ATI Dimmable VS Non-Dimmable?

[Reefpro]

Not sure if you plan on using the dimming features. I have both dimmable and non-dimmable version. I never really use the dimming features. Nice thing about the non-dimmable if you have a controller, it makes programming much simpler. I would go non-dimming and use apex.

How do you control ATI non dimmable with apex?

 

[Marquiseo]

Do you know if that's only on the dimmable on or on the non dimmable as well?

Only on the dimmable version; it has the temp sensor and controller.

 

[Marquiseo]

How do you control ATI non dimmable with apex?

The only thing you will control is turning the fixture on and off.

 

[adhd_nerd]

The only thing you will control is turning the fixture on and off.

Yep only on/off. My experience with my dimmable is that when I want to change schedule, I have to scroll through a bunch of menus and adjust. Since I just basically turn it on/off its kind of pita. Not hard, just I know it is easily accomplished in APEX.

The down side is that it will take at least 2-3 AC ports on the strip depending on how you want to deal with the cooling fan. I use 3 on my non-dimmable. One for fan, 1 for the 2bulb and one for the 4bulb.

 

[ReeferCub]

I did lot of similar research before buying my 6 bulb ati t5 fixture. I decided to go with non dimmable. I control it nicely with my apex.

 

[ngvu1]

You don't need an apex to automate the on/off on the non-dimmable ati fixtures. There are controllers you can get away with for $20-$30. The apex is just make it simple if you want to change the programming. However, how often do you really need to do that?

 

[SteelerMike]

So the fan has a cord of it's own on the non-dimmable? That means I could have the fan plug plugged into my apex and have it turn on only when the lights go on right? This way the fan won't be running all the time. If that's the case I might go with the non-dimmable one instead

Yes it has a cord of its own so needs to plugged into a timer (or apex) or it will run non stop

 

[ReeferCub]

I create the morning, noon and sunset effect using the non dimmable 6 bulb ati in this way:
1. 2 lights on
2. 2 lights off, 4 lights on.
3. 2 lights On + 4 lights On.
4. 2 lights Off , 4 lights On.
5. 2 lights on, 4 lights off.
6. 2 lights off.
When any lights on, then ati fan on.
I do it via 3 ports of apex. But can also be easily done via simple timers.

 

[ngvu1]

I was planning to do this exact schedule with my dimmable ATI fixture and I found out I could/can NOT. :-( ; I also wanted to do light on from 4pm to 2am, but because the last setting has to be before midnight (23:59), I had to subtract 2 hours from the actual time. I should have gotten the non-dimmable fixture

I create the morning, noon and sunset effect using the non dimmable 6 bulb ati in this way:
1. 2 lights on
2. 2 lights off, 4 lights on.
3. 2 lights On + 4 lights On.
4. 2 lights Off , 4 lights On.
5. 2 lights on, 4 lights off.
6. 2 lights off.
When any lights on, then ati fan on.
I do it via 3 ports of apex. But can also be easily done via simple timers.

 

[dzel]

I create the morning, noon and sunset effect using the non dimmable 6 bulb ati in this way:
1. 2 lights on
2. 2 lights off, 4 lights on.
3. 2 lights On + 4 lights On.
4. 2 lights Off , 4 lights On.
5. 2 lights on, 4 lights off.
6. 2 lights off.
When any lights on, then ati fan on.
I do it via 3 ports of apex. But can also be easily done via simple timers.

That's a pretty cool way do do a light schedule. I think I'm sold on the non-dimmable!

 

[ReeferCub]

That's a pretty cool way do do a light schedule. I think I'm sold on the non-dimmable!

Thank you. I spoke with many successful reefers who have ati fixtures. Almost all of them i spoke to favoured the non dimmable one for various reasons. Nano-topia, who is a very successful sps keeper, uses a dimmable fixture. But she mentioned,if given the option to redo things, she will go for the non dimmable set.

 

[dzel]

Thank you. I spoke with many successful reefers who have ati fixtures. Almost all of them i spoke to favoured the non dimmable one for various reasons. Nano-topia, who is a very successful sps keeper, uses a dimmable fixture. But she mentioned,if given the option to redo things, she will go for the non dimmable set.

