Suggestions for Mounting Euroquatics Angels and Populargrow Light Bars

[griss]

Some of you are aware I'll be upgrading tanks in the future. On the 150 gallon tank, I'm going to run (6) Euroquatics Angels and also got (2) Populargrow Blue 108w light bars. I'm looking for suggestions on how to mount these 8 fixtures over a 60" x 26" x 24" tank.

 

[Reefing102]

Have you thought about maybe doing a canopy or even a floating canopy?

Or there’s custom building a light stand using T-Slot aluminum (I don’t know much on this though).

 

[griss]

Have you thought about maybe doing a canopy or even a floating canopy?

Or there’s custom building a light stand using T-Slot aluminum (I don’t know much on this though).

Honestly, it’s all up in the air right now. I’m just looking for different ideas. Floating canopy will definitely be considered.

The tank is going to be below where I framed around the duct work so, once in place, there won’t be a ton of room above.

 

[kharmaguru]

So what is the layout going to be? I assume a blue strip down each outer edge but what configuration do you intent for the 6 fixtures? Do they need to be adjustable?

BTW this sounds really blue considering you don't like blue.

 

[griss]

So what is the layout going to be? I assume a blue strip down each outer edge but what configuration do you intent for the 6 fixtures? Do they need to be adjustable?

BTW this sounds really blue considering you don't like blue.

This might be hard to explain in words. The Angels will be parallel to the tank 2 on the left, 2 center and 2 on the right. The Bars will be behind the back angels and in front of the front Angels. I will likely get a third (maybe whiter) bar and put it between the front and back Angels.

Re: really blue, maybe. Right now the way I’m running the Angels it looks crisp old school 10k and I have the whites pretty low compared to the blues, so I guess I’ll see.

 

[griss]

Hmmm, wonder if these would work. I'd need three.

Orphek Universal Fixing Bracket Kit

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[griss]

Okay, after watching this I think I'd like that type of setup. But, being a recent convert from MH to LED, I have no idea where to begin. Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[Reefing102]

If you want that exact set up, he’s running the ecotech multi light rail system - if you click “buy” it will show you the various parts available. From the mounts to the various rail sizes and x mounts.

Radion Accessories - EcoTech Marine

Mounting and Hanging Kits for your Radion LED lights

ecotechmarine.com

Beyond that, it looks like he just bought spare RMS rail and used those magnets to attach to the multi-light rail system.

So for your set up, if you went with the ecotech stuff you’d need the end brackets and the
XR703-0705 70.5 inch track. From there, if you use additional RMS Rail I’d imagine 2 tracks per two lights (one on each side), so 6 additional track of the 20.5 inch track. Plus the magnets.

As he mentions in the video, since those magnets have 3m tape, you can use other brands of tracks if you wanted (extruded aluminum, whatever Amazon sells, etc), I’d just ensure it’s thick to support the weight of the lights.

Maybe, and not trying to spend money, But consider two sets of end brackets and 70.5 track, then have custom mounts 3D printed for the angels and then do two pieces of additional track to add the PopBloom bars.

 

[Reefing102]

I’m not 100% certain, and perhaps @Sugar Magnolia may be able to chime in as I think they have experience with it, but extruded aluminum/t-slot may get you what you want with a similar look at a lower cost.

 

[griss]

I’m not 100% certain, and perhaps @Sugar Magnolia may be able to chime in as I think they have experience with it, but extruded aluminum/t-slot may get you what you want with a similar look at a lower cost.

Okay, help me out. Where would I look for generic T-slot rail and how would I know what I want. I'm thinking something suspended from the ceiling that I could put on a pulley type system to raise and lower as needed.

 

[Reefing102]

Here’s the best thing I’ve found on it. I just haven’t had the “need” yet to try to build anything

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/guide-to-diy-with-t-slot-aluminum.903885/

 

[wvned]

I think hanging lights over a fish tank with magnets is one of the stupidest things I have ever heard.

80/20
8020.net Never had Lego blocks?
just like them. All shapes and sizes.

 

[JCOLE]

Okay, help me out. Where would I look for generic T-slot rail and how would I know what I want. I'm thinking something suspended from the ceiling that I could put on a pulley type system to raise and lower as needed.

I built my canopy for my 500 from all T-slot. I purchased the T-slot and all connectors, screws, etc from Amazon. Really light, doesn't rust, and strong.

 

[griss]

Anyone used these?

 

[Grin Reefer]

(FYI) If you're still undecided.
How extravagant do you want to get?

Electric lift floating canopy with easily removable canopy panels via button hangers. (scaled it down to what you need)
Or something a little easier?

Manual lift with locking hinges.

 

[griss]

(FYI) If you're still undecided.
How extravagant do you want to get?
View attachment 32411336
Electric lift floating canopy with easily removable canopy panels via button hangers. (scaled it down to what you need)
Or something a little easier?
View attachment 32411337
Manual lift with locking hinges.

I’m the type to keep things simple as I’m not the most mechanically inclined. I’d prefer to purchase something rather than try to build myself.

 

[Reefing102]

(FYI) If you're still undecided.
How extravagant do you want to get?
View attachment 32411336
Electric lift floating canopy with easily removable canopy panels via button hangers. (scaled it down to what you need)
Or something a little easier?
View attachment 32411337
Manual lift with locking hinges.

That is pretty sweet

 

[griss]

(FYI) If you're still undecided.
How extravagant do you want to get?
View attachment 32411336
Electric lift floating canopy with easily removable canopy panels via button hangers. (scaled it down to what you need)
Or something a little easier?
View attachment 32411337
Manual lift with locking hinges.

Something like the second one would be ideal. But, I’d have 2 Angels on the left, 2 in the middle and 2 on the right. I’d addition to those, I’d have a light bar at the front of the tank, another between the front & back Angels and on in the back.

 

[griss]

Something like the second one would be ideal. But, I’d have 2 Angels on the left, 2 in the middle and 2 on the right. I’d addition to those, I’d have a light bar at the front of the tank, another between the front & back Angels and on in the back.

Quoting myself, @Grin Reefer I assume that is something you designed? If so, what is it built from? Do you have a parts list? Also, how would I connect the lights to it?

 

[Grin Reefer]

Quoting myself, @Grin Reefer I assume that is something you designed? If so, what is it built from? Do you have a parts list? Also, how would I connect the lights to it?

Yeah, it's made from 80/20 series 15 t-slot, super easy to work with. If you can assemble tinker toys, you can assemble this. Looking at the light bar online, I see that it has brackets that would be easy to bolt right to the t-slot bars. As far as the Euroquatics Angels go, if it has bolt holes (which it does, M5's) it too can be attached easily. I can't do a parts list without having a final design specific to your tank.