6
1. Basics
For nearly all living organisms, light is an essential factor. Therefore, the lighting in aquaria is not
only for aesthetic viewing, but the primary energy provision for plants - and zooxanthellers living in
corals.
Apart from being an energy provider, the light has further implications for animals. Stone corals
synchronize their reproduction cycles with the phases of the moon. In this way, a large quantity of
animals synchronize their spawning. This increases the probability of successful fertilization.
The Aqua Medic Light Computer is able to regulate not only the daylight, it also simulates the
natural cycles of the moon. The intensity of the simulated moonlight varies during the 28 day cycle
from full moon to new moon.
2. Features
The Light Computer has three adjustable channels. The first two are for daylight and can be set like
a standard timer. The third is for controlling the moon light cycles.
Daylight:
Channel 1:
For every single on- and off-time for the main lighting (i. e. metal halide lamp) is a
load requirement of 6 Amp, 750 Watt.
Channel 2:
For every single on- and off-time for the secondary lighting (i. e. fluorescent lamps)
is a load requirement 1.6 Amp, 150 Watt.
Moonlight:
Channel 3:
For 230 Volt light bulbs, maximum 100 W. This channel is dependent on channel 1.
In order to generate a natural twilight, the moonlight works before the switchoff of the main
lighting (channel 1) initially parallel with full output for a certain time. This time is known as „intro-
time“.
After switching off the main lighting, the moonlight remains on at full power for a limited time
(diminishing time). After completion of this time, the moonlight generates the required brightness
until the next morning.
In the morning, the same procedure follows: Before main lighting is switched on, the moonlight
increases to full intensity (intro-time). After the main lighting starts, the moonlight remains on for
the continued (diminishing) time.
The light is adjusted as follows: 75% of power by full moon, 12% of power by new moon (fishes
need some light for their orientation).
3. Description of the front panel
1. Digital display
2. TIME/DATE button
3. ON/OFF button
4/5. + and - buttons
6. Programming-button SUN
for day light
7. Programming-button MOON
for moon-cycle control
