Modification of T5 Fixture

Spyderturbo007 · 05/16/2013, 07:20 AM

Can anyone tell me how to make my AquaticLife 4-bulb T5HO fixture dimmable?

I have the 48" version found here.

I would really like it to be able to be controlled by my Apex, but have no clue where to start.

ganjero · 05/16/2013, 07:24 AM

You need two of these or something comparable to start

Spyderturbo007 · 05/16/2013, 07:58 AM

Any idea of how to wire them up? I've been searching for any type of DIY, but can't find anything.

ganjero · 05/16/2013, 08:17 AM

The ballast should be wired the same as the current ballast, you will have to extra wire for dimming, I'm not sure how is the interface with the APEX but being only 2 extra wires per ballast it shouldn't be too hard. There are plenty of threads about wiring LEDS to the APEX controller, this should be similar.

Sylvania also has some dimmable ballasts, you can see some diagrams here

BTW I think is too much work and money to do such mod to that fixture. I also don't see a great benefit of dimming T5 bulbs, especially in a 4 bulb fixture. Just my opinion.

Spyderturbo007 · 05/16/2013, 09:02 AM

My thinking is that it would be better for the tank inhabitants if the lights didn't suddenly turn on and off every day. Perhaps I'm just assuming they are like me and aren't fans of having a light shined in their eyes every morning while sleeping.

I would like to go with LEDs, but I'm not set on the cost and the reviews. My corals are all doing just find under the T5s and I've read some bad things about switching to LEDs.

05/16/2013, 07:20 AM	#1
Spyderturbo007 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: PA Posts: 2,564	Modification of T5 Fixture Can anyone tell me how to make my AquaticLife 4-bulb T5HO fixture dimmable? I have the 48" version found here. I would really like it to be able to be controlled by my Apex, but have no clue where to start.

05/16/2013, 07:24 AM	#2
ganjero saiperchémibatteilcorazon Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 4,027	You need two of these or something comparable to start

05/16/2013, 07:58 AM	#3
Spyderturbo007 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: PA Posts: 2,564	Any idea of how to wire them up? I've been searching for any type of DIY, but can't find anything.

05/16/2013, 08:17 AM	#4
ganjero saiperchémibatteilcorazon Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 4,027	The ballast should be wired the same as the current ballast, you will have to extra wire for dimming, I'm not sure how is the interface with the APEX but being only 2 extra wires per ballast it shouldn't be too hard. There are plenty of threads about wiring LEDS to the APEX controller, this should be similar. Sylvania also has some dimmable ballasts, you can see some diagrams here BTW I think is too much work and money to do such mod to that fixture. I also don't see a great benefit of dimming T5 bulbs, especially in a 4 bulb fixture. Just my opinion.

05/16/2013, 09:02 AM	#5
Spyderturbo007 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: PA Posts: 2,564	My thinking is that it would be better for the tank inhabitants if the lights didn't suddenly turn on and off every day. Perhaps I'm just assuming they are like me and aren't fans of having a light shined in their eyes every morning while sleeping. I would like to go with LEDs, but I'm not set on the cost and the reviews. My corals are all doing just find under the T5s and I've read some bad things about switching to LEDs.