my power cube

V · 04-20-2006, 10:12 AM

im in design phase overload! i have more projects bouncing off the inside of my head than i have time to create them in the physical!
im not going into any specifics at the moment, but i have a question in regards to lights, can a dimmer be applied to a lighting panel to control acclimation with our current lighting. im not even sure if PCom's and MH can handle a reduced lcurrent load. anyone know the answer?

kj_yoda · 04-20-2006, 11:06 AM

Interesting question... Never thought of that. I know that IceCap a while back had some sort of sunrise/sunset controller for their VHO lighting. Don't know if it was some sort of a dimmer, but that would make sense. Good luck

***Rob*** · 04-20-2006, 01:10 PM

to my knowledge, only incandescent (tungsten) lights can be "dimmed"
i know you cant dim a PC, or a VHO, and i assume you cant dim a MH.

Che · 04-29-2006, 11:31 AM

I saw an older version of this bad boy being used on Dec. '05's TOTM on RC. Here is a synopsis from the manufacturer's website:

ACLS - Advanced Control Lighting System

ACLS is an electronic dimmer, patented by SFILIGOI, which can reproduce the sunset-sunrise effect only by using HQI lamps. ACLS allows gradual lighting up and darkening from 0 to 100% and vice versa of the lighting.

What are the benefits and advantages of ACLS system?
ACLS satisfies all the experts in aquarium field’s requirements because it can reproduce the natural lighting flow: in that way the fishes and corals into the aquarium grow in a spot which is very similar to their natural habitat.
ACLS can reproduce the natural biologic cycle of the sun, day/night and the seasons on the aquarium habitat: so the passage from daylight to dusk is very gradual and consequently there is no shock for the animals and invertebrates in the aquarium.
During the sunrise-sunset phases the dimmer reduces the power the lamp absorbs and consequently grants high energy savings in comparison with common ferromagnetic reactors with a 92% rent.
The electronic dimmer keeps the light flow extremely stable to avoid flickering problems of exhausted lights (250 Hz using squared wave). You have the possibility to use also lamps almost exhausted with a fairly good light flow (the bulb duration increases of 30-40%). Further, after the tension falls, ACLS allows turning on of the lamp reducing the time by 50% in comparison with common ferromagnetic reactor.
The opinion of the experts in field is that the creation of the natural conditions of sun and moon light, and in particular of the moon phases, could help the reproduction of the aquarium guests, especially of the invertebrates.

Che · 04-29-2006, 11:37 AM

Here is the web address for the ACLS: http://www.sfiligoi.it/acls_en.htm

V · 04-29-2006, 12:45 PM

thanks che,
will look at it today sometime, thanks for posting it, looks pretty nift.
i will include it in "new wave ideas" thead if thats ok

**CarmieJo** · 04-29-2006, 09:24 PM

Hi Che,

Welcome to TalkingReef!

ZeroKoolNYC · 05-01-2006, 02:44 PM

All I can say is that I want one!

Reefbaby · 05-01-2006, 07:02 PM

Welcome Che to TR! Great that you hopped right in and shared some of your info! :-)

Veriann - I believe I've seen some computer-driven lights here in Europe that can be dimmed. I'll look around to see if I can find the info again. If I'm not mistaken, the bulbs were MH and T5s, but I'll have to double-check...

gwen_o_lyn · 05-01-2006, 10:55 PM

Welcome to TR Che!!

jdwhit · 09-09-2006, 08:22 PM

I'm sure you are no longer looking, but I came across this today. If I had the $'s this is what I would use Solaris LED Lights. "The current design produces PAR light output levels equal to a 250W MH 20K. It uses 40% less energy than the Metal Halide Fixtures it replaces. The life of the LED's is 50,000 hours, so it almost eliminates metal halide and fluorescent bulb replacements. All heat is radiated up and away from the tank Therefore, it does not heat the water like Metal Halides or Fluorescents."
http://www.solarisled.com/

**thesaent14** · 09-09-2006, 09:48 PM

ACLS system can dimmer bulb from 150 to 250 W power.

to bad i have 3X400MH 20ks and solaris is a good idea but not now somting for my tank is like 3500$$$

NaClFinatic · 09-09-2006, 10:09 PM

In a year or two I bet the LEDs are half the cost. That would be getting quite reasonable when you start counting power and bulb costs of MH.

V · 09-09-2006, 11:36 PM

Amps a point of contact for the solarus LED lights. thats my first port of call next year sometime for my purchase!

Reefbaby · 09-10-2006, 06:39 AM

yup...Amphibious is going to be selling these handy devices AND he's just starting to try one out himself, so he can let us know how they work!