Dimmable Setup?

[tikalize]

I am making the switch over from MH to T5 on my 180gal. I just bought a 6x80watts Icecap retro & i am about to add 4x54watts on 2 dimmable ballast. Also about to get (2) Simu sticks. My bulbs that i have so far are
ATI Blue Plus (3)
Giesemann Midday (2)
ATI Aquablue (1)

My question is what bulbs do i need to add to the 4X54 Dimming Ballast To make use of what my Ex has to offer? & what order do you suggest?

 

[AQD_ottawa]

All comes down to what effect you want to achieve

Do you want to use the dimmables for -

having subtle light increase and decrease at the start and end of the lighting cycle, and also utilise the cloud pass over simulation.

Increase moon effect

or both of the above?

 

[tikalize]

both of the above. Thanks.

 

[AQD_ottawa]

Two lamps with daylight tube

Two with actinics

both on seperate dimming channels.

 

[Tony Romano]

180 a 6' tank? What type of corals?

I have a 215 with sps - attempting to decide how to add PF lighting to setup.

 

[Stoneyscoral]

I have seen 4' T5's staggered for the best coverage.

 

[tikalize]

Two lamps with daylight tube

I see they they make 3000K, 6000K & 6500K Daylight tubes. What would be the best tube & should i mix 2 on 1 ballast? (3000K/6500K) Thanks.

 

[chachijoe75]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12114495#post12114495 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tikalize
I see they they make 3000K, 6000K & 6500K Daylight tubes. What would be the best tube & should i mix 2 on 1 ballast? (3000K/6500K) Thanks.

I use 6 tubes (48"). 1 6500º GE, 2 Super Actinics and 3 12K ATI. I have the actinics on one ballast and the rest on another.

With the Solar 750 I just got from you I'll dim the daylights and just have the blue bulbs come on. The Profilux will be the external timer for the dimmer. I really like Profilux's light bars, but I need to override and at this time that is not an option...must use IceCap