Dimming Aquarium Lighting (Juwel Rio 125)

[serbusfish]

I have a Juwel Rio 125 with standard T5 bulbs and in my opinion they are too bright so I want to try and dim them a bit, pehaps like in this video:

http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=KT9CVjqjy6Y

What would be the best way to go about doing this?

 

[mike455555]

if you can floating plants? it will make the fish less stressed as well i think

 

[serbusfish]

if you can floating plants? it will make the fish less stressed as well i think

I have a lot of water current/surface disturbance so I think floating plants would either get pushed to one side of the tank or would be pulled back and forth by the current.

I see you can buy different bulbs for my light unit, though I dont know if any have a dimmer light?

 

[bodge99]

Hello,

It is possible to use dimmable electronic ballasts for T5 and T8 tubes..

The technology has changed somewhat since I last did a mod like this (it appears to be better!).

Try a google search for "dimmable ballasts" or a see this link to the first manufacturer I tried http/www.tridonic....le-ballasts.asp

I'm unsure how cost effective this route would be compared to the possibilities of LED lighting (esp. DIY solutions)...

I'm going to research modern electronic dimmable ballasts... with a view to writing a post for the forum (if anyone is interested).

Bodge99.

 

[njstockley]

Tin foil aroind he bulb or that maybe electricians tape.

 

[serbusfish]

Tin foil aroind he bulb or that maybe electricians tape.

Good idea, with a lot of DIY solutions overheating becomes a problem but obviously tinfoil would be fine

 

[STANNY]

I also have a rio 125 and had the same issue. I simply stole a pair of my partners tights, cut off one leg, and placed the whole lighting unit (the centre section of the lid) inside, then tied a knot at the open end of the tight to keep it tight and prevent it from sliding off. Works a treat and obviously tights come in different shades and thicknesses, so just cut up all your partners tights until you find the perfect shade!

 

[bodge99]

Hello,

FYI, I'm going to post something on dimmable ballasts later tonight...

Bodge99.

 

[Ralphw62]

I was thinking those colored films you see in arts and crafts or office supply stores, try different strips on the glass?

have also seen thicker sticky ones in auto parts stores

personally I'm waiting for a blue LED strip that I'm going to play around with

I have t5 lights so I seem to be limited in my tube selections

saw this http/1000bulbs.com/category/dimmable-fluorescent-ballasts/

 

[bodge99]

Hello

Dimming sleeves:

http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Coloured-Fluorescent-tube-filter-sleeves-/330568870405?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Lighting_Lamps_Lighting_SM&var=&hash=item4cf770aa05

http/www.ebay.com/itm/T8-Fluorescent-Dimming-Sleeve-Tubeguard-NEW-/260759034363

Bodge99

 

[Ralphw62]

My hood 40gal(38) came with a 24" single T8 and it was off to one side.....did not like it at all
well I removed that and replaced it with a double 36inch T5 strip, if I had known I would have went with bigger tubes just for the varieties in local stores.
I'm very limited with these t5s, locally.
I will be interested in reading about dimmable ballasts....
Like I said before I'm waiting on a LED submersible light strip that I plan to stick next to the florescent fixture and have at least 2 switches.
I might even have 3 switches,one for each tube and the LED.

 

[bodge99]

Hello,

Just in case you missed it...

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/413071-dimmable-fluorescent-lights/

More when I can..

Bodge99

 

[chiplite]

You could also look into Theatrical Gel. There is a type of gel called Neutral density. It cuts the light down by "F Stops"
 
I built an LED/RGB Canopy and light system for my cichlid tank.Here's a a YOUTUBE video.

 
 
I made a 1 minute cross fade from moonlight to daylight.
Then to show just how subtle it was there is a 3 second "sunset.




I am about to build my big tank. 120 long. I will be making a canopy and the lights
will be in what I call a "trolley" It will sit inside the canopy,
able to push back an inch to feed, and sit front end up at an angle for full
access, and removable