AI Blade mounting question

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I’m thinking it is likely I will be getting 4 x 48” AI blades for my tank.

The question is what happens that is bad, if anything, if this size is just supported at the ends. They have end mounts for the smaller sizes, but just the top clips for 48” and longer.

My canopy is just big enough to fit these lights, and a 3/4” shelf in each side would support the ends with no chance of them falling off.

But will the middle sag, and if so, is that a problem? It’s hidden so the look doesn’t matter, but I don’t want something to break.

I could, of course, use a clip in the middle, but that would make them harder to push backwards if I need to put something large into the tank (like a rock, an anemone, etc.).

TIA.

 

[Slocke]

I’m thinking it is likely I will be getting 4 x 48” AI blades for my tank.

The question is what happens that is bad, if anything, if this size is just supported at the ends. They have end mounts for the smaller sizes, but just the top clips for 48” and longer.

My canopy is just big enough to fit these lights, and a 3/4” shelf in each side would support the ends with no chance of them falling off.

But will the middle sag, and if so, is that a problem? It’s hidden so the look doesn’t matter, but I don’t want something to break.

I could, of course, use a clip in the middle, but that would make them harder to push backwards if I need to put something large into the tank (like a rock, an anemone, etc.).

TIA.

Mine hang from two clips at around 10” from each end. Just got out the level and found no sag. Had them for a couple years now.

 

[Aaron Stone]

They only provide the end tank rests up to the 39" version and not for the longer units. This tells me that they don't trust the 48" or larger unit being supported only at ends. I would guess you would get some bowing over time.

I have a set of 39" blades that I picked up used. There is an ever so slight bow in them, but being second hand I do not know exactly how they were mounted or if anything was ever placed on top of them.

 

[FenrirAysen]

I’m thinking it is likely I will be getting 4 x 48” AI blades for my tank.

The question is what happens that is bad, if anything, if this size is just supported at the ends. They have end mounts for the smaller sizes, but just the top clips for 48” and longer.

My canopy is just big enough to fit these lights, and a 3/4” shelf in each side would support the ends with no chance of them falling off.

But will the middle sag, and if so, is that a problem? It’s hidden so the look doesn’t matter, but I don’t want something to break.

I could, of course, use a clip in the middle, but that would make them harder to push backwards if I need to put something large into the tank (like a rock, an anemone, etc.).

TIA.

I bought the advertised raised mounts and they basically act like extensions as well. So far so good, but my tank is just a wee baby 40G so your mileage may vary.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

They only provide the end tank rests up to the 39" version and not for the longer units. This tells me that they don't trust the 48" or larger unit being supported only at ends. I would guess you would get some bowing over time.

I have a set of 39" blades that I picked up used. There is an ever so slight bow in them, but being second hand I do not know exactly how they were mounted or if anything was ever placed on top of them.

Which is my reason for asking why. :)

If it is just aesthetics, that’s one thing. If they bow so much that it risks a different problem, then that’s more of a concern.

 

[Aaron Stone]

Which is my reason for asking why. :)

If it is just aesthetics, that’s one thing. If they bow so much that it risks a different problem, then that’s more of a concern.

Given the slight bowing I can see iny 39" units I would say it's probably more than just aesthetics.

 

[corosato]

I have 3 48s (2 grow 1 glow) over my tank on the elevated stands, over time they have def bowed a bit. not enough that I am concerned, but def keeping an eye on it

 

[Slocke]

I should add I had them mounted on the very end previously. Can’t remember if they bowed but if they did it wasn’t permanent

Only pic I could find but I had a little stand on both ends.

 

[Aaron Stone]

Which is my reason for asking why. :)

If it is just aesthetics, that’s one thing. If they bow so much that it risks a different problem, then that’s more of a concern.

The more I think about it, it's purely aesthetics. I can't imagine that you are going to get significant enough bowing to cause any sort of mechanical failure. A slight change in optics angle, but not enough to make any realistic difference.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

I wrote to AI to see what they say, but I agree that something breaking inside seems somewhat improbable.

 

[Aaron Stone]

I wrote to AI to see what they say, but I agree that something breaking inside seems somewhat improbable.

Keep us updated

 

[oreo54]

Which is my reason for asking why. :)

If it is just aesthetics, that’s one thing. If they bow so much that it risks a different problem, then that’s more of a concern.

Sorry I find it a bit "disturbing" that a 48" bar would have a bowing problem. Heck it takes up to 72" on a cheap Beamswork to become an issue worth discussing..

https://www.plantedtank.net/threads/beamswork-72-da-180-full-spectrum-led.1210210/

There are plenty of diy work arounds starting with using their 4 bar hanging kit, but not hanging but attaching a real piece of aluminum...

FYI.. My 4ft Finnex has zero deflection. Somebody at AI was talking to the bean counters..
:)

 

[rtparty]

The bowing can also reduce the water resistance since there is a rubber gasket that seals the lens to the metal body.

