Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i'm not sure what they are called... photo switches, maybe. but some one was telling me you can wire your lighting through a swtch that turns them on and off with the natural light. i know they sell these switches at the hardware store, but they do the opposite. turn them on at night. anybody know anything about these???

There has to exist something like that - same thing that will turn a porch light on after dark... though I'm not sure if it's available as a "plug in" sort of thing, might only be available as an electronic component that you'd have to wire together into something else.
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Lauren Madar - OphidiaGems.com | CageMakers
1.1 Ball Python, 1.0 Hog Island Boa, 1.1 Hypo BCI, 1.1 Surinam BCC, 1.1 Saharan Sand Boa

you can use a helix system for your photo period's. It's easy to install, or you could just use a timer to your light source.

easy as 1 2 3

I have some, that I use for Xmas lights.
They plug into a std outlet. They have time on/off setting that you set yourself. Ten plug the lights into them. Light go on/ff as scheduled and I don't have to remember to turn off the Xmas lights. : )

Right, but the question was if there is a light-detection version that could turn a device on or off depending on the existing lighting in the area, coming through a window.

I use timers for my lighting, too, and they're cheap, but need adjusting as seasons change, I think that's why the original poster is looking for light-sensitive ones.
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Lauren Madar - OphidiaGems.com | CageMakers
1.1 Ball Python, 1.0 Hog Island Boa, 1.1 Hypo BCI, 1.1 Surinam BCC, 1.1 Saharan Sand Boa

A Photo cell is what you are after. It detects when darkness falls -so switches ON what ever you have wired up. I am a little sceptical of these, (i bought two this season but will not be using them ) Here in the UK, some times as was last week, it was realy overcast - I mean really dull, and this lasted a few days. The photocell in my porch lamp was on in the daytime!. Thus... I think I may have had problems with the photocell if I had them wired up to my cages. I would prefer using timers.
hope this helps
Alan
WWW.RHINOVIVS.EU

The poster wants one that works the opposite way, that detects daylight. They make plenty of switches that sense lack of light as they are used on things from lamp posts to vehicle headlights. I'm trying to think of any electric device that my employ something that works with daylight.

yes... i would like the lights to come on and shut off with the sun... very natural. i have a timer right now and is ok... would rather have the other though... no maintinence

I don't know if they are available on your side of the pond, but over here in the UK there is a company called Habistat that produces a product called a 'Sun Switch' that does exactly what you are looking for. Heres a link.........

www.habistat.net

I have used these before, but as Raptor1 said they are a little over sensitive to cloudy days (which we have a lot of over here!)

I now just rely on good old fashioned sunlight through the window with no artificial lighting at all.

Hope thats of some help.

Marc Norrie

www.selctivebred.com

thanks alot... i'll check it out... i'm in central california, so sunlight isn't usually a problem