Modifying Ecotech RMS XR30 mount for my Kessil AP9X

pochaxoo · Apr 30, 2022

I have been using the Kessil AP9X on my aquarium for about 20 months. I am using the standard AP9X mounting arm on the back of my aquarium.

My coral has been growing really well but my aquarium is 24" deep and I am noticing shading on front side of some acropora and lack of light in the back of the aquarium. So I am wanting to turn these lights 90 degrees so the spread by the pucks will be better on the front and back side of my scape. However these mounting brackets can't extend enough when rotated to extend evenly front to back on the aquarium. If anyone has a good solution I would like to hear about it. I want to maintain a somewhat clean look on the top of my rimless aquarium and hanging the lights seems difficult to get them right where you need them?

So I have been looking at the EcoTech RMS Multi-Light Rail and using the RMS Slide Mount for the XR30 to mount my AP9Xs with the pucks front to back.

My AP9X has 4 holes on the top that I could make a small bracket to retrofit for the XR30 slide mount holes. The measurements from hole to hole on the AP9X are 3 1/2" by 9 3/4".

I can't quite find the dimensions of the XR30 RMS slide mount holes, on my XR15 mount the width from hole to hole is 5". If anyone knows the longer dimension on the XR30 slide mount that would be helpful.

If anyone has done this or has another better idea I would love to hear about it. Anything that decreases the amount of DIY for me would make it easier for me to get it done.
Thank you.

blaxsun · May 1, 2022

Centerline to centerline, the holes are exactly 9-5/8" apart on the XR30.

RickSanford · May 16, 2022

Another option is the newly released 13” AP9X extended slide bar arm. Works with the stock light bracket - replaces the shorter version that came with the light stand.

pochaxoo · May 21, 2022

That arm only works if you are using the "old" double mounting brackets with the AP9X and also won't support the concept of the AP9X being rotated 90 degrees front to back. I have built DIY "straps" from a heavy plastic/rubber material that bends enough to produce the separation from the 80/20 bracket for heat dissipation. I have 3 remaining items to finish this build.

1) Cut the bracket from the wall by 1 to 1.5" to properly center the lights
2) Purchase and fit 2 black end caps on the 80/20 brackets
3) Cord management to make it all look tidy

Thus far I am very pleased with the result, it looks great and removes the bracket attachment points from the tank

RickSanford · May 25, 2022

Your solution looks good. Nice not having the arms on the back of a standard tank. Happy it’s working for you.

For clarity and the benefit of others who come across this thread, however, these arms work perfectly well to support the AP9X rotated 90 degrees on the latest single mounting arm.