Dimmable T-5's and Sim Stick are so Cool!!!!!

[Harry_Fish]

I just finished installing it last night.

(I should have taken pictures of the install)

I replaced the old ballast in my Nova Extreme Pro with
three dimmable ballast, and slipped in 2 Simu-L Sticks.

It took some effort to get it all nicely installed
(I'm fussy), but when it was done it was well worth it

Now I can say is wow, the reds at sunset brings in
a whole new look, and the dimming is sweet.

 

[kidney514]

OK harry you've ask for that one....

Where are the picture of your install?

 

[Harry_Fish]

I did not take any I was too busy trying to get it all done
and trying to keep it looking as "factory" as possible.

From the outside it looks stock, the only tell tale is that I removed one of
the power cables and have the lines to the controller coming out of that spot.

But....

You may still see some as I'm thinking about opening it back up to re-enable
the manual power switches as a manual override for when I add fish.

 

[Harry_Fish]

.

 

[kidney514]

I ordered my sticks (2), but I am wondering how to installed to get the best effect possible
I have 7 foot tank, and looks like i would put them 1/3 and 2/3, but the problem is that I have brace exactly there, Also don't know how high to put them.

 

[kidney514]

oh, here is my build thread.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1358663

 

[Harry_Fish]

I would put 3 SimuSticks on that tank for the best coverage

Mine are proabably about 4" off the water

 

[kidney514]

Re: Dimmable T-5's and Sim Stick are so Cool!!!!!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12298017#post12298017 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Harry_Fish
I replaced the old ballast in my Nova Extreme Pro with
three dimmable ballast, and slipped in 2 Simu-L Sticks.

Did you get the Ibar or it's DIY project?

 

[Harry_Fish]

Here is a picture of the Ballast Dimmable interface and
the Simu-L sticks (wihout the reflector or bulbs installed).

I mounted the interface in a small plastic project box (from Radio
Shack) to Insulate it from the metal housing of the light fixture.

I used Zip ties (with monnting holes) to install the Simu-L Sticks
since the included mounts were a little large to fit (Tight fit).

 

[AQD_ottawa]

That is one neat installation, if you can get some video uploaded i know many would love to see it.

Great job!

 

[Harry_Fish]

Thank you.

It was a long install....

I really like them

There is a video someone else has up on YouTube, Just search the site for Profilux.

 

[kidney514]

What model are they? Might get started on that project!

 

[kidney514]

ok here is the result off my research:

Advance Mark 7 RZT-2S54 120v (or 277v for other countries than USA)
Sylvania Quicktronic QT2x54/120 PHO-DIM (or QT2x54/277 PHO-DIM outside of USA)
these will dim with a low-voltage system.

 

[AQD_ottawa]

Lorin,
progressive growth have the dimmable ballasts and so do Cherry Corals. We only imported a few so I would not think too long!

 

[kidney514]

Was just trying to help others, personally I will wait for the price to go down abit and hopefully, maybe they will have 72" by then.

I just don't see myself staggering 4 fixture in my tank.

 

[Harry_Fish]

And Cherry Corals have the best price I've seen for these

 

[chadfarmer]

harry fish--- what did you buy besides the ballast for your setup

 

[Stoneyscoral]

Great looking install Harry.

I love the fact that you swapped out the ballasts in an existing fixture so you could get the features offered by dimmable ballasts and Profilux control.

So cool!

 

[Harry_Fish]

chadfarmer, You will need to get a dimmable interface along with the ballast.

One interface is good for 2 ballast, or in my case 2 channels of ballast.

I had to double them up since I did not have enough open ports.
(I need to get an EX upgrade (or port card), to get more ports)

I have 1 ballast with 2 blue bulbs on Illumination 1 and
2 ballasts wit 1 blue and 3 white bulbs on Illumination 2.

Then the moonlights on Illumination 3 and the Sun Rise/Set on Illumination 4.



Stonyscoral, Thank you, I tried to keep it as factory looking as possible.


They really are nice!