80/20 Lighting Mount Help!

[AngryOwl]

Wondering if I can get some solid input here for opinions on design and engineering as well.

I'm toying with 2 ideas to mount my light fixture over a 220g tank.

This is the design I like the most because it looks 10x cleaner... but it is the most difficult to engineer. I've included some dimensions and this should be able to hold 60lbs with of course minimum deflection. But I can adjust the light hanging lines so some deflection isn't a huge deal.

The stand is made of plywood and I figured I could attach it to the back of the stand with some bolts. Need advise on the parts I'd need!

This is a back up option at this point where I have 4 feet on that sit on the tank and then the support runs across. This isn't as clean but easy.

Tank reference pictures.

 

[Retro Reefer]

Have you considered just hanging from ceiling? When all said and done it’s just as clean as some kind of mounting system and other benefits include cheap and easy installation with the ability to instantly and effortlessly raise or lower your lighting which is great for maintenance and dialing in that perfect height.

 

[Citycop89]

I’m not expert but my initial belief is 80” is a large span to hang a significant amount of weight. I would imagine you could get away with it making sure the 80/20 is a large enough size and the bracing is significant enough at the meeting of vertical and horizontal parts. I’m pretty sure I’ve read that the company will help you design and choose the appropriate parts to meet your needs.

 

[Citycop89]

Looks like vaulted ceilings. That’s a long ways to hang hardware it looks like. May be beneficial to have two arms of 80/20 come up that side and over the tank. Will help distribute weight and flex.

 

[AngryOwl]

Looks like vaulted ceilings. That’s a long ways to hang hardware it looks like. May be beneficial to have two arms of 80/20 come up that side and over the tank. Will help distribute weight and flex.

Yup lol the ceiling is high and on an angle. I'm not opposed to having two arms, I think that would help out a ton. You remember the name of that company?

 

[Citycop89]

https://www.8020.net/

Their site can take a bit to get used to and navigate to figure out what parts work with everything. But you can get a good idea of their product and see the various widths of track.

 

[Citycop89]

What lights do you plan to use and how many?

 

[AngryOwl]

What lights do you plan to use and how many?

60" ATI 8 bulb fixture and two sb reef bars... I'm overestimating the weight.

 

[AngryOwl]

I used the deflection calculator on 8020.net but it doesn't tell you any recommendations on bracing or parts. I submitted a design assistance request but no idea how long that takes. Hoping someone can help me out!

 

[AngryOwl]

#reefsquad

 

[dbl]

Sorry I can't be of any assistance as I've never used 80/20. My gut tells me that's a long run to fully support the weight, but again, it's just a gut feeling. You might was to wait for the vendor to respond to your request - hopefully sooner rather than later.

Side note...that's a good looking set up you have working there, but then I'm a sucker for a peninsula.

 

[AngryOwl]

Sorry I can't be of any assistance as I've never used 80/20. My gut tells me that's a long run to fully support the weight, but again, it's just a gut feeling. You might was to wait for the vendor to respond to your request - hopefully sooner rather than later.

Side note...that's a good looking set up you have working there, but then I'm a sucker for a peninsula.

Thanks! There is just something about being able to walk around your tank you can't beat. Very excited to get it setup!

 

[Bayareareefer18]

Check out reefdudes. Dev built a very similar light rack for his radions. It looks pretty much identical to what you have in mind

 

[AngryOwl]

Check out reefdudes. Dev built a very similar light rack for his radions. It looks pretty much identical to what you have in mind

Pretty much exactly what I need but with more weight. Only problem is he never said the parts he used. Its kind of confusing to figure out the first time you do it. I'm sure after I do 1 project I'll know what I need for future projects lol!

 

[kremer]

Hello,

Have you looked at Kremco t-slot aluminum profiles? I recently built a complete tank out of 40mm extrusions.

 

[sam.veilleux30]

I did a rupport to cover the light spill from my radions, less heavy than t5 but this might give you some ideas. I used russian birch plywood.

 

[Talo’s Reef]

I just built mine almost exactly the same design. I am just going over the top and used two “arms”. I used series 10 profile. I called them and they said it would hold the 40ish pounds I am going for.
2565 angle supports
3342 screws
3091 anchor assembly for the 90degree
3382 t nut
4251 to attach to the stand.
I had some other Knick nacks in there for my specific design.

First thing I would do is call them(not email) and ask what size profile they recommend for the weight and then search on the sight for the various fasteners for the size of profile you go with.

 

[Bayareareefer18]

Pretty much exactly what I need but with more weight. Only problem is he never said the parts he used. Its kind of confusing to figure out the first time you do it. I'm sure after I do 1 project I'll know what I need for future projects lol!

Ah true I guess his video isn't so specific on materials. Shoot him a message sure he would give some advice

 

[AngryOwl]

I just built mine almost exactly the same design. I am just going over the top and used two “arms”. I used series 10 profile. I called them and they said it would hold the 40ish pounds I am going for.
2565 angle supports
3342 screws
3091 anchor assembly for the 90degree
3382 t nut
4251 to attach to the stand.
I had some other Knick nacks in there for my specific design.

First thing I would do is call them(not email) and ask what size profile they recommend for the weight and then search on the sight for the various fasteners for the size of profile you go with.

When you say 'them' do you mean 8020.net or another company? How long did it take for you to get everything? I called them today but didn't get a callback so I'll try tomorrow!

Hello,

Have you looked at Kremco t-slot aluminum profiles? I recently built a complete tank out of 40mm extrusions.

I have not, looking now!

 

[Talo’s Reef]

When you say 'them' do you mean 8020.net or another company? How long did it take for you to get everything? I called them today but didn't get a callback so I'll try tomorrow!

Yes 8020.net. It took about a month and a half apparently because I had some profiles over 60in and I had to have them machined a little for the end fasteners. Not a big deal for me as I am still waiting for my tank to come in. As someone else mentioned, the site is kind of hard to navigate but as you browse through the different options it starts to make sense.