Using a hanging fixture without hanging it from the roof.

[mandm25254]

Ok, so i want to buy a fixture but im waiting back on how much the fixture weighs and i might not be able to hang it from my roof. So do you have any ideas on how to hang a fixture with out hanging it from the roof or using it in hood. A picture or idea of one of your diy would be amazing thanks for any help.

 

[THE ROOK]

I used two pieces of 3/4" electrical conduit. Used the cheap bender to form the arms over the tank. Then I drilled two 2x4's for the conduit to slide thru. Placed one at the very bottom & secured to the conduit. I placed the other 2-3 feet up & also secured to the conduit. Then I slid it behind my stand. I only had to use one screw thru the stand to secure as the 2x4 was tight against the wall moulding.

My fixture came with a great hanging hit. I removed the ceiling ends & wrapped it around the conduit & secured.

I did also paint the conduit black. Works great & I can now access my tank easily.

 

[mandm25254]

Can i please have a picture im kind of confused witht hat oone.

 

[THE ROOK]

It was much easier to build then explain. I only have a camera phone so pics aren't to good. BTW, this is quite a heavy fixture as it's 48" long.

Total cost was about $10.00 as the hanging kit came with the light. I returned the bender after making the two bends.

 

[THE ROOK]

If you are able to get behind your stand, you can simply secure the poles to the stand with some u-clips. This would be even quicker.

 

[mandm25254]

I see that looks very nice but i think i left out one small detail, Its a 40g breader that is visable by three ways so i can't acualy have two pecies of pipe to hold it. because the fixture will be long ways.

 

[THE ROOK]

One pipe would hold a light over a 40. Even easier, IMO.

 

[james3370]

yeah there is a DIY article of the month on the home page about doing this:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2009-04/diy/index.php

 

[apayne]

Here is what I DIYed,

Swings side to side and is easily raised or lowered.

HTH

Aaron

 

[mandm25254]

Thanks james, that is exacly what i needed. do you think one metal pipe will be able to hold a 35-40lb fixture safly its a 800 fixture so i would hate to see it in the tank lol.

 

[THE ROOK]

I can't imagine a 36" light weighs that much but if so you might consider using two identical bent poles secured together.

BTW, that's the article that gave me the idea for mine as well.

 

[sunsetSPS]

I was thinking of having hanging poles but I don't have much space in the back of the tank and I'm more wood person so I came up with this:

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[mandm25254]

Yes, i confermed with a ati rep, the 6 bulb 39w fixture comes in at 35-40lb's with bulbs. That is what they told me on the phone. So are talking about two metal poles next to eachother then just one longer then the other then bent a little to keep the fixture streight.

 

[THE ROOK]

Sweet setup sunsetSPS. Very nice hanger.

mandm - Just to make sure I understand, the tank & light will be turned sideways when compared to the pic above.

If so, you could try to keep it simple & bend two poles like my 1st pic. Instead of them being 40" apart, drill & bolt them together to give you more strength. The 30"36" overhang will be a test but should hold.

Use a hanging kit like sunset has & you could either drill the pole or wrap it as I did.

Another thought: Using 4x4's could be very simple & once painted look pretty sweet. Lag the horizontal leg onto the top of a vertical post. Then cut a gusset (two 45's) & lag that to both pieces. You could then add a foot to the bottom for stability. Sand & stain for a finished look & secure to the stand.