Dimmable T5 Retrofit Options

[Aaron Stone]

Any good suggestions on 0-10v dimmable T5 Retrofit or fixture option to flank 2 Kessil A500s? Preferably 2 x 36" lamps on either side of the Kessils.

Looking to fill the shadows a little on the Kessils. Don't really want to go LED strip because I hate, passionately hate, even a hint of disco or static that the spread out diodes and optics of bars give.

Thanks

 

[bobnicaragua]

I use reef brite retrofit T5, but they’re not dimmable. The easiest option would be to use the T5 for your daylight peak and let the Kessils handle the dimming.

I ran T5/Kessil on an SPS tank, nice shimmer and the acros did well.

 

[Aaron Stone]

I use reef brite retrofit T5, but they’re not dimmable. The easiest option would be to use the T5 for your daylight peak and let the Kessils handle the dimming.

I thought about that, but then a lose the shadow filling benefit for all times but peak. If I can't find a decent solution, this would be my next best option I think.

Thanks

 

[rtparty]

Aquatic Life used to have one but I think they discontinued it

AI Blade has zero disco effect

 

[Aaron Stone]

I have seen the AI blade in person, and you are right, the diffusers do a great job of flattening the light out. If I have to fall back to LEDs this where I will go, but... Holy Benjamin's Batman! The cost of these would keep me in T5 lamps until I die of old age!

 

[bobnicaragua]

I thought about that, but then a lose the shadow filling benefit for all times but peak. If I can't find a decent solution, this would be my next best option I think.

Ive always run 6-9 hours T5 with T5/LED hybrid. I know some people only run 4 hours. I don’t understand the drawback?

 

[Aaron Stone]

Ive always run 6-9 hours T5 with T5/LED hybrid. I know some people only run 4 hours. I don’t understand the drawback?

I am probably over thinking this, per usual. Part of my concern is aesthetic and part is a concern for the areas that would be shadowed if only the Kessils are running getting enough light.

Probably over thinking it too much.

 

[eggie]

2 AI Blades one on each side are good option go with the Grow less expensive then the glows and youll get the neon coral effect anyways

 

[Aaron Stone]

I think I found what I am looking for.

https://premiumaquatics.com/products/dimmable-36-2x39w-t5-retrofit-kit.html

 

[bobnicaragua]

I think I found what I am looking for.

https://premiumaquatics.com/products/dimmable-36-2x39w-t5-retrofit-kit.html

Nice, that’s pretty cheap too. I’m a big fan of incorporating T5 on acro tanks.

 

[danreef55]

Take a look at these https://aquacave.com/36-2x39w-dimmable-miro-t5-retrofit-kit.html

 

[Aaron Stone]

Nice, that’s pretty cheap too. I’m a big fan of incorporating T5 on acro tanks.

Yeah, my best growth and look was with MH supplemented with T5.

 

[Aaron Stone]

Take a look at these https://aquacave.com/36-2x39w-dimmable-miro-t5-retrofit-kit.html

Exactly what I found. Good to have another source. Thanks.

 

[rtparty]

I have seen the AI blade in person, and you are right, the diffusers do a great job of flattening the light out. If I have to fall back to LEDs this where I will go, but... Holy Benjamin's Batman! The cost of these would keep me in T5 lamps until I die of old age!

1 Blade is equal to 1.5 - 2 T5 bulbs. You may only
need 1 for your setup.

I do wish they would drop the price 20-25% though. They’d be much more appealing that way

 

[Aaron Stone]

1 Blade is equal to 1.5 - 2 T5 bulbs. You may only
need 1 for your setup.

I do wish they would drop the price 20-25% though. They’d be much more appealing that way

Do you make that statement on a PAR, or coverage dimension metric?

It's a good point. I was thinking more along the lines of two fore and aft of the Kessils, the same as T5 bulbs. Maybe one would work. Gonna look into that.

 

[rtparty]

Do you make that statement on a PAR, or coverage dimension metric?

It's a good point. I was thinking more along the lines of two fore and aft of the Kessils, the same as T5 bulbs. Maybe one would work. Gonna look into that.

Both. I ran 3 of the 57” over my 72*36*22 tank had coverage and PAR for SPS anywhere I wanted. I only ended up using 5 since I wanted absolute overkill blanket of light

 

[Aaron Stone]

Both. I ran 3 of the 57” over my 72*36*22 tank had coverage and PAR for SPS anywhere I wanted. I only ended up using 5 since I wanted absolute overkill blanket of light

Good to know.

Thank you.

 

[Uncle99]

I think I found what I am looking for.

https://premiumaquatics.com/products/dimmable-36-2x39w-t5-retrofit-kit.html

You need to also buy the controller to dim the light.
Why dim your T5’s?

I just DIY three Sunblaster (Amazon) 48” T5, you can link as many as you want, 24” to 48” lengths.
Bulbs were Blue Plus, SuperPurple, and Antinic.

Just on and off though, no ramp, but for under $300 bulbs included.

Love T5.

 

[Aaron Stone]

You need to also buy the controller to dim the light.
Why dim your T5’s?

I just DIY three Sunblaster (Amazon) 48” T5, you can link as many as you want, 24” to 48” lengths.
Bulbs were Blue Plus, SuperPurple, and Antinic.

Just on and off though, no ramp, but for under $300 bulbs included.

Love T5.

I have a controller capable of 0-10v signal output for dimming, not a problem on that point.

 

[Beruka]

Seems T5 dimmable ballast for dual or quad (4 foot) 54W T5 bulbs are becoming less available. 4' ATI Sunpower Dimmable lamps are not sold by BRS anymore either. I know this as my Sunpower had flicker and took it down at maybe 7 years old. Did see a few 39 watt dimmable options in commercial or hobbyist places

Not a plug in anysense, just hobbyist and based on options I got two of the newer stratons. Tank is a little rough as light died and recovering at 30% LED output. Haze is from recent cleaning detritus out. They were pain to hang with after market parts but performance is great and runs very cool, has great spectrum options and easy to program once connected. I really only did it based on options out now. It needs to run 6-8 years to be on cost basis of new t5 lamp including energy and annual bulb changes.