Timers. Yes or No?

I'm thinking of investing in a timer. My concern is that it's somewhat like pulling the plug out of the wall with the light still on. Will a timer damage my fixture or spark? Just a question... trying to go slow and get the proper input from you guys. Thanks.

BTW I just added a hammer head which seems to grow by the day. Pictures soon.

 

Timers are cheap

From my knowledge they wont damage a plug.

 

Timers are a must ! , you'll soon pay the piper if you forget or allow to much photo period/s on your tank.
(You'll find your tank looking like a chea-pet if you continue without timer/s )

When you by your ligthing system , the very next thing to buy is the timer/s as needed for your equipment.

 

I have had a timer on my light for over 2 years total.. No problems (knock on wood) yet... I wouldn't know what to do without my timer..

 

I have 3 my self 1 for the actinics 1 for the full and another for the moon lights, if you are planning on having corals and by some reason you are away, they might suffer from lack of light since they feed like plants. (using lights) timers are cheap and a piece of mind, by means of not having to be turning on and off the lights manually.

 

Hi, I've had my Coralife- Power Center ever since I first built my reef in October 2006. I still have one running on my tank till this day. My lights have not shown any signs of damage by the on/off cycle. I did notice the timer stopped working though (I just had to clean the dust and salt creep and timers began to work) but everything else works fine (lucky for me I have 2). Some timers (just like these) can be used as wave-makers as well. IMO- Timers are a must.

 

I have 5 timers plugged into my squid, So I have act come on, then middle halides then outside halides, then at night moonlight. Even have one on my refugium light to run opposite daylights to helps stabilize Ph? So I've heard anyway

 

timers are a must, photosynthetic invertebrates need consistent lighting not just in the amount of hours but in when the hours happen as well

 

What kind of lighting do you have ? Is it flourecent or MH? Timers are a must but if you are using MH I would suggest something stronger than a regular lamp timer for them because of the current draw on start-up . Regular lamp timers are perfect for Flourecent and moon lights. I am an electrician so I am speaking from experience.

 

^ I heard the same thing. B/c of the current draw, you need to use the Coralife Digital Power Center with any MH lights.