ok so im going to start saving up for lights as they seem to be quite practical for me since its too cold in winter and too hot in summer. right now im looking for a timer for my current light but i dont know what im looking for. theres some that say 3 hour shut-off or 6 hours. i need one that will automatically turn on for 12-16 hours a day and turn off as well. i noticed that i dont have the diligence to wake up early every morning and im messing with the plants' day times. can anyone point me towards an economical timer that does just that? how do you guys go about it

I forget how much but reasonable at Home Depot.

mine cost me 3 bucks!

where?!

Mine Cost Me 3 Bucks
 

Yeah, maybe at a second-hand (Goodwill) or a garage sale.
Possibly as a close-out.
Usually they're gonna be 6-8 bucks.
Try hardware stores or Fred Meyers (if you have FM there.)

thats still cheap. i thought they were like 20's or so. anyways, no we have ace hardware here along with the typical hd and lowes

so i got 2 of these t8s:

Walmart.com: Lights of America 24" Fluorescent Grow Light Fixture: Decor

but the person i got them from says the bulbs are 7800k. how much lumens does that amount to and is this a good amount of light? thanks

I went to the link and the description of product says it is 4200k.

i know but the owner clarified that the bulbs are different and not the originals. his are 7800k. regardless, would they be suitable. im still not all up to par with this kelvin and lumens stuff. guess i took 2 years of physics and chemistry for nothing :/ lol