Would this work for hanging ATI Sunpower 6x54?

[FishNFun]

I'm setting up a new tank and where the tank is located the studs in the ceiling don't line up with the stand (falls in between two studs). I found these heavy duty toggle bolts that say they can hold 200lbs+ with 1/2" drywall (http://www.toggler.com/products/snaptoggle/overview.php).

The fixture itself is about 40lbs so I'm figuring this should be more than enough to support the light. Has anyone ever used these before to hang a light? I've read about others using these to hang TVs on walls, projectors and screens from ceilings, etc. but just looking for some reassurance. Thanks!

 

[jlanger]

At first glance, I am skeptical of using the togs alone in the ceiling.
The given loads for the toggles are most likely tested when the drywall is used vertically as in a wall application; not horizontal on the ceiling.

This weekend I finished installing my hanging light canopy from the ceiling and I had the same issues you are running into. My lighting canopy is built out of solid oak and is extremely heavy for a canopy. I built a mounting plate that was bolted to the ceiling and then then canopy rides on glides to move out of the way during maintenance. I have no more concerns about the weight and motion since the mounting plate is securely bolted to the joists above the ceiling. (A detailed thread is in the works...)

In your application, you could make a mounting plate out of wood that could be bolted into the above joists. Then mount your hooks/brackets into the plate and hang your light in the appropriate location.
I would not try just using the togs in the ceiling drywall. Too risky and not an easy fix.
Hope this helps.

-JASON

 

[FishNFun]

I can see where hanging a solid oak canopy from the ceiling using toggle bolts could be problematic but I imagine that's a LOT more weight than the Sunpower fixture which is less than 40lbs (spread out over two hanging points). In any case I emailed the manufacturer to get their input and will post what they say. Thanks.

 

[kc350twin]

Are you sure about that weight?

I used the 100lbs toggles to hold my 8x54. The only thing was it was on a 45 degree angled wall. I even stuck a few 10lb weights on top as a test. The togs to scare me though, there is no doubt about that.

Here is the link to my experience.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=16550547&postcount=12




Kc3

 

[TimeConsumer]

What's your peace of mind worth to you?

If it were me I'd bolt a 2x4 to the ceiling studs and hand the fixture from that.

If aesthetics are important you could build a small box from the ceiling, paint it, texture it to match the drywall, trim it with some molding and hang the fixture from that. It wouldn't look half bad and you wouldn't have to worry about your $500 light falling and possibly breaking your tank or electrocuting your inhabitants.

Otherwise, find a metalworker nearby and have them fabricate a steel light hanger. There's a guy who does it locally out here in new orleans, just bolt it to your stand and you're good to go.

 

[feh]

What's your peace of mind worth to you?

If it were me I'd bolt a 2x4 to the ceiling studs and hand the fixture from that.
QUOTE]

+1

 

[Dr Colliebreath]

I wouldn't risk toggle bolts in drywall. I would screw a 5 or 6 foot piece of 1 x 3 poplar to your studs and then attach the lights to it.

To make it look better, use a router to put a decorative trim on the edge of the 1x 3, paint the board the same corlor as the ceiling, and countersink the screws.

It is easy and works well. I did it for a light over a pool table.

 

[kc350twin]

Do you have a attic above? Scab in a 2x4 as needed.

You could also do ceiling fan brackets that expand in the opening.
Then use the round metal block off plates.




Kc3