How to Install Linear Actuators for Easy Lifting of Your Reef Tank SPS Light

acro_lover · Mar 19, 2025

How to Install Linear Actuators for Easy Lifting of Your Reef Tank SPS Light

One of the biggest challenges when maintaining a reef tank is dealing with the lighting unit. Whether you’re cleaning the glass, rearranging corals, or working on aquascaping, the lights are often in the way. To solve this problem, I installed 12-inch, 1500N linear motor actuators on my ATI sps light unit, allowing me to lift the lights effortlessly at the press of a button.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to do the same for your setup, including mounting, wiring, and setup tips.

Why Use Linear Actuators?

Linear actuators make lifting your lighting unit simple and convenient. Instead of struggling with bulky mounts or removing the entire fixture, you can raise it smoothly with remote control. This setup not only saves time but also prevents accidental damage to corals and rocks while working in your tank.

A photo of the sps light fixture in its normal position and lifted position for comparison.

I purchased my linear actuators from eBay, and I’ll provide a link below. However, it’s important to note that the power supply and remote are sold separately. When ordering, be sure to add these to your basket; otherwise, you’ll only receive the actuators.

Parts List:

12V DC Linear Actuators (I used 12″, 1500N strength, two units – one on each side of the ATI sps light)
12V DC Power Supply
Remote Control & Receiver Module
Steel wire rope
5x50mm Wood Screws (to secure actuators to the ceiling)
Basic wiring tools (connectors, wire strippers, and electrical tape)

Installation Steps

1. Mounting the Actuators

To securely mount the actuators, I did the following:

Secured them to the ceiling using 5x50mm wood screws for stability. This ensures the lights are lifted smoothly without any strain on the actuators.
Drilled one hole in each corner of the ATI sps light unit to run a steel wire rope.
Attached the actuators firmly to the light unit using the steel rope, ensuring proper alignment for smooth movement.

2. Wiring the System

The actuators run on 12V DC power, and proper wiring is crucial for smooth operation.

A wiring diagram is included with the product, which you should follow carefully.
You’ll need to connect the actuators to the power supply/receiver following the diagram at the back of the unit.
Ensure all connections are secure and insulated properly to avoid any electrical issues.
Test the remote to ensure the lights raise and lower smoothly.
If everything is connected correctly, your light unit should now lift at the push of a button!

Final Thoughts

Installing linear actuators is a game-changer for reef tank maintenance. With this setup, I can lift my lights effortlessly, making cleaning and rearranging corals so much easier. If you’re tired of struggling with your lighting unit during maintenance, I highly recommend giving this a try!