80/20 Light Fixture on Metal Stand

[Brisk]

Hi. I would like to have my lights mounted on 80/20 but the issue I have is that my stand is metal. Is there a way to mount the 80/20 without drilling into the metal stand? If drilling is the only or best way, how can I prevent it from rusting? I have no experience dealing with 80/20, only what I have read on this forum. If there's anyone willing to help, that would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[X-37B]

Pic of the stand,tank, and how you want the lights hung would help.

 

[Troylee]

Hi. I would like to have my lights mounted on 80/20 but the issue I have is that my stand is metal. Is there a way to mount the 80/20 without drilling into the metal stand? If drilling is the only or best way, how can I prevent it from rusting? I have no experience dealing with 80/20, only what I have read on this forum. If there's anyone willing to help, that would be appreciated. Thank you.

Is the metal stand already painted? Yes drilling would be your only option! I’d put a dab of silicone over the screws as you put them in and a buffer dab between the aluminum and steel if you’re really worried about it… it takes a long time to rust a tiny hole unless it’s constantly wet.

 

[Brisk]

Pic of the stand,tank, and how you want the lights hung would help.

Here's a picture of the back of the stand. Sorry the picture isn't great. I have limited space to to get a better photo.

And I'm hoping to mount a pair of Orpheks to something like this: (picture credited to @siggy )

 

[Brisk]

Is the metal stand already painted? Yes drilling would be your only option! I’d put a dab of silicone over the screws as you put them in and a buffer dab between the aluminum and steel if you’re really worried about it… it takes a long time to rust a tiny hole unless it’s constantly wet.

Ah ok. Then not too much to worry about. Thanks for the tip with silicone.

 

[Troylee]

Here's a picture of the back of the stand. Sorry the picture isn't great. I have limited space to to get a better photo.

And I'm hoping to mount a pair of Orpheks to something like this:

Orpheks are pretty heavy lights! If you decide to hang them like that make sure the 80/20 goes all the way to the bottom of the stand to lock your brace in.. hit the bottom sq tube and top sq tube and most likely will need some 45° bracket at the top to support the arms so they don’t flex. “Depending on length”

 

[X-37B]

Ho

Here's a picture of the back of the stand. Sorry the picture isn't great. I have limited space to to get a better photo.

And I'm hoping to mount a pair of Orpheks to something like this:

How wide and deep is the center brace, length and width.
There may be a way to attatch the 8020 to the center post without drilling.

 

[Brisk]

Ho
How wide and deep is the center brace, length and width.
There may be a way to attatch the 8020 to the center post without drilling.

It's 1-1/2" wide and 1-1/2" deep for the center brace.

 

[Doctorgori]

heck, find those studs and float that sucker …I bet it would look sharp

 

[exnisstech]

heck, find those studs and float that sucker …I bet it would look sharp

Agreed.

To the OP if you go with 80/20 may as well hinge it too. Sure makes working in the tank easier.

 

[BrokenReefer]

I would use RTV sealant on the connection between the stand, 80/20, and over the fastener head. These areas aren't going to come into contact with saltwater, at least they shouldn't, so you don't need to use a whole tube of GE red label. A small 3 oz. tube of Permatex would do you just fine. In my opinion, of course.

 

[Brisk]

Agreed.

To the OP if you go with 80/20 may as well hinge it too. Sure makes working in the tank easier.

I was thinking of doing that or having it motorized, but it looks like making it motorized might be more complex.

 

[X-37B]

It's 1-1/2" wide and 1-1/2" deep for the center brace.

You can use 15 series 8020, its 1.5".
Run one piece on the outside and one piece on the inside and attatch it like this.
Use the 3 hole, I only have 2 hole on hand. Simple to do and TNutz can cut the pieces to size for you.
You can use 3- 4 of the 3 hole and it will hold anything you want to hang.

 

[Doctorgori]

it might be relevant but you can mate aluminum and iron? …again not suggesting it’s wrong, but more curious
…Also I’m still thinking floating might even be easier if not cleaner ….I got a picture somewhere of my 300g2 with a floating 30/30 light bracket …I finished it with a 1/2” white PVC board wrap … my iphone has like 3000 unorganized pics tho

 

[Brisk]

You can use 15 series 8020, its 1.5".
Run one piece on the outside and one piece on the inside and attatch it like this.
Use the 3 hole, I only have 2 hole on hand. Simple to do and TNutz can cut the pieces to size for you.
You can use 3- 4 of the 3 hole and it will hold anything you want to hang.

The ends would still need to be drilled?

 

[Brisk]

it might be relevant but you can mate aluminum and iron? …again not suggesting it’s wrong, but more curious
…Also I’m still thinking floating might even be easier if not cleaner ….I got a picture somewhere of my 300g2 with a floating 30/30 light bracket …I finished it with a 1/2” white PVC board wrap … my iphone has like 3000 unorganized pics tho

You mean just a wall mount like using TV brackets and a canopy to cover the lights?

 

[X-37B]

No they attatch like this with T nuts and slider.
You attatch the 2 8020 together with the stands post in the middle. Very secure without the need to drill.

 

[Doctorgori]

You mean just a wall mount like using TV brackets and a canopy to cover the lights?

No but Funny I’ve done that also…. search tv mount under my name…I got a picture of that EXACT concept ….
I wanna say it was a “question of the day” thread a few yrs back

 

[Doctorgori]

You mean just a wall mount like using TV brackets and a canopy to cover the lights?

try this

 

[BrokenReefer]

No they attatch like this with T nuts and slider.
You attatch the 2 8020 together with the stands post in the middle. Very secure without the need to drill.

How do you prevent them from sliding under the load? **when used in a vertical application **