Chinese LED Light Placement

Meister21

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I ordered 2 of the Viparspectra 165w LEDs. Can I place them directly on my class top covering the top of my tank? I don't like how they look hanging. If I can't place them right on top, any other mounting ideas?
 

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Welcome to R2R. The issue with placing them on your glass is that you'll not get the best coverage and it will most likely look like a couple spotlights on you tank. Raising them just a few inches would even help... perhaps install them in a canopy? You have pics of your setup so we might offer better solutions?
 

dantimdad

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Agreed as with most LEDs you want them off the tank a few inches at least.

Please take a pic and post it.

Welcome aboard!
 
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Meister21

Meister21

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Thank you! This is my first saltwater tank. I’ve had tons of freshwater before. Is my rock scape okay for corals?

D8572E23-C42F-491E-8BAC-C0A920F05F3F.jpeg
 

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I ordered 2 of the Viparspectra 165w LEDs. Can I place them directly on my class top covering the top of my tank? I don't like how they look hanging. If I can't place them right on top, any other mounting ideas?
!!! Welcome to R2R !!! I have those hanging from the ceiling but also you can do a bracket that come from the back of your tank. Those light must be mounted from 8" to 12" over water level. This is an idea I saw on Google.
post-78385-0-19968100-1384014292.jpg s-l1000.jpg
 

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Tank looks great !!! What size tank?
 
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Meister21

Meister21

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!!! Welcome to R2R !!! I have those hanging from the ceiling but also you can do a bracket that come from the back of your tank. Those light must be mounted from 8" to 12" over water level. This is an idea I saw on Google.
post-78385-0-19968100-1384014292.jpg s-l1000.jpg

I really like the first picture! It's a 75 gallon, thank you! :)
 

dantimdad

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@Meister21 You can have lowes bend conduit for you and then spray paint it. It works great as light hangers.

Another thing you can do if you are comfortable with wiring, is cut off the plug end and run the wires inside the conduit and then put a new plug back on. Just make sure where you come out of the conduit to put a grommet so it doesn't rub the wire jacket off. SHOCKING!
 

cvrle1

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Another thing you can do if you are comfortable with wiring, is cut off the plug end and run the wires inside the conduit and then put a new plug back on. Just make sure where you come out of the conduit to put a grommet so it doesn't rub the wire jacket off. SHOCKING!

I am trying to figure out what you accomplish by doing this, but I cant picture it in my head at all. Could you please explain it for me, as I am planning on making one of these DIY hangers, and if there is a better way of doing things, would be great to know before I do it. Thanks
 

dantimdad

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I don't have pics of mine done yet. I will try to explain.

You drill a hole in the side of the conduit near the EIC socket on the light. Put in a rubber grommet(they sell them at lowes) to protect the wire.

Next, you cut off the three prong plug and feed the wire through the hole. When it come out of the bottom of the conduit, put a new plug back on it. This will hide the wire inside the conduit so it's a lot neater.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-0-375-in-Rubber-Grommet/4565079

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Project-Source-15-Amp-125-Volt-Orange-3-Wire-Grounding-Plug/4068219
 

dugthefish

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I hard mounted mine to a hanging canopy. Seems like 9-10" off water surface was the sweet spot.

20181020_195013.jpg


20181020_202201.jpg
 

cvrle1

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I don't have pics of mine done yet. I will try to explain.

You drill a hole in the side of the conduit near the EIC socket on the light. Put in a rubber grommet(they sell them at lowes) to protect the wire.

Next, you cut off the three prong plug and feed the wire through the hole. When it come out of the bottom of the conduit, put a new plug back on it. This will hide the wire inside the conduit so it's a lot neater.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-0-375-in-Rubber-Grommet/4565079

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Project-Source-15-Amp-125-Volt-Orange-3-Wire-Grounding-Plug/4068219


I think I know what you mean now. I saw one or 2 pics in your build thread , and think I get it. Thanks for the explanation and good idea for sure.
 

dantimdad

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I hard mounted mine to a hanging canopy. Seems like 9-10" off water surface was the sweet spot.

20181020_195013.jpg


20181020_202201.jpg


That's pretty slick!

I would hinge it to the wall so there was wires and you could swing it up out of the way.

Then it would be epic!
 

dugthefish

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That's pretty slick!

I would hinge it to the wall so there was wires and you could swing it up out of the way.

Then it would be epic!

Lol that is actually the plan. I built the light frame 1.5" smaller than the tank so I can skin it with 1x12, attach it to the wall, and put a piano hinge on. Then I discovered, since I used 1 piece if cable on each side, I could do this:

20181102_173237.jpg
 

Rabe

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I have these exact lights and they are placed about 8" above the water. I wish they were higher to help diffuse all the light sources.
 
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