That's really good to know. I just ordered the 8x24 non-dimmable one!

 

[ngvu1]

So no one really likes the dimmable fixtures? I am sure ATI spent a lot of effort and resources to make these fixtures.......I hope ATI reps see this and send feedback to their R&D department so they will plan better on their next product lines.

 

[ifarmer]

Who said non dimmable is better than dimmable. That is wrong.

The dimmable has one power cord.

You dont need an additional or an extra timer or another controller like apex to run.

You.can run any light cycle at any percentage you want.

You can ram up or down on the light intensity...etc.
If your tank is too shadow, you dont have to run them at 100%, run it lower .

Those that already have a controller like apex, you can save a little money by going with the non dimmable since you have to use your controller on your tank anyway but you can only turn on or off with apex. The dimmable has a build in controller it allows you to do more than just on and off.


The advantage of the non dimmable is less expensive. And if you use with a controller like apex, you can turn on or off when you are away (but how many times you have to do this).

So in the end, the dimmable is a better option if cash budget is allowed.

 

[dzel]

Who said non dimmable is better than dimmable. That is wrong.

The dimmable has one power cord.

You dont need an additional or an extra timer or another controller like apex to run.

You.can run any light cycle at any percentage you want.

You can ram up or down on the light intensity...etc.
If your tank is too shadow, you dont have to run them at 100%, run it lower .

Those that already have a controller like apex, you can save a little money by going with the non dimmable since you have to use your controller on your tank anyway but you can only turn on or off with apex. The dimmable has a build in controller it allows you to do more than just on and off.


The advantage of the non dimmable is less expensive. And if you use with a controller like apex, you can turn on or off when you are away (but how many times you have to do this).

So in the end, the dimmable is a better option if cash budget is allowed.

I agree with the 100%. Given the fact the I already have an apex and by reading people's replies I made the decision of getting the non dimmable one since it's easier for me this way. If I didn't have the apex I would've definitely gone with the dimmable one just to avoid buying a controller.

 

[ngvu1]

If you buy an Apex to just control the ATI fixture, it is a waste of resource!

 

[ThePriceSeliger]

One thing you can't do easily with dimmable (at least different bulb groups)...

This!!!
I have a 48" 54w ATI dimmable unit, I am not able to easily swap out bulbs due to the 50 hour 100% burn in period. The only way around this for me is to either a) remove the fixture or b) get a retro kit and set it up in the garage. Luckily I have a friend with a 2x54 unit I can borrow on occasion, I bet most won't be that lucky.

 

[ngvu1]

You actually waste 50 hours on each bulb in your garage?
If that is the case any cheap t5 fixture would do the trick I thought? For me, I just use the dimmable like the non dim fixture. I have an option down the road.....However due to different bulbs being replaced different time, i might not bother the dimmable feature.

This!!!
I have a 48" 54w ATI dimmable unit, I am not able to easily swap out bulbs due to the 50 hour 100% burn in period. The only way around this for me is to either a) remove the fixture or b) get a retro kit and set it up in the garage. Luckily I have a friend with a 2x54 unit I can borrow on occasion, I bet most won't be that lucky.

 

[SunnyX]

Personally, id save the money and go non-dimmable. I don't see a reason to spend extra money on controlling the the light intensity. The fixture can be raised/lowered and bulbs can be run for shorter/longer periods in order to adjust for any issues. I run my non-dimmable ATI with a plug in timer.

I don't use controllers and run my setups "old-school" so take my advice with a grain of salt.

 

[Sabellafella]

I have both nd i like my dimmable better, the bulb life is the same, the regular sp takes up to much outlets on my apex , the dimmable has 1 cord nd the fans work according to temperature, ive took hundreds of par readings from my tanks and the cooling is the most important aspect of them, the only difference is the dimmable for an extra couple bucks has ease of control for you and temp nd 1 power cord thats basically what u paying the extra buck for beside looking at dimming the tank, after 6 months i drop my fixture 2 inches to deal with the drop in par its not that big of a deal, regardless you have to change any bulbs anything after 9 month