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LED dimmer question

1221 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  bpb, 
B
Picking up a used BuildmyLED Dutch XB strip today. I fear that it may be a bit much for my tank, exceeding 100 par on the substrate and I'm wanting to avoid an algae farm situation. Suspending it high over the tank is not an option. The fixture doesn't come with a dimmer and I know BuildmyLED no longer sells or produces any aquarium lighting products anymore.

I'd like a dimmer but not sure how to go about that. Anyone have any ideas on where/how I can find a dimmer that is compatible? I'm an electrical moron so building one from scratch is out. Any ideas?


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H
i know they stopped doing aquarium lights, but i'd assume they still sell dimmers, no?
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B
I found them on their website but no way to order. I may just roll with the single unit and see how it does. I had forgotten how much more visually dim LEDs are than bulbs. I know the par is there based on the specs of the unit it's just not near as visually bright as the 4x54 watt t5ho are. Everything is basically directly on the tank rim. The light covers the footprint pretty evenly so I'm happy with that. If I really need to I'll call them and ask if I can order one of their dimmers. I know they still are producing lights on a large scale


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hbosman
I have a BML light, bought it before they discontinued. Anyway, they were more than receptive to phone calls back then. I would imagine that they might still have dimmers in stock. They charged me $15.00 for one if I remember correctly. It's just a potentiometer (variable resistor) so, if no luck there, you might find one that would work on fleabay. You would have to look for an LED dimmer that works with + or - 10 volts.
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jeffkrol
bpb said:
Picking up a used BuildmyLED Dutch XB strip today. I fear that it may be a bit much for my tank, exceeding 100 par on the substrate and I'm wanting to avoid an algae farm situation. Suspending it high over the tank is not an option. The fixture doesn't come with a dimmer and I know BuildmyLED no longer sells or produces any aquarium lighting products anymore.

I'd like a dimmer but not sure how to go about that. Anyone have any ideas on where/how I can find a dimmer that is compatible? I'm an electrical moron so building one from scratch is out. Any ideas?


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time to graduate from moronville.. Just get a cheap VOM (better yet find a local geek) and figure out the dimming plug. There are only 2 choices really.. If there are 2 wires then it is a simple 10-20K pot dimmer.If 3 then it is a 10V feed to a 10-20k pot ,,
There are probably 3 wires giving one "choices"..
Getting the driver numbers will lead (Inventronics) will lead you to the spec sheet showing what color wire is what..Rest is easy relatively easy...

OR:
http://www.bmlhorticulture.com/manual-dimming-switch/
Manual Dimming Switch

The Manual Dimming Switch enables you to dim our Individual Light Bars from 10% to 100% light output with a manual knob. Easily connects to our power supplies with standard 3.5mm stereo connector (5' cable is included). No soldering required...just plug and dim! NOte: Does not work with SPYDR 600.
Go to Fluence Bioengineering

This product is not available for online purchase.

Please contact us at (512) 524-7640 or [email protected] for order fulfillment.
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;)
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B
I posted the original post before discovering their horticultural site still had the dimmer available. I'll just call them and order one. A lot faster and easier than figuring out how to make one. Probably no more expensive either. Looks like I'll remain a resident of moronville....that or someone who never included electrical work into their life skill set.


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