Exo Terra Electronic Dimming Controller

Simulate natural lighting cycles, like sunrise and sunset, in your reptile's terrarium. Light cycle unit is more energy efficient than conventional ballasts and strip lights and eliminates flickering light, so there's less stress on reptiles. Innovative controllers feature water-resistant end caps for maximum safety and long, flexible end-cap leads, built-in timer, and on/off switch for added convenience. Units measure 7-5/8" x 4-1/8". Each unit fits two T10 or T8 fluorescent bulbs (not included). Position bulbs on top of terrarium's metal screen cover.

The timer can be set for three lighting periods - 10, 12 or 14 hours - to simulate the various seasonal daylight cycles found in nature. When a daytime cycle starts, it takes about 30 minutes for the light output of the bulb to reach 100%, simulating a natural dawn. At the end of each daytime cycle, it takes about 30 minutes to go from 100% light output to 0%, simulating a natural dusk. This is less stressful for the animals as it gives them time to retreat into their burrows or hiding places and even stimulates breeding behavior in many species of reptiles.

To attach T8 bulbs to a terrarium canopy, use convenient Coralife Heavy Duty Clips (sold separately). The clips are constructed of durable K-Resin to produce a rugged clip capable of withstanding harsh conditions of the terrarium.

Please click on "More Information" for directions for use, safety, installation, maintenance, and more.

Downloadable Dimming Controller Instructions PDF.
(Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 or later - get it here for free.)

Directions for Use:
The Exo Terra Electronic Dimming Controller provides a flexible lighting solution for your terrarium. Just mount the electronic ballast housing near the terrarium, and connect the fluorescent bulbs to the end caps. The long, flexible end-cap leads allow you to position the fluorescent bulbs very close to the animals, which is necessary when UVB bulbs are used. The long end-cap leads also provide versatility to mount bulbs over any type of terrarium, regardless of size.

Safety Instructions:
To guard against injury, basic safety precautions should be observed when handling the Controller, including the following:

1. Read and follow all safety instructions and important notices on the appliance before using. Failure to do so may result in damage to the appliance.
2. This appliance is NOT waterproof and must be protected from coming into contact with water.
3. To avoid possible electrical shock, special care should be taken. For each of the following situations, do not attempt repairs yourself; return the appliance to an authorized service facility or discard the appliance:
   • If the appliance falls into the water, do not reach for it! First, unplug it, and then retrieve it. If the electrical components get wet, unplug the appliance immediately.
   • Carefully examine the appliance after installation. It should not be plugged in if there is water on parts not intended to be wet.
   • Do not operate any appliance if it has a damaged electrical cord or plug, or if it is malfunctioning, or if it is dropped or damaged in any manner. The power cord cannot be replaced. If the cord is damaged, the appliance should be discarded. Never cut the cord.
   • To avoid the possibility of the plug or electrical outlet getting wet, position the appliance to one side of a wall-mounted outlet to prevent water from dripping onto the outlet or plug. A drip loop should be arranged. The drip loop is that part of the cord below the level of the unit and the outlet, or the connector if an extension cord is used, to prevent water from traveling along the cord and coming in contact with the outlet or appliance. If the plug or outlet does get wet, do not unplug the electrical cord. Disconnect the fuse or circuit breaker that supplies power to the appliance, then unplug and examine for presence of water in the outlet.
4. To reduce the risk of injury, close supervision is necessary when the appliance is used by or near children.
5. To avoid injury, do not contact hot parts.
6. Always unplug an appliance from an outlet when not in use, before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning. Never yank cord to pull plug from outlet. Grasp the plug and pull to disconnect.
7. Do not use the appliance for other than intended use. The use of attachments not recommended or sold by the appliance manufacturer may cause an unsafe condition.
8. Do not install or store the appliance where it will be exposed to weather or to temperatures below freezing.
9. Do not install the controller housing near filter outputs or expose it to water spray or humidity. Do not submerge in water. Ensure sufficient air space around the heat vents. The safety of this appliance is guaranteed only provided that the bulbs, adaptors, and controller are properly installed.
10. If an extension cord is necessary, a cord with a proper rating should be used. A cord rated for less amperes or watts than the appliance rating may overheat. Care should be taken to arrange the cord so that it will not be tripped over or pulled.
11. This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). As a safety feature, this plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Never use an extension cord unless plug can be fully inserted. Do not attempt to defeat this safety feature.

