High-Performance Aquaculture, Fish Farming, and Fisheries Services
Offering Sustainability, Profitability, and Excellence...since 1982

Be sure to visit our Start Here, Background, and Services pages.

Fisheries Technology Associates is a world leader in aquaculture, fish farming, fish culture, and fisheries management consulting services.  For more than 27 years we have delivered the quality of service and experience that our clients expect and deserve.

Sunrise/Sunset Simulation Technology

Simulation of sunrise and sunset (also called dawn/dusk simulation): Benefits to you and your animals--an investment that pays for itself

Click here to download a lighting flyer in PDF format.

Lighting System Questions and Answers

Fisheries Technology Associates has developed electronic circuitry to simulate sunrise and sunset.  For the first time, you can produce a more natural lighting regimen for your fish stocks or other light-sensitive animals such as poultry, swine, dairy cattle, beef cattle, and aquarium pets.

Q: "What is sunrise/sunset simulation?"

A: We have developed electronic lighting-control circuitry that simulates gradually rising and falling light intensity, just as we see at dawn and dusk.  Our extensive circuit testing shows that these changes in light intensity, as a function of time, follow a so-called sigmoidal or S-shaped curve, just as we see in nature.  So, the effect is very real and true.

Q: "Specifically, how does the technology work?"

A: A common analog or digital timer (or computer, or PLC, or other timing device) which you provide controls when the circuitry is automatically activated or deactivated.  When activated, the circuit begins a process of gradual increase of power (a period of time that you can select and change as you wish; see specifications below) to the lighting fixtures.  Light levels slowly "ramp up" from dark to full bright.  Similarly, when the circuit is deactivated, light levels "ramp down" from full bright to dark over the same period of time.

Q: "What are the benefits of sunrise/sunset simulation?"

A: We have all seen the reaction of fish and other animals when lights are activated or deactivated ("turned on or off") instantaneously.  They immediately become frantic and agitated, often swimming or moving erratically, and can injure themselves as they collide violently with tank walls or other objects.  These are stressful events that occur twice per day!  Damage to the fish's snout is common and can lead to infection.  Benefits from our technology can include the following:

Q: "Is this technology for new installations only?"

A: No!  Our technology can be easily incorporated into your existing lighting system.

Q: "Is this technology appropriate with all types of lighting?"

A: No.  The circuit can be used with incandescent lighting fixtures only.  The circuit will not function properly with fluorescent or halogen lighting.  Please note, because of the high levels of UV light emitted by fluorescent and halogen fixtures, research suggests that incandescent lighting is most appropriate for use around and near fish.  However, if you wish to use existing lighting, we can configure your existing system to augment, and activate and deactivate "in synchrony" with, a new sunrise/sunset system, thereby eliminating the need to remove existing lighting while still gaining benefits of the sunrise/sunset circuitry.  Please contact us for details or clarification.

Q: "Can I use this technology to extend day length in outdoor applications?"

A: Yes.  When used to extend day length over outdoor tanks, raceways, or other production systems, this technology provides your animals with additional time to feed and grow.

Q: "What are the circuit's electrical specifications?"

A: Input power--117 VAC 50/60 Hz; input current--10 A rms at full load; minimum load--75 W nominal at 117 VAC; maximum load--1,200 W nominal at 117 VAC; ramp time range--30 sec-128 min in 30-sec increments.

Q: "Is an investment in lighting-control circuitry a wise choice?"

A: Yes.  Without a doubt it's a wise investment, given the benefits that can be realized by using this technology (e.g., reduced feed costs, reduced mortality, shorter grow-out times, reduced costs for medications, etc.).  Within a short period of time, your investment will pay for itself.

Q. "Is your device reliable?"

A: Yes.  This is a solid-state device with no moving parts (no servos or motors), so it is very reliable and stable.  With the exception of a fuse designed to protect other components against electrical spikes, there are no parts that wear out or burn out.

Q: "Does the circuitry include an enclosure?"

A: No.  Requirements of our clients vary too widely for us to offer a standard enclosure for the circuits.  Generally, we recommend that you mount the circuits in a waterproof electrical box or other code-compliant fixture of your choosing.

Q: "Do you offer a guarantee or warranty?"

A: Yes.  Our device is warranted against defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one year.

Q: "How many circuits will I need to cover my facility?"

A: You will need at least one circuit for each unique lighting regimen within your facility (for example, at least one circuit for an area in your facility with a 10-hour day and at least one circuit for another area with a 16-hour day).  The maximum coverage of one circuit (depending on species; contact us for advice) is about 2,000 square feet (186 square meters).  Assume 1,200 W maximum load per circuit and light levels in your facility of about 10 foot-candles.  For areas larger than 2,000 square feet, you may need more than one circuit.

Q: "What is the cost of one circuit; what is the cost to cover my entire facility?"

A: You pay a one-time licensing fee of US$600 per circuit (multiple circuits are required for loads larger than 1,200 W or multiple lighting regimens).  The licensing fee permits you to possess and use this technology indefinitely, and includes use of assembled circuitry hardware that we provide, installation and operation instructions, and shipping.  This fee does not include ownership rights, design rights, or assistance in designing your lighting system (we are available for an additional fee to assist you with your overall lighting design or the design of your production facility).  Contact us by telephone or e-mail to discuss your needs and payment options (we accept checks, credit cards, PayPal, and purchase orders from government agencies).  Click here to place an order with credit cards or PayPal.

• FTA Home • Back •

Send mail to info@ftai.com with questions or comments about this web site.  Contact us.  Copyright © 1998-2009 Fisheries Technology Associates, Inc.  All rights reserved.  Do not copy or reproduce without permission.  Disclaimer: Inclusion of names of other companies or organizations or their services or products on this web site does not constitute endorsement of those companies or organizations or their services or products by Fisheries Technology Associates, Inc. or its employees.