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Coral Vue Hydros

Thinking about DIY dimmable T5.


Sancho

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I am really good at building stuff. Not so good with the technical stuff. My thoughts are to build a DIY t5 fixture that my current AI Hydra can be mounted to. I basically want to build a ghetto ATI. I have built t5 fixtures in the past. Pretty basic stuff reflectors, sockets and a ballast. Looking at the dims I have to work with It would be a 3 bulb 24" fixture. 3 bulbs seem a bit odd but I can fit 2 in front of the hydra and 1 behind it. No sense in lighting the rear AIO filter chamber. Has anyone done this? I would like it to be dimmable controlled via Apex. Is this possible? All the dimmable ballast I see have a analog dimmer. If this can be done what do I need to buy? Is it true that dimming T5HO bulbs reduce their lifespan? Any input on this would be appreciated.

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HEP and Centium dimmable ballasts use 0-10v for dimming so you can hook them up straight to the VV ports on the apex. As for running only 1 bulb off a ballast if the ballast supports it, it can be done but not really recommended. Although having a Hydra for LED and dimming T5 bulbs is redundant and there's no point. You want ramp up and down use the LED for that.

 

Also good programmed start dimmable ballasts are over 3x the price of non-dimmable.

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No need to dim T5s leave that for the LEDS. If you do a 2-3bulb fixture it will add light for sure but not enough to where you feel that you should dim. I do LOVE DIY so can't wait to see build!

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jedimasterben

HEP makes 1, 2 and 3 lamp dimmable ballasts. (not sure what wattage the 3 lamp runs)

Actually getting them, and in 120v, is the main problem ;)

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jedimasterben

Crap...you're right. Non-dimmable easy in 120. Dimmable not so much. What gives......?

Little demand for that sort of thing.

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Here : http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/365697-radiont5-retrofit-design-finally-built/

 

Non dimmable ...but honestly use the hydra to control intensity and let the t5 supplement.

I had pretty good growth with it ..

 

On the aquatic life fixture the ballast are just below the reflectors so easy access. It you can get a ATI cdimmable controller and replace the aquatic life controller it would work. I also seriously considered that. Apex is a differ story ..

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If i buy all the parts separately my cart came to be about $150. This seems like a great deal. This was just something I was thinking about. If i get it I will update build here

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