Timers are the bomb period. I was already using them for years with fish, and now with Torts. Like others mentioned, I like to bring on dawn slowly, and not blast my critters with massive light up front.
I like the digitals for all the reasons mentioned, BUT recently had trouble with an "in-wall" one. I wanted a sleeker more reliable look, so these were the ticket. Trouble was they wouldn't run fluorescents. I thought maybe the first was a fluke so I returned it and tried another. It didn't work either... I love hearing the spiel... "well you know, they are a little tricky to hook up right." "Ummm, no they're not.... I'm an Electrician, these are about as easy as it gets. It WAS hooked up right. DEFECTIVE. I need ones that can run Fluorescents, the end"
For that reason mechanicals have my vote. Last for years, but yes once in a while they need adjusting... and it really plays heck when your 2 year old decides to go spinning them.
I like the digitals for all the reasons mentioned, BUT recently had trouble with an "in-wall" one. I wanted a sleeker more reliable look, so these were the ticket. Trouble was they wouldn't run fluorescents. I thought maybe the first was a fluke so I returned it and tried another. It didn't work either... I love hearing the spiel... "well you know, they are a little tricky to hook up right." "Ummm, no they're not.... I'm an Electrician, these are about as easy as it gets. It WAS hooked up right. DEFECTIVE. I need ones that can run Fluorescents, the end"
For that reason mechanicals have my vote. Last for years, but yes once in a while they need adjusting... and it really plays heck when your 2 year old decides to go spinning them.
