DIY mount for Fluval nano LED

[MoshJosh]

Wanted to use my two nano LEDs on this 24 gallon tank but the stock mounts were not long enough. I made my own mount using angled aluminum. The way it is right now it can sit on the rim of the tank, I may mount it just like this, however, doing it this way may have the LED too close to the water. That said, I could easily screw a few holes in the mount and hang it above the tank.

 

[thomas_neil]

Wanted to use my two nano LEDs on this 24 gallon tank but the stock mounts were not long enough. I made my own mount using angled aluminum. The way it is right now it can sit on the rim of the tank, I may mount it just like this, however, doing it this way may have the LED too close to the water. That said, I could easily screw a few holes in the mount and hang it above the tank.

That's a good idea. I have one on my 20 cube and I feel like the arm doesn't reach the center of the display. I might have to copy your idea.

 

[MoshJosh]

Yeah, that was my issue. When mounting the lights on the back of the tank they couldn't reach the center. I could have mounted them on the sides, but had to hang the lights as far out as possible and they sagged.

These fluval lights are supposed to be water proof/resistant so mounting close to the water should be OK, however, I am worried how it will affect the lighting of corals.

 

[softiesplease]

I need to do this for 3 of these lights got any tips for me?

 

[MoshJosh]

It’s a pretty straightforward project. As always measure twice and cut once. If you plan on mounting it by setting it on the glass like I did remember to place the short piece of aluminum on the bottom as this gives you more surface area/a better area to mount the rubber anti slip nubs. Also if you are mounting that way make sure you are careful when working in the tank as I knocked the mount and lights into the tank a few times. . . Glad these lights are pretty water proof!

Also if you are using three you may need thicker aluminum than I used, especially if your tank is wider. Again, depending on your tank width you may need a cross bar in the middle somewhere.

I made a newer mount for these lights that doubles as a shelf, I will try to post a link tomorrow.

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

I have a couple of these lights. This is a great idea. My one and only issue with these lights is that because they are bluetooth if the power goes out for a second they will remain off until you reconnect them. Not the worst thing unless your out of town for a week and the app is on your phone.

 

[softiesplease]

It’s a pretty straightforward project. As always measure twice and cut once. If you plan on mounting it by setting it on the glass like I did remember to place the short piece of aluminum on the bottom as this gives you more surface area/a better area to mount the rubber anti slip nubs. Also if you are mounting that way make sure you are careful when working in the tank as I knocked the mount and lights into the tank a few times. . . Glad these lights are pretty water proof!

Also if you are using three you may need thicker aluminum than I used, especially if your tank is wider. Again, depending on your tank width you may need a cross bar in the middle somewhere.

I made a newer mount for these lights that doubles as a shelf, I will try to post a link tomorrow.

thank you I somehow missed this reply before, coming back to this as I still want to do this just to have it built. what dimension angled aluminum did you use?

 

[TangerineSpeedo]

Wanted to use my two nano LEDs on this 24 gallon tank but the stock mounts were not long enough. I made my own mount using angled aluminum. The way it is right now it can sit on the rim of the tank, I may mount it just like this, however, doing it this way may have the LED too close to the water. That said, I could easily screw a few holes in the mount and hang it above the tank.

You can also use this concept and take it one step further. Use an aluminum picture frame kit. You would then have nice mitered corners and could do black. You could probably incorporate this concept into many LEDs

 

[softiesplease]

thank you I somehow missed this reply before, coming back to this as I still want to do this just to have it built. what dimension angled aluminum did you use?

@MoshJosh any chance you can post the new shelf you made

 

[MoshJosh]

@MoshJosh any chance you can post the new shelf you made

Sorry lights are out so I can’t take more detailed/new photos at the moment:

 

[softiesplease]

Sorry lights are out so I can’t take more detailed/new photos at the moment:

No problem I found your tank thread shortly after replying to this thread my bad. So how did you attach the lights to the shelf? I gotta figure out a way to mount them over a standard rimmed 10 gallon

 

[MoshJosh]

No problem I found your tank thread shortly after replying to this thread my bad. So how did you attach the lights to the shelf? I gotta figure out a way to mount them over a standard rimmed 10 gallon

I made a track out of aluminum channel from Home Depot. The lights can slide in from the side but otherwise can’t come out of the track.

Easiest way on a rimmed tank, in my opinion, is to use a lid or partial lid with the lights sitting directly on top of them. I like to use corrugated plastic for this cause I can cut it on a saw, but glass would be better. Use rubber bumpers on the light to stop it from sliding and keep some heat off the plastic. Different light but same thing:

If using corrugated, make sure you cut it so it fits as tightly as possible between the rims to account for bowing. Also make sure you cut so the corrugations are perpendicular to the rim the light is sitting on. Glass would be a better choice haha

On my 29 gallon:

 

[softiesplease]

I made a track out of aluminum channel from Home Depot. The lights can slide in from the side but otherwise can’t come out of the track.

Easiest way on a rimmed tank, in my opinion, is to use a lid or partial lid with the lights sitting directly on top of them. I like to use corrugated plastic for this cause I can cut it on a saw, but glass would be better. Use rubber bumpers on the light to stop it from sliding and keep some heat off the plastic. Different light but same thing:

If using corrugated, make sure you cut it so it fits as tightly as possible between the rims to account for bowing. Also make sure you cut so the corrugations are perpendicular to the rim the light is sitting on. Glass would be a better choice haha

On my 29 gallon:

Awesome stuff, definitely helps me out. Really appreciate it.