Putting a timer on my lights

[Slyspy]

I have two small tanks. One is an all-in-one kit and is happily running with fish. It was my first tank and so far has had no fatalities and thriving plants. Its lights are on a timer which I find very useful (I work strange and varied hours).

My new project is a very small ADF/betta tank, which I am cycling at the moment (though it seems to have stalled). I have a small Algarde tube and starter/power unit which provides ample light, but has no timer.

I would like to get a timer switch for it but am unsure whether it is possible. I couldn't find a timed unit from any aquarium stockist loally or on the web. Would I have to ditch the Algarde unit and replace it with a standard timer unit (if there is such a thing) from a DIY store? Any advice from others with timers, especially DIY jobs, would be welcome.

Thanks.

 

[sunflower]

I have my lights on a timer
My lights are plugged into a surge proof extension cable which is plugged into a standard timer switch which I bought from my local supermarket. DIY stores sell them too.

Works well for me

 

[Slyspy]

I have my computer plugged into the same strip plug as my lights so cannot put the whole lot on a time switch. Would such a unit plug in the strip, with the lights plugged into the unit?

 

[emo]

That's how I have mine, lots of plugs on an extension strip... and I have my lights plugged into a timer

^ this one

If you get them from argos, you buy 2 for £3.99 each and get a 3rd free! Whey!
Can get digital ones too but they are a bit more expensive.

 

[Yenko]

I use some el-cheapo timers purchased at the hardware store. They have to be reset every once in a while; they are innaccurate and deviate by about 1 hour/month.

 

[Michael Roth]

using timers reduced our power bill by almost 100 bucks a month.

 

[Slyspy]

Cheers guys I'll get one of those.