costs a little bit more than something from home depot or target but works great.

 

[stevethegator34]

thanks alot for all the advice, unfortunately i found a couple cheap analog timers at lowe's before i had a chance to read all of your replies . next time i will definately invest in the digital like jennewt suggested, and i will also use the shop light idea if i get any new enclosures