ATI Dimmable Questions

[UDGags]

I know a few of you use the ATI dimmable units and I had a couple basic questions. I have two ATI 36" 8x39W Dimmable SunPower w/Controller that I just setup and curious how you go about new bulbs.

1. Do you burn the bulbs in for the 50hrs the instructions recommend before dimming?
2. If so how do you adjust your photoperiod or do you? Obviously 100% is going to be too much light and I don't have that much room to raise it up.
3. If you only burn in for less hours (5, 10, 15, etc.), how much does that kill bulb life long term?

Thanks,
Nick

 

[dtang21]

I burn mine in. I run at 100% for a full week @ 8 hours per night before I start dimming.

 

[UDGags]

What is your normal photoperiod?

For example:
Burn-in-100%, 8hrs/night, X micromols
After Burn-In-Y%, Zhrs/night, C micromols

(Fill in X, Y, Z, C)

 

[dtang21]

In general this is the lighting schedule I follow:

17:00 - on
20:00 - 50%
21:30 - 70%
23:00 - 50%
01:05 - off

Sorry, can't help you with the micromols part. No par meter. I've just been watching my plants to see how they respond.

 

[ShadowMac]

I have never used a burn in period. Maybe I should? Does this damage the ballast or the bulbs? What are the issues with not using a burn in period?

 

[Tom Barr]

Burn in is recommended, but.............many do not do it.

I run 8 hours for each tank, some go to maybe 30-40% like my 70 Gal, or 75% like the 180, or the full 100% like my 120.

 

[UDGags]

The instructions that come with the unit says the bulbs will not last as long or flicker unless they are burned in for 50hrs at 100%.