how to suspend metal haloid fixtures?

[Gman94]

I want to suspend three metal haloid fixtures from a chain above my 72" tank but I do not want to suspend them from the ceiling. Does anyone know if there is a bar that can be mounted using the sides of the tank from which one can suspend haloid fixtures?
-Larry

 

[2crazyreefers]

I built my stand for my light with 4 X 4 lumber which comes up from the back and hangs over my tank. I only have 1 full size hood which I hang from chains. Works for me.

 

[Gman94]

Thanks for the suggestion but my tank is against the wall and that would not work for me. Also, I'm looking for something made for that purpose which is asthetically pleasing and, perhaps, could enclose the wires.

 

[jeffbrig]

Here's what I did

 

[Gman94]

This is an interesting idea but it requires a tank cover that I don't have at the moment. But it;s giving me an ideas. I'd love to see other photos that guys have. Thanks.

 

[Sicklid]

I just made a simple wooden brace to hold my ballasts and MH fixtures.

 

[Gman94]

Something like this is a little closer to what I am thinking. Have you seen anything that is supported bythe tank instead of the floor? Also, how close are your fixtures to the water and do you a glass cover for the tank?

Also, do you get glare in your eyes from the lights if you are sitting in a chair on the side of the tank?

 

[Sicklid]

The lights are blocked from the front view by an acrylic piece. I have it removed in the picture. The top of the tank is open also. The fixtures are about 8-10 inches from the water. The fan is now mounted on the side of the stand blowing across the top of the tank to move the water and cool the heat produced by 1800 watts.

 

[wickerj]

How about putting a shelf above the tank mounted to the wall and suspend your lighting from that.

 

[Highlander]

I built this rack out of 1/2 inch oak.
It sits on the euroframe of my 120.
The ballasts are in the box along the top.

 

[RandyP]

All great ideas, here is another way you can think about.. Go to a custom fence business (that does fencing for your yard) and have them build you something out of wrought iron...They can bend and twist it to your liking...You can then mount the hanging bracket you had built to the back of your stand....I had one built to hang a single pendant light over my tank as I didnt want to attach my light to the ceiling or wall.... The reason I used wrought iron is that it is very stiff (so you wont get a lot of flexing/bowing) plus you wont have to worry about wood rot or if the matteral you are using is strong enough to hold the weight of the lights....Just paint it to match your decor and your all set