Dimmable light setup

[jefft321]

I am looking for a hood for my 48" long 90 gallon reef. Are there any hoods that are made with dimmable ballasts and lights. I have seen just the ballasts, but is there anyone that is selling a complete lighting hood that I can use with my Profilux?

[AQD_ottawa]

The best option would be to purchase a generic light hood assy and then retrofit it with dimmable ballasts

[elzool]

I've seen Profilux lights(HL3700) on some European websites.... will they be making any for the North American market anytime soon?

I'd love a fixture with 6-8 dimmable T-5s and flashstick capabilities all in one attractive metal case.

[AQD_ottawa]

Working on it!

[elzool]

That's what I'd heard once before, just was hoping to hear more. :)

[jefft321]

I just looked it up and I love the fixtue! Any idea when I can get one (48") with 2 x 250 watt HQI, and 2 x 54 watt T5's?
Thanks.

[elzool]

Sorry I brought it up. :(
At least you know someone other than me is interested though. :)

[Chrisrush]

Count me in as well if you can get a 24w version (24")

[AQD_ottawa]

I think mathias would be better to answer this for you, but this is what i know.

The lights are there and available BUT it is the golden nugget of finding dimmable T5 ballasts!

The largest manufacturer is Sylvania but they only do 54W dimmables for 110V

I will have discussions with Matthias about projected releases and let you know.

Trust me, I want this as much as you, but it is important to get it right.

if you have access to 220-250V then i can supply you!

[elzool]

Wait, so i can plug this into where i plug my dryer in at? ;)

Michael, I'm very patient and am willing to wait for a well tested product like GHL releases so I know it would work here without any problems.

but still....

I'd buy one next month if it were released :D

[AQD_ottawa]

Let me get some info together, I may not ahve all facts correct yet!

[AQD_ottawa]

OK - I have had a long chat with GHL today, and here is the issue
YES lights are available in 240V BUT the ballasts are only marked for European safety CE standard, so this is a problem

Both matthias and I are working hard to find certified USA/CA ballasts, but at present only sylvania do them and in only 54W!

Please be assured we are both wanting to bring the lights to the North American market and once we have found a supply of quality ballasts other than 54W we will look at this further as we know many of you are interested.

[Matthias Gross]

the special north american approvals CSA and UL are not a must, a lot of products have only CE and they work very well in Europe, so i think this is not the biggest issue.

I don't like the idea that there is maybe a transformer between your 120V main supply and the 230V ballasts. Are all transformers suitable for high inrush currents? Or may there occur other problems, maybe with the different frequency (60Hz/50Hz)?

I have a understanding problem, maybe you can explain me your electrical system. As far as i know there are 2 voltages in USA - 120 V and 240V - is that correct? Has each household 2 different nets?