Using timer with fluorescent lights

[lizard]

I'm going away for a week next month and I want to put my lights on a timer while I'm gone. My plants don't like to be without light for a week (fussy, fussy ). I thought I remembered reading something about not being able to use timers with fluorescent lights, or older fluorescent light fixtures, or something like that. Is there any truth to that? I have one "older" (not really old, but not newest technology, either) fluorescent fixture on my tank and one incandescent. Will they both be okay with a timer for a week? Do I need to test it before I go and see how it works? Should I not try it at all with the fluorescent, and just run the incandescent fixture while I'm gone?

Thank you very much

Pamela
aka Married Lizard

 

[gale]

When you turn the light on do you have to hold the switch and wait for the light to come on or do you just click it quickly? If it's the latter you can use a timer. If you have to hold it then I don't think you can use a timer.


eta: I would try it out before hand either way. Set up the timer a few days before you leave and see if it comes on and off when it's supposed to.

 

[Maya~4Ix12chen]

I just bought a timer for mine and it came on ok but after a few hours, my light went out so I took the timer off and just put the light on manualy... I am dombfounded as to why this happened. I'm gonna do some more investigating on the matter.

 

[Lateral Line]

I have used cheap mechanical timers to switch fluorescent lamps on and off for 20+ years without issue.

You should always try something before you leave it though.

 

[lizard]

Thanks, everyone. I shall get a timer and try it out. I'm not sure if I have to hold the switch down or not. I think I can just click it quickly, but I don't pay too much attention when I turn the light on and off, I just do it. I will most definately test it out before I leave

Pamela
aka Married Lizard

 

[lucky62]

I have an older [ 1988] perfecto and a newer one [1997],the switches are different , both are on timers , never a problem .

Some may be different , try it before you go away.

 

[Silly me]

even being at home its always a good idea to have a timer on the lights..

 

[gale]

I'm not sure what is considered "old". My perfecto is over 11 yrs old and it is the type where you just click quickly. I do have a flourescent light from maybe 20 yrs ago that you have to literally hold down the switch until the light comes on.

 

[lucky62]

even being at home its always a good idea to have a timer on the lights..

 

[Chunandler]

i use a timer year round..works great