Effect of Dimmed T5?

[Mark426]

During the evening when I like to spend time just viewing my tank, it looks best when I run one channel on my ATI fixture at 35% while the other channel is at 100%

What are the effects of dimming ATI T5 lamps for several hours this way each night?. I assume I will get less life but how much less? Color shift, etc?

Thanks Reefers,
Mark

[nickdo]

There is a statement at the ballast - tube need to be run 100 hr in 100% before dimming.

[Mark426]

There is a statement at the ballast - tube need to be run 100 hr in 100% before dimming.

Right, I know that and long past that requirement. What I am wondering, is it detrimental to run the tubes at low power vs. a ramp up/down.