T5 Hybrid: To Go Dimmable vs Non-Dimmable

[shadow1013]

I'm looking to get the Aquatic Life T5 Hybrid fixture, either in the 36" or 48" depending on the tank size, paired with 2 or 3 Ecotech Marine XR15 G5 Blues. Would you go dimmable or go with the non-dimmable fixtures and why?

 

[kev.2013]

Non-dim.

have your LED’s do the ramping and turn the T5 on when the LED’s are fully ramped. That’s what I would do.

Reasoning: cheaper fixture, and if I’m not mistaken don’t bulbs need to be broken in before they can be dimmed properly?

 

[landlubber]

i run a dimmable ati 8 bulb 48" fixture and would recommend the ability to dim.
pros: allows natural and gradual lighting, alllows adjustment if things are too bright without having to omit bulbs.
cons: bulbs specify to not be dimmed in the first 50 hours meaning i separately burn bulbs in before i can implement them into my schedule. added expense

 

[PghReef]

I have non dimmable with my kessils to ramp up and down. There is no benefit for dimming really. Breaking in the bulbs is a pain as well, and the fixture is a lot more. You also need a controller to dim the bulbs or they run at 100% I believe. Just want worth it IMO.i ramp up the LEDs for morning, run 8 hours of that 100%, and ramp the LEDS back down at night.

 

[mwoodard14]

I have this setup in a 36” fixture without dimmer and use 2 Radion XR15 pros with it. To be honest with you I often find myself wondering if I need the T5’s with all the Radions have to offer.

 

[Daniel@R2R]

Non-dim.

have your LED’s do the ramping and turn the T5 on when the LED’s are fully ramped. That’s what I would do.

Reasoning: cheaper fixture, and if I’m not mistaken don’t bulbs need to be broken in before they can be dimmed properly?

This would be my line of thought as well.

 

[azazello]

Non dim