Light mount for 8ft tank

[GoReefin]

Hi all.
Trying to figure out a light mount system for an 8ft tank that goes all the way across the tank that has no bend in the middle. I am hearing that extruded aluminum is really the only way to go for this large of a tank? I cannot mount my lights to the back of the tank due to minimal spacing.

Hopefully I'm not the only one with this problem.

Thanks for helping.

 

[Darstar301]

I built mine out of 2040 extruded aluminum sitting on by 6 ft tank since I alway did not have space to mount on the back if the tank.

 

[GoReefin]

Do you think 3030 extruded aluminum will be alright without sagging an 8 foot span with 4 kessil ap9x lights?

I can also look for 2040 in 8ft as well

 

[BryanM]

Hi all.
Trying to figure out a light mount system for an 8ft tank that goes all the way across the tank that has no bend in the middle. I am hearing that extruded aluminum is really the only way to go for this large of a tank? I cannot mount my lights to the back of the tank due to minimal spacing.

Hopefully I'm not the only one with this problem.

Thanks for helping.

they make hanging kits for those lights too, if/assuming you can mount to the ceiling.

 

[littlefoxx]

Have you considered a canopy? Thats what I have on my 300 and it was a game changer

 

[JTP424]

Full length extruded aluminum would probably give you the most rigidity.
You would need a full length without breaks, bending would be dependent on the type of lights etc.

 

[GoReefin]

Have you considered a canopy? Thats what I have on my 300 and it was a game changer

I have but tank is eurobraced and l would like to have the lights up off the tank a bit for a better look.

 

[GoReefin]

Full length extruded aluminum would probably give you the most rigidity.
You would need a full length without breaks, bending would be dependent on the type of lights etc.

I agree was thinking either 30x30 or 20x40

 

[GoReefin]

they make hanging kits for those lights too, if/assuming you can mount to the ceiling.

Yep I am considering a hanging kit but it would have to look good for the wife factor

 

[BryanM]

Yep I am considering a hanging kit but it would have to look good for the wife factor

They pass my wife factor, I think you're in good shape.

The hard part is getting them all at exactly the same level.... That's likely what will make her even happier :)

 

[JTP424]

If you go 20 x 40 you want the 40 to be vertical. Worked in the trade show industry and we used 40x40 (cm) 8 ' aluminum extrusions all day without sag.

 

[GoReefin]

If you go 20 x 40 you want the 40 to be vertical. Worked in the trade show industry and we used 40x40 (cm) 8 ' aluminum extrusions all day without sag.

Awesome! this is great info! Will probably use 40x40 now. Thanks!

 

[JTP424]

Also, found this old convo

Aluminum t-slot deflection

Sitting in the hospital thinking about hanging equipment. I don't have access to a computer at the moment. Does anyone have deflection numbers for any of the t-slot profiles. For example, a 5' length of 4 way x 1" t-slot. What weight causes 1/8" bend. 1/4" bend. Etc or anything similar. Thanks!

www.reef2reef.com

 

[littlefoxx]

I have but tank is eurobraced and l would like to have the lights up off the tank a bit for a better look.

Mine is also euro braced!

 

[GoReefin]

Mine is also euro braced!

Beautiful tank! Love the eels

 

[littlefoxx]

Beautiful tank! Love the eels

Thank you they are the stars of the tank for sure!

 

[RobertK]

I'm thinking of using this stuff, it says its 5x stronger than aluminum, and it doesn't conduct electricity.

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

 

[GoReefin]

I'm thinking of using this stuff, it says its 5x stronger than aluminum, and it doesn't conduct electricity.

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

Interesting! I wonder if it flexes more or less than aluminum

 

[RobertK]

Interesting! I wonder if it flexes more or less than aluminum

Wish I could tell you. I'll probably be buying some of that material in the next month or two.

 

[Fishy888]

posted to the wrong place. Oops.