how to dim lighting

[scottpickering]

Hello,
I am wondering whether anyone can give me some advise on T5 tubes and how I can dim / subdue my lighting without having to instal a dimmer. There are no plants in the tank. Just rocks and fish.

I have a 2metre tank which is currently powered by 4 T5 tubes (i believe they are 39wt Hagen Power Glo). They are housed in Akva-Stabil aquarium hood, 2 units side by side (left and right not front and back). Each unit has its own power supply. So I can switch off the left or the right (or both) if required. The problem is each unit has 2 tubes, one front and one back. So I can only switch off one side of the tank not both front of both back tubes...hopefully that makes sense .

I have considered removing both back tubes, but seeing as the units as so close to the top of the water I am concerned about water getting into the exposed light fittings which will have exposed electricity points.

So in order to dim / subdue the tank lighting I figure I need to reduce the intensity of the existing 4 T5 tubes.

Can anyone recommend a tube that would dim / subdue the tank ? or even recommend a dimmer that doesnt cost what the Akva-Stabil manufacturer produces which is crazy prices

Regards
Scott

[Dan Woodland]

I'm not a lighting expert but could you simply get single lamp fixtures?

[scottpickering]

yeah i had thought about it but I'd like to keep the T5 units as they form part of my tank furniture

[Hudson Ensz]

Depends on what fish you have but i say put in a almost complete screen of floating plants that should help a lot though i may be overlooking somthing. if you have mbuna they may eat the plants. Hope that helped.
Bye.