Follow these instructions whenever installing T8/T10 fluorescent tubes:

• Recommended for use with T8 (25 mm / 1" diameter) or T10 (32 mm / 1-1/4" diameter) fluorescent bulbs.
• This equipment is for indoor use only.
• Disconnect the plug of this controller, and any other electrical equipment used for the terrarium, paludarium or aquatic terrarium, before placing your hands in the water and/or performing maintenance of any kind.
• Whenever installing, removing or changing fluorescent tubes, or maintaining, installing, or removing the controller or any other equipment, always ensure that it is unplugged.
  1. The controller housing provides a slot for suspending the housing on a securely fastened screw head. The controller housing should be located in a properly ventilated area, away from humidity, moisture, flammable objects and fragile surfaces. The housing is equipped with ventilation slots to allow heat to escape. Do not obstruct these vents in any way and ensure that any dust or debris is promptly removed.
  2. To install fluorescent bulbs of the correct diameter and wattage, first determine which bulb diameter you wish to install (T8 or T10). For T8 bulbs, adaptors are supplied for this purpose. The adaptors should be snapped into the end caps before installing the bulbs. T10 bulbs fit directly into the end caps supplied with this controller. Note: For safety purposes it is recommended that either two T8 or two T10 bulbs be installed. Do not install a combination of T8 and T10 bulbs.
  3. Insert the bulb into the end cap so that the pins align with the internal sockets. Push while inserting the bulb into the end cap to ensure a positive connection.
  4. Once the fluorescent bulbs have been inserted into the end caps, position the bulbs on top of the metal screen cover of the terrarium (not over the glass as UVB light does not penetrate glass). Ensure that the surface of the screen cover is flat and even so that the bulbs will not roll. Ensure that the bulbs are positioned over the top metal screen portion of the terrarium and not over any glass, plastic parts or other flammable material. Failure to do so could result in a possible fire hazard.
  5. Keep controller out of reach of children. Keep unit away from curtains or other flammable objects.

Setting the Timer:

1. Ensure that the controller is turned on.
2. To test if the controller is functioning properly, move the indicator to "Cycle Test" and press the "Start Test" button. This allows the controller to perform an automatic internal check of its system. The night/day light indicators will illuminate sequentially as the controller performs the test (which takes about 2 minutes).
3. When the test is completed, select preferred lighting period (10, 12 or 14 hours) by moving the switch to the appropriate indicator. For example, if the "10 Hours" is selected, it means that the light will stay on for 10 hours.

Note: When the controller is initially turned "On" the bulbs will not illuminate for approximately 2 minutes. This is normal and is a function of the "Ramp Up" program.

The built-in timer is geared to begin activating the light cycle at the same time each day. For example, if the unit is turned on at 9:00 a.m. on the first day of operation, then it will automatically begin activating the light cycle at 9:00 a.m. on every subsequent day. It will continue activating the cycle daily at the same time unless the power is interrupted (unit is switched on/off, power failure, etc.). When the power is restored, the timer will automatically adjust and the cycle will re-activate based on the time that the power was restored. To change the timer's start cycle simply turn off the unit, then turn it back on at the new time you want the light cycle to start activating.

Maintenance:

Warning:

• Disconnect the plug of this controller, and any other electrical equipment used for the terrarium, paludarium or aquatic terrarium, before placing your hands in the water and/or performing maintenance of any kind.
• Whenever installing, removing or changing fluorescent tubes, or maintaining, installing, or removing the controller or any other equipment, always ensure that it is unplugged.
• The electrical supply cords of this controller cannot be replaced. If any of the cords are damaged, the entire unit should be discarded.

Cleaning:

1. Do not place the controller housing near filter outputs or expose it to water spray or humidity. Do not submerge in water.
2. Ensure that the heat vents are kept free and clear of any obstruction, dust and debris. Use a cloth to wipe away any debris that may obstruct the heat vents.
3. No special maintenance is required for the controller other than periodic cleaning with a cloth (never use harsh chemical products or detergents). To remove the calcareous deposits (bulb sockets), it is recommended to use a mild acid such as vinegar, followed by a thorough wipe down with a damp cloth to remove any residue.