reef keeper questions

[Octoman4]

I want to use dimmable t5 ballasts in my t5 fixture. Can the Reef Keeper ,lite/elite, control the dimming function with those ballasts? Do I have to have a specific ballast to be controled by the unit? can the neptune control dimming ? thanks in advance. im going to look on the DA site as well

[Octoman4]

this is the ballast im going to use its by lutron.
EC5 T539 J UNV 2

ive found you can use an alc module? any info jeff dave??im seding pm's also

[RussM]

How did you come up with that model of ballast? As far as I can tell, that series uses digital dimming controls, and therefore would not be compatible with the 0-10VDC analog control signals of the DA ALC module. The Neptune Apex uses 0-10VDC analog dimming control too.

Phillips Advance Mark 7 ballasts should work with the ALC; I know people have used them with the Apex.

[DaveMorris]

PM replied to.

Doesn't the APex also have the ability to output a PWM signal? Or do you need an additional module for that?

[RussM]

PM replied to.

Doesn't the APex also have the ability to output a PWM signal? Or do you need an additional module for that?

No, the Apex doesn't do PWM. To interface a PWM-only driver with Apex or DA ALC, you can use a convertor like this: http://shop.stevesleds.com/Aquarium-...rs-harness.htm But that's extra expense and complexity - I would make sure to use a ballast or driver that is directly compatible.

[DaveMorris]

Funny you should link to that. That site is where I am getting my LED kit for my tank, including the aquarium controller interface.

[Octoman4]

I can get those ballast at cost from my supply house...so I need a ballast that is controlled by 0-10v dc in order to be controlled by the reef keeper, or the Neptune...got it thank u for the replys

[RussM]

Funny you should link to that. That site is where I am getting my LED kit for my tank, including the aquarium controller interface.

You made the right choice, I think, for a large system such as yours. The ALC can only source enough dimming control signal current to handle 1 maybe 2 drivers per channel, and with a lighting system using 0-10VDC drivers, you'd need multiple ALCs. That Steve's controller interface, besides converting 0-10v analog to PWM, also acts as a buffer so you can connect multiple drivers to the interface without overloading the ALC.