Timer Plugs For Lights

[Fillet 'O' Fish]

I have 4 30w lights in the hood of my Rena Tank, there are 2 30w strips to each starter and plug. therefore 2 plugs control all 4 lights.
I have tried several timer plugs including digital and mechanical, and always find that the surge of the lights starting will always randomly (not everyday) re-set the time on the plug.
The power is constant as I am using a surge socket extension lead.
The last ones I brought was a pair from Argos.
Anyone got any suggestions?

 

[JasonB]

I use a Garrison Digital Seven Day Timer to handle my 170 Watts of Lighting as well as my 24 Watt UV sterilizer. It can take a battery in it to ensure the time doesn't get lost during power failures etc. You can have multiple programs if you want to do siestas etc. I haven't had any issues with it and the programming instructions were quite easy to follow.

J.

 

[Fillet 'O' Fish]

Thanks J
Can I get that over here in the UK do you know?

 

[Bloo]

I use a mix of manual and digital and have never had such problems - but other people have mentioned the same problem as you have.
Have you tried the manual ones ?

 

[Fillet 'O' Fish]

Yes , I have tried manual, but find them noisy as well as unreliable.

 

[jarmado]

i got mine from homebase.
a bit pricey but does the job.


Timer for Flourescent Lights

i got the same issue before, please see link.

 

[Bloo]

Yes , I have tried manual, but find them noisy as well as unreliable.

wow I must have been lucky then. I've only ever had one slightly noisy manual timer - and I ditched that one. All the rest from my local shop have been fine - and timing absolutely dead on for years

 

[The-Wolf]

I've also had this problem with two ballasts run from one plug and the timers restting theirselfs.
the answer is to go and buy a central heating timer and wire your ballasts into that then wire that to a plug and bob's your uncle.

 

[gizmo001i]

You can buy timers that are suitable for flourescent lights that ensure you will have no problems like resetting or burning out. They are worth the extra money, especially as it omly tends to be a few quid. By the way, the surge socket, won't prevent the surge produced by the flourescent lights starting. They need the surge to heat up the gas to a usable state. If the socket did prevent the surge, the lights wouldn't start. However the socket will prevent any surges from your supply getting to your equipment and ruining it. Hope this helps.

 

[Fillet 'O' Fish]

Thanks for your advice guys !!
I will try the Homebase strip light timer.

 

[jarmado]

Thanks for your advice guys !!
I will try the Homebase strip light timer.

that's what i got.
check for the sticker that says it's compatible with flourescent lights.
around £15.

 

[Fillet 'O' Fish]

Well I got my timers from Homebase today
You were right Ijay they were £16. However they were doing a promotion with £5 off !! so all is good in the end !!
They turned on fine first time, but in fairness it took a few stop / starts for the other ones to start playing up.

I'll let you know if they are good.....only time will tell

 

[jarmado]

Well I got my timers from Homebase today
You were right Ijay they were £16. However they were doing a promotion with £5 off !! so all is good in the end !!
They turned on fine first time, but in fairness it took a few stop / starts for the other ones to start playing up.

I'll let you know if they are good.....only time will tell

good luck!

 

[Fillet 'O' Fish]

Got them Saturday Morning........Still Working!!!!!
Good recomendation IJAY !!

 

[jarmado]

Got them Saturday Morning........Still Working!!!!!
Good recomendation IJAY !!

thanks!