Gradually Turning Off Light

[BryceHockey]

Despite having a set schedule, with the light turning off at the same times each day, my fish always seem startled and spazz out for 10 seconds when the light is switched off. This is with the bedroom still bright. My phantom tetras even will sometimes dart into the gravel (makes a loud noise too) and although I see no damage they get pretty scared.

Is there any device that gradually turns the light off, or something that can be done to ease the light off rather than a flick of the switch? Not a big deal but I've wondered about this for quite a while.

 

[irvs]

I also have your problem, you could splice in an inline dimmer switch and manually dim it for a time before switch off. Or fit another light, lower wattage bulb or leds. Running both lights on seperate timers having the duller lamp coming on for a breaf time before the main lamp switches off would creat a moon light effect. Im thinking of doing a diy moonlight setup soon myself.

neil.

 

[helterskelter]

With normal light tubes you cant dimm them.

However you can with LED's which would be the way to go, but good led's are expensive with the correct drivers

 

[liana_y2kuk]

With normal light tubes you cant dimm them.

However you can with LED's which would be the way to go, but good led's are expensive with the correct drivers

Would leds have the right spectrum for growing plants?

 

[K-Holed]

It is possible to dim standard flurescents, but it's trickier than conventional dimming.

 

[helterskelter]

Yes you can get growth lights from TMC i believe.

How would u go about dimming fluorescent tubes then? surly they would fail when the voltage drops.

 

[onebto]

It is possible to dim standard flurescents, but it's trickier than conventional dimming.

Interesting I would love to know how please share

Another way of easing the shock of the lights going out is to have a moon phase i.e Blue neons that are on when your main tubes go out then go out themselves about 1/2 hour after the main lights This is what I have and also the blue neon is great to watch the fish in.

Hope this helps

Done some research on da web http/members.misty.com/don/f-dim.html

 

[K-Holed]

The simplest way would be to purchase a dimmable ballast

Dimmable Ballast

The DIY route would be alot more hassle

DIY Dimmable Ballast

I've only ever come across the situation in a theatre context.

Kind regards Jimi