Help with difficult light decision because of dementions of the reef tank

[oreo54]

Thank you both (and apologies to the OP for hijacking).

I had been used to the gradual on (and off) at sunrise (sunset) with a biocube. From what you're saying, that doesn't sound realistic here if I go with those lights. It also sounds like there is no way to control the brightness of the lights; it would just be on or off right?

Assume no issue with going that route and just having a smart plug schedule for on/off?

Some have " somehow" managed to dim using a smart plug .Why it works and if there is any long term issues is??? At least to me

There is also the possibility of changing drivers to get you at the least potentiometer dimming.

Historically funding an identical spec driver with controllability is a long shot BUT the loss or gain is usually minimal. Not to mention the added expense. Long story.

Cheap constant voltage led bars with the ability to program x
via the sunsetter controller

ReefBar 12000k White Aquarium LED Light 9W/Ft Coral reef saltwater salt water

ReefBar 12000k White Aquarium LED Light 9W/Ft Coral For saltwater coral reef

21ledusa.com

The other bars are constant current design.

 

[fladiver]

Some have " somehow" managed to dim using a smart plug .Why it works and if there is any long term issues is??? At least to me

There is also the possibility of changing drivers to get you at the least potentiometer dimming.

Historically funding an identical spec driver with controllability is a long shot BUT the loss or gain is usually minimal. Not to mention the added expense. Long story.

Cheap constant voltage led bars with the ability to program x
via the sunsetter controller

ReefBar 12000k White Aquarium LED Light 9W/Ft Coral reef saltwater salt water

ReefBar 12000k White Aquarium LED Light 9W/Ft Coral For saltwater coral reef

21ledusa.com

The other bars are constant current design.

Wow thanks. Those look like a better (and US-made) option.

If I went that route, would 2 of the 3-ft white/blue bars work? And I'd need to add one power supply?

What would the sunsetter controller allow me to do? And if I did that controller would I need to also add a wireless dimmer or could I do that through there?

Thanks again for your time...

 

[oreo54]

Wow thanks. Those look like a better (and US-made) option.

If I went that route, would 2 of the 3-ft white/blue bars work? And I'd need to add one power supply?

What would the sunsetter controller allow me to do? And if I did that controller would I need to also add a wireless dimmer or could I do that through there?

Thanks again for your time...

Don't believe they are US made.
Self explanatory :

SunSetter Aquarium Dual Timer 12/24V Reef Coral Ramp Sunrise/Sunset Thunderstorm reef saltwater salt water

SunSetter Aquarium Dual Timer 12/24V Reef Coral Ramp Sunrise/Sunset Thunderstorm. It is made to run any aquarium light fixture with 2 channels. Works perfect with our Reefbar and Reefbar Pro.

21ledusa.com

Hard wired controller w ir remote
Going constant voltage your amount of available controllers is significantly expanded.

With the right power supply you can run multiple bars off of one.

One catch is how many bars ( or how big of a bar) can the sunsetter control.

 

[fladiver]

Don't believe they are US made.
Self explanatory :

SunSetter Aquarium Dual Timer 12/24V Reef Coral Ramp Sunrise/Sunset Thunderstorm reef saltwater salt water

SunSetter Aquarium Dual Timer 12/24V Reef Coral Ramp Sunrise/Sunset Thunderstorm. It is made to run any aquarium light fixture with 2 channels. Works perfect with our Reefbar and Reefbar Pro.

21ledusa.com

Hard wired controller w ir remote
Going constant voltage your amount of available controllers is significantly expanded.

Thanks - I guess at least a US company that is directly reachable rather than an eBay seller who may or may not respond.

Looks like controller would let me do a schedule, set brightness, etc without needing a wireless dimmer.

Thanks again for putting me onto these.

Would you do two white/blue? Or two of the actinic blue? I like the blueish look...but obviously not bright blue.

 

[oreo54]

Thanks - I guess at least a US company that is directly reachable rather than an eBay seller who may or may not respond.

Looks like controller would let me do a schedule, set brightness, etc without needing a wireless dimmer.

Thanks again for putting me onto these.

Would you do two white/blue? Or two of the actinic blue? I like the blueish look...but obviously not bright blue.

I'm really a few guy. .not my call ..