Controllable T5’s

[Jase4224]

Hi guys I need some help. I have two 80W T5’s that I would like to be able to control (sunrise/sunset) without the sudden on/off that I can’t stand.

I assume that I need to get dimmable ballasts but how do I control them?

I have seen controllers for diy LEDs such as the bluefish and the storm X but I want something like this for T5 control.

Any suggestions appreciated!

 

[Diamond1]

You may not be able to do this with 5ft 80 watt bulbs all the dimmable ballasts I've seen max out at 48" and 54 watts.

 

[Larry L]

When I ran T5s I couldn't find any dimmable ballasts, I just had sets of bulbs on different timers that would turn on and off gradually.

 

[Diamond1]

These ballasts are controllable with an Apex VDM module but like I said they only run 54watt bulbs. BRS sells them in 24/39 watt also. They use 0-10volts dc to control them. The controllers you mentioned use PWM to control leds. I am looking into using reef-pi to use as a controller for a t5 led hybrid set up.
I am able to control my LEDs now I just have to figure out how to control the fluorescent ballasts with 0-10 volt dc.
https://www.amazon.com/Sylvania-49673-120PHO-DIM-Fluorescent-Ballast/dp/B000V5YL5O

 

[Jase4224]

These ballasts are controllable with an Apex VDM module but like I said they only run 54watt bulbs. BRS sells them in 24/39 watt also. They use 0-10volts dc to control them. The controllers you mentioned use PWM to control leds. I am looking into using reef-pi to use as a controller for a t5 led hybrid set up.
I am able to control my LEDs now I just have to figure out how to control the fluorescent ballasts with 0-10 volt dc.
https://www.amazon.com/Sylvania-49673-120PHO-DIM-Fluorescent-Ballast/dp/B000V5YL5O

Thanks for the info. I’m also looking at making a T5/LED combo using my old Giessman Infinity so removing the halides. Do you have a thread I can follow?

 

[Diamond1]

Thanks for the info. I’m also looking at making a T5/LED combo using my old Giessman Infinity so removing the halides. Do you have a thread I can follow?

I'll be testing and working it into my reef-pi build thread.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/reef-pi-build.482170/

 

[That Crusso Kid]

These ballasts are controllable with an Apex VDM module but like I said they only run 54watt bulbs. BRS sells them in 24/39 watt also. They use 0-10volts dc to control them. The controllers you mentioned use PWM to control leds. I am looking into using reef-pi to use as a controller for a t5 led hybrid set up.
I am able to control my LEDs now I just have to figure out how to control the fluorescent ballasts with 0-10 volt dc.
https://www.amazon.com/Sylvania-49673-120PHO-DIM-Fluorescent-Ballast/dp/B000V5YL5O

@Diamond1 - Here is the same ballast for about 1/3rd the cost. You can also find various other T5 dimmable ballasts on the same site.

https://ballastshop.com/qt2x54-120pho-dim-sylvania-49673-fluorescent-ballast/

https://ballastshop.com/amp/fluorescent-ballasts/t5-ballast/t5-dimming/?sort=bestselling&page=3

 

[Diamond1]

@Diamond1 - Here is the same ballast for about 1/3rd the cost. You can also find various other T5 dimmable ballasts on the same site.

https://ballastshop.com/qt2x54-120pho-dim-sylvania-49673-fluorescent-ballast/

https://ballastshop.com/amp/fluorescent-ballasts/t5-ballast/t5-dimming/?sort=bestselling&page=3

Those look great. Unfortunately I need the HEP 24/39 watt like the ones BRS sells for 65 bucks a pop.