You can easily add a t slot track in your canopy to attach a clip to and still allow you to push them back if needed

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

You can easily add a t slot track in your canopy to attach a clip to and still allow you to push them back if needed

Partially, yes. My canopy opens by the front and half of the top swinging up, and folding back into the canopy back top. That leaves only half the top for attaching to. I’m sure I can rig a back to front bar or track that isn’t attached to the swing open part, but the less I do to limit light movement, the better. :)

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Sorry I find it a bit "disturbing" that a 48" bar would have a bowing problem. Heck it takes up to 72" on a cheap Beamswork to become an issue worth discussing..

https://www.plantedtank.net/threads/beamswork-72-da-180-full-spectrum-led.1210210/

There are plenty of diy work arounds starting with using their 4 bar hanging kit, but not hanging but attaching a real piece of aluminum...

FYI.. My 4ft Finnex has zero deflection. Somebody at AI was talking to the bean counters..
:)

If I don’t hear back from AI a clear reason, I’ll just see how much they bow. :)

 

[areefer01]

I’m thinking it is likely I will be getting 4 x 48” AI blades for my tank.

The question is what happens that is bad, if anything, if this size is just supported at the ends. They have end mounts for the smaller sizes, but just the top clips for 48” and longer.

My canopy is just big enough to fit these lights, and a 3/4” shelf in each side would support the ends with no chance of them falling off.

But will the middle sag, and if so, is that a problem? It’s hidden so the look doesn’t matter, but I don’t want something to break.

I could, of course, use a clip in the middle, but that would make them harder to push backwards if I need to put something large into the tank (like a rock, an anemone, etc.).

TIA.

I'm not sure if you are keeping the top open or using a canopy or if that is still work in progress but can you use 80/20 type rails? That way you can control the load bearing if there is any concern. Also if you went the route of using 80/20 you can design in something that slides in and out or vertical if you want to do maintenance. Example below which they also provide each part name.

I know AI Hydra line has a RMS mounting system that is pretty heavy duty so probably would not sag. Also individual arms. I'm not sure if the blades use that or if the mounting is different although I've seen some systems that mount them in a rail system.

 

[oreo54]

I'm not sure if you are keeping the top open or using a canopy or if that is still work in progress but can you use 80/20 type rails? That way you can control the load bearing if there is any concern. Also if you went the route of using 80/20 you can design in something that slides in and out or vertical if you want to do maintenance. Example below which they also provide each part name.

I know AI Hydra line has a RMS mounting system that is pretty heavy duty so probably would not sag. Also individual arms. I'm not sure if the blades use that or if the mounting is different although I've seen some systems that mount them in a rail system.

Pretty easy to redistribute the weight starting with this from AI..but.. $90

Blade Mounting Solution - 4 Light Hanging Kit

Blade Hanging The Blade Hanging Kit from AI is an elegant way to suspend your light above your tank. Made of high-quality brushed aluminum in an attractive black finish. Available in 3, 4, and 6 light configurations for all size Blade fixtures. Kit includes: 2 bars, appropriate number...

premiumaquatics.com

Oh never mind.. start with the $9 clips.. add what you need.

AI Blade Mounting Clips (Set of 2) - AquaIllumination

Shop The Best Saltwater Aquarium Equipment & Supplies at Saltwater Aquarium. We Carry Everything you will Need for your Fish Tank.

www.saltwateraquarium.com

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Well the first AI response to my request was a simplistic referral to their mounting instructions. I hope someone at the company has an interest in actually answering a prospective customer’s questions. :(

 

[Stevorino]

I’m thinking it is likely I will be getting 4 x 48” AI blades for my tank.

The question is what happens that is bad, if anything, if this size is just supported at the ends. They have end mounts for the smaller sizes, but just the top clips for 48” and longer.

My canopy is just big enough to fit these lights, and a 3/4” shelf in each side would support the ends with no chance of them falling off.

But will the middle sag, and if so, is that a problem? It’s hidden so the look doesn’t matter, but I don’t want something to break.

I could, of course, use a clip in the middle, but that would make them harder to push backwards if I need to put something large into the tank (like a rock, an anemone, etc.).

TIA.

..... Randy is.....

Human?

 

[Hooz]

I’m thinking it is likely I will be getting 4 x 48” AI blades for my tank.

The question is what happens that is bad, if anything, if this size is just supported at the ends. They have end mounts for the smaller sizes, but just the top clips for 48” and longer.

My canopy is just big enough to fit these lights, and a 3/4” shelf in each side would support the ends with no chance of them falling off.

But will the middle sag, and if so, is that a problem? It’s hidden so the look doesn’t matter, but I don’t want something to break.

I could, of course, use a clip in the middle, but that would make them harder to push backwards if I need to put something large into the tank (like a rock, an anemone, etc.).

TIA.

Ok. The light geek in me just HAS to know... Why 4? What combination (Grow/Glow) do you plan to use?