JennDFK

I have a light on my 55 gallon tank that is a bit tricky. It has new bulbs and new condensers... but it is still a bit tricky to turn on in the mornings. You've got to kind of jiggle things around to get it going. For the most part this is not a problem... but I'm going out of town for three nights and even if I put it on a timer I don't think it will come on in the mornings without coaxing. I might be able to get someone to come by and turn it on in the mornings... but getting someone to come by 2 times a day would be a bit tricky. Can I still put it on a timer so it will go off at the correct time... or will it hurt the lights if they fail to come on in the morning and my friend can't get there first thing?

Or should I just not worry about it...and leave them off while I'm gone. I have low light plants in the tank. My living room get some natural lighting... but nothing too bright. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Jenn

Nate McFin

It shouldn't be tricky to turn on. Are the bulbs seated properly? I assume they are T-5 or T-8? Usually this is a sign of not having the bulb turned all the way in.
Timers work great but the light has to work properly first. You dont want to come home to a fire.

JennDFK

Well I was so worried about my old light fixture that I decided to replace it before going on vacation. I love the new light... it makes the tank look great... and it put my mind at ease to know that I could put it on a timer and know that my plants and fish (and my house) would be safe.

The only problem with it was I didn't think to shorten the length of time I left if on... and it was so much stronger than my old light that I came home to a very algae covered tank. I've cleaned it up and shortened my daylight hours and everything seems to be going great. A few of my low light plants seem a bit stunned... but I think that with a little more planting in the back of some taller plants should provide a little cover for them and solve the problem.

Thanks everyone for all the info on my various lighting question threads.

Jenn

aquarist48

Glad you updated your lighting Jenn. Have a great vacation and stay safe!