Starting an interactive reef - 265g reef tank w/ live web camera

[rEd86]

OK, I just got back from vacation and started plumbing everything, hooking up the lights, etc. and I ran into a problem.

I purchased three Luminarc III light fixtures last fall in preparation of building a larger tank in the office. I was originally hoping to get a 600g-800g tank in here, but I decided to hold off and start with the 265g.

My problem is this: I can get the fixtures under the hood, but there is no room to get in and clean the tank.

So after thinking about it for a while, I have two options I am considering:

1) Create a frame to mount the lights to with rails so I can open up the hood and just slide the lights out the back to clean.
PROS: I will keep the same clean design and it would just be cool.
CONS: It would likely take a while to fabricate, cost a lot and have a greater chance of breaking down. (I like following the K.I.S.S. rule)

2) Get a motorized winch solution that will lift the whole hood out of the way and give me plenty of access to all three sides.
PROS: Very simple solution that I could install in an afternoon.
CONS: I need to find a motorized winch that isn't too expensive that can meet my needs. It would also be a little more visible, but with 13' ceilings I don't think it would be too obvious.

Another option which I'm not considering is replacing/eliminating the hood. I like the proportions and would like to make it work with what I have.

So what's does everyone here think? Do you know of a good source for a motorized winch (with thin wires) that can lift about 120lbs? I don't want it to look like I use to rebuild engines for a living or anything.

Once I get past this road block I'll wrap things up and get some new pictures up.

TIA!

--Ed

 

[jnarowe]

Another thought is some kind of swing arm so you can move one out at a time. Hard to say without pics, but I have even send it done with wood rails. One of the cons to moving all the lamps at one time is that you won't have light to see into the tank when working in it. I went with individual tracks (too ugly for what you are doing) so I could slide one lamp off the tank, have access to that third of the tank, while not losing all the light and freaking the fish out too bad.

 

[rEd86]

Good point.

Actually, I just chatted with the guys at the office and I think they've come up with a solution that I didn't think about which meets my criteria - a pnematic lift from inside the hood.

I need to search the web for a lightweight lift - maybe a scissor lift that can be modified to work with the system. I don't know if they make anything that small or at the price-point I'm willing to pay (under $150) so I will be searching google for some solution.

--Ed

 

[melev]

What about cutting out some small openings to allow the top of the reflector to push up and out somewhat? Depending on the trim, you may not even notice it, and you'll get more space to work in your tank.

 

[rEd86]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12272648#post12272648 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
What about cutting out some small openings to allow the top of the reflector to push up and out somewhat? Depending on the trim, you may not even notice it, and you'll get more space to work in your tank.

I considered that Marc, but I'd have to get the reflectors at least 6" up and that would mean that the side lids would not be able to open all the way. I really need the mini reflectors - that's what you get when you change the size of the tank after purchasing a lot of the equipment!

I found some plans for a do-it-yourself scissor lift so I am now talking to someone about the materials to use for the lift. It needs to support the lid (I'm more worried about the lateral movement) and also not corrode because of the salt. There's also the urge to build something cool to solve this problem. Argh, argh, argh! (a "Tim the Tool Man" grunt)

I plan on completing the plumbing this Thursday since that's pretty much decided no matter what solution I go with. I have some Loc-Line parts on order from Premium Aquatics but I got a VM last night saying that they only have three threaded connectors in stock. Hopefully I can track down a couple more and get them in quickly so I can get the water flowing.

The sump room really turned out nice. Once I get the plumbing wrapped up and the skimmer connected, I'll make sure to post some pictures.

--Ed

 

[chrisqueenz]

Subscribed!

 

[melev]

I can't wait to see it! I'll be there in about 6 weeks now, I think.

 

[rEd86]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12291507#post12291507 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
I can't wait to see it! I'll be there in about 6 weeks now, I think.

I know - not too far away! That's why I am anxious to get things moving since everyone will be here for the May meeting...

--Ed

 

[melev]

Get 'er dun. :hammer:

 

[Untamed12]

I had been paying more attention to your thread I would have chimed in a while ago...

Here's what I built to lift my lights straight up when I want to work on the tank. It works perfectly. In my case, the lights both lift and slide along the rails. In practice, the lift gets used all the time and the slide only gets used when I'm changing bulbs.

I was lucky enough to have a 9 foot ceiling height, so the lights can rise enough to allow me to get completely underneath them. Good for my tan!

Plus if you are looking for useful gizmos to help you make something, check out www.firgelliauto.com. That's where I got the actuator that does the job for me.

 

[rEd86]

Untamed12,

Very nice setup!

Great link for an actuator. I was considering a pneumatic cylinder but I like the electrical motor solution instead of relying on air.

Where did you find your pulleys?

--Ed

 

[Untamed12]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12294170#post12294170 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rEd86
Untamed12,

Very nice setup!

Great link for an actuator. I was considering a pneumatic cylinder but I like the electrical motor solution instead of relying on air.

Where did you find your pulleys?

--Ed

Pulleys came from Princess Auto. I don't know if you have those in the US...

 

[jnarowe]

you can get marine grade stainless ones too. That's a really nice lift kit untamed12! :thumbsup:

 

[Untamed12]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12294663#post12294663 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
you can get marine grade stainless ones too. That's a really nice lift kit untamed12! :thumbsup:

Thank you! I imagine that you might be able find pulleys and such at a nautical/sailing supply place. It took me quite a while to find someone to sell me extra 1/16" SS cable and cable connectors.

 

[melev]

That is awesome!

 

[rEd86]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12294663#post12294663 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
you can get marine grade stainless ones too. That's a really nice lift kit untamed12! :thumbsup:

Do you have a source you'd recommend? I would think most would be for rope and not for thin cable, which is what I would want to use...

TIA.

--Ed

 

[rEd86]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12294303#post12294303 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Untamed12
Pulleys came from Princess Auto. I don't know if you have those in the US...

Do you know what use they were listed for? I really like the compact design and flush mounting. I see there's a Princess Auto web site but they don't have any pulleys of that type. (nor does their checkout give any US shipping options )

--Ed

 

[Untamed12]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12296630#post12296630 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rEd86
Do you know what use they were listed for? I really like the compact design and flush mounting. I see there's a Princess Auto web site but they don't have any pulleys of that type. (nor does their checkout give any US shipping options )

--Ed

I've no idea what they were meant to be used for. Their width suggests rope, but they work well with SS cable as well. They had a section of them in the store and I was able to choose from a number of sizes.

They didn't come with bolts. I picked up some SS bolts separately. I used these for axles and I think they were 1/4".

You'll find them somewhere...it's not like we have something the US doesn't!!

 

[jnarowe]

check out www.westmarine.com or www.fisheriessupply.com

 

[rEd86]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12298457#post12298457 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Untamed12
They didn't come with bolts. I picked up some SS bolts separately. I used these for axles and I think they were 1/4".

You'll find them somewhere...it's not like we have something the US doesn't!!

I just love the mounting brackets. (the ones in the corners) The pulleys that I have seen in my searches typically are swivel blocks and are not fixed. I am sure there are plenty of places to get them - you just have to know where to look.

I am also hoping not to pay $50+ per pulley. For boat/plane/rock climbing pulleys that I was using frequently (and my life depended on) it's worth the investment. I can't see lifting the hood more than twice a week for no more than an hour.

I want to get a better name for that type of pulley (or its use) so I can narrow down my searches.

--Ed