Mars Aqua Ramp timer?

Scottedontknow · 07/19/2016, 10:00 AM

Okay so i have a Mars Aqua 165w led light. i replaced all the LEDs to better suit my tanks needs (14k, 20k, better reds and UVs, ill post that DIY if anyone wants) but i would love to buy/diy a ramp timer of sorts. i want to be able to do daylight, moon light but the unit only has dimmer knobs and cant ramp up or down on a plug in timer. anyone have any ideas on how to go about it?

kendrid · 07/19/2016, 01:27 PM

Almost all of the Chinese fixtures can be controlled by a controller such as an Apex if you modify the lights. Search for 'chinese led apex control' on Google and you will find threads on how to do it.

I have never seen a stand alone light only controller for the lights that you can add on later. You can buy the Chinese boxes with ramping built in. If you don't have an Apex/etc you could sell your fixture and buy a fixture with ramping built in.

Scottedontknow · 07/19/2016, 02:13 PM

i didn't even think of that wow! so i can just remove the dimming knobs and with it back to my reef keeper?!

madweazl · 07/19/2016, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottedontknow

i didn't even think of that wow! so i can just remove the dimming knobs and with it back to my reef keeper?!

It isnt quite the simple but it isnt very hard either. I'm controlling mine from a Reef Angel (analog) and they work great. As suggested, search dimming black box and you'll find the info you need.

I used 3.5mm audio jacks for the I/O to the controller.

07/19/2016, 10:00 AM	#1
Scottedontknow Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Bethelehm, PA Posts: 138	Mars Aqua Ramp timer? Okay so i have a Mars Aqua 165w led light. i replaced all the LEDs to better suit my tanks needs (14k, 20k, better reds and UVs, ill post that DIY if anyone wants) but i would love to buy/diy a ramp timer of sorts. i want to be able to do daylight, moon light but the unit only has dimmer knobs and cant ramp up or down on a plug in timer. anyone have any ideas on how to go about it?

07/19/2016, 01:27 PM	#2
kendrid Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Lake in the hills, IL Posts: 806	Almost all of the Chinese fixtures can be controlled by a controller such as an Apex if you modify the lights. Search for 'chinese led apex control' on Google and you will find threads on how to do it. I have never seen a stand alone light only controller for the lights that you can add on later. You can buy the Chinese boxes with ramping built in. If you don't have an Apex/etc you could sell your fixture and buy a fixture with ramping built in.

07/19/2016, 02:13 PM	#3
Scottedontknow Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Bethelehm, PA Posts: 138	i didn't even think of that wow! so i can just remove the dimming knobs and with it back to my reef keeper?!