Vacation

[jkhalliday76]

I have a question about going on vacation. I'm visiting Athens, Ga this Wednesday-Sunday and have no one who is trustworthy enough to watch my tank. I am still in the cycling process and only have 6 snails (which have survived through it all They're happy just eating the algae off the rocks, glass and crushed coral and I've never supplemented their diet with algae or anything at all. What I'm worried about is turning on and off the lights, I don't have a timer. I have just the basic flourescents that came with my basic hood. Should I leave them on for the entire time away, or off or invest in a timer?

Will hopefully be able to buy a fish or two when I get back, but I wanted to wait since I knew I'd have no one to help.

Any suggestions?

[Gina]

I would get a timer from Home Depot or Lowes. You could probably get one for around $10.

[oldsaint]

LOL Memphis, TN. To bad I don't still live there. I'd help you out.
IMO, I would definitely get a timer. You can pick up a cheap one at Home Depot.

Gina is there an echo in here.

[jkhalliday76]

ok, this is going to be a stupid question...but how do I use the timer with my lights???

[oldsaint]

Here's the timer I use, from HD.
Green tabs turn on the lights red ones turn them off. It usually comes with 6 but you only need 1 green and 1 red.

[Little Luey]

Timer is the way to go, but since you don't have any coral/fish in it yet if you leave the light off would be ok.

[Cougra]

I think that getting a timer would definately be a worth while investment. They are extremely handy and you don't need to worry about whether you remembered to turn the lights on and off. It'll also help keep the lighting schedual on your tank consistant which is better for the future fish you are going to get.

If you chose not to or don't have time to get a simple timer then leave the lights off. If you have the lights on constantly you run the real risk of coming back to a major algae bloom.

[jkhalliday76]

Thanks Cougra...that's what I feared, a major algae bloom. I'm going for the inexpensive, easy to use, timer. Totally eases my mind. I just thought I was going to have to shell out an extra $50 some bucks for one.

Thanks again everyone with suggestions!

[Witfull]

i would shell out for a digital timer is you can find one. they are "on time" the dial ones are approximate times and seem to slow down over time. a digi should run you about 15$.

i love mine, light click and i know exactly what time it is~