Dimmer control for VHO

[reef_doug]

I'm planning to purchase an ACIII and would like to use the sunrise/sunset function for MH 250w HQI and VHO.

Can the ACIII control:
1. MH HQI
2. VHO (2 x 140w 6 ft VHO Actinic 03)
3. Any special ballast need to be purchased for any of the above?

I think I've read this will not be possible for HQI.

What about VHO? Special ballast? Any ballast recommendations?

Thanks
Doug

[Bergovoy]

I am using a 6 ft vho 165 watt actinic bulbs with mag ballast. no problems that I know of..

Good luck

Bill

[Slickdonkey]

I used Champion Lighting's Solar 1000 dimmer. Total piece of junk, stay away from it. Blew my Icecap ballast four times before I learned my lesson.

This doesn't have anything to do with the Aquacontroller though. It can control anything with a plug.

[reef_doug]

Thanks slip, I'll pass on the idea of a gradual sunrise/sunset approach to VHOs.

[humbird2003]

Does the AC actually DIM IceCap VHO setups? Or will it?

[Slickdonkey]

I've heard one of the ports on the DC8 can vary the voltage to work with moonlights but I couldn't give you any more details. In any case that isn't going to to work for VHO's the way it would with your dining room chandelier.

Also there is an X-10 dimmer but that would only work for incandescent lights.

[humbird2003]

Too bad - thanks slick

[Reef55]

I have been using the Solar 750 dimmer by blueline for 2 years now, works awesome, and I've had no issues with it.

http://www.bluelineaquatics.com/products/dimmer/750.html