Light Dimmer

my large tanks are all on timers.


reverse photo period on the fuge for the marine tank.. lights ans solenoid for co2 on timer for planted 75.

I just use the cheapie timers like http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/416V6RRCJ1L.jpg

I find them at lowes or home depot
even wally world

I think the OP is asking if anyone has them timed to dimmers that will slowly bring them from 0%(off) to 100%.

Something like that would probably cost more than it would be worth to your average individual. You won't see any improved growth in your tank because of it, if that's what you're asking.

dont think i'v ever heard of a flourescent light that works on a dimmer

I've read about people who have multiple lights on their tank that go on and off at different times to give the illusion of the light getting dimmer or brighter.

bushwhacker said:

dont think i'v ever heard of a flourescent light that works on a dimmer

Click to expand...

There are CFL's that work on dimmers. Also, there are tubes which, with some help from the ballast, can dim to below 50% original output without wasting any overhead power. Basically the electronic ballast cycles the bulbs on/off 20,000 times per second instead of the 60 you get from household current(this is why some people, sometimes, can see them "flickering"). You can drop the amount of time the lights are left on for, the frequency, but leave the amplitude alone, and this dims them. That's not exact, but that's the gist of it.

The dimmable spiral cfls don't always work with regular dimmer switches. I had 2 of 4 or 5 quit working after using 1-3 times, not worth it to me.

Fluorescent bulbs don't like to be dimmed, and its harder to do so. Need a different style to do that, such as LED. Even then, as said, the cost is quite high, unless your handy with micro-controllers and code.

I am curious as to why you are asking this. Is it for the benefit of those viewing the tank or is there some benefit you are trying to give the fish?