How to mount two AI Primes to one DIY bracket

[Reef of Fillory]

Hi all, I've got a Fluval EVO tank that is set up peninsula style on a stand. I'd like to mount two AI prime's over the tank, so i'm looking at building my own fixture.

I'd like to bolt/screw it to the back of the stand in the center, have it come up the back and over the top of the tank.

I'm not sure how to support/attach the horizontal bar to the vertical bar either.

Maybe something like this, painted black? https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbil...-Tube-with-1-16-in-Thickness-801107/204225750

The AI prime's mount screws are on the "side" of the light, so i'm not sure how I would go about getting them mounted on to whatever metal I use to come up from the stand.

This uses M5-08 16mm machine bolts

Any ideas?


Crazy Eyes on NanoReef forums posted this:

It looks like it might be the AI Prime hanging kit on the light, but does anyone have a cheaper idea? [$20 each for hanging kits]

I was thinking an alternative would be using these, and drilling a hole in both sides to bolt on to a bar: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-ZMAX-18-Gauge-Galvanized-Steel-Angle-A21Z/100375047


I also looked at the Tnutz website, but was too confused about which parts to use, etc.

Any ideas/opinions welcome!

 

[Reef of Fillory]

I ended up buying some iron bar from the plumbing section at home Depot, and a couple of 90° cabinet brackets.

Now my problem is that I can't get my drill bits through the pipe to make holes to bolt the brackets on.

Do you think super glue will hold to the bracket and the pipe?

And advise?

 

[JoshH]

I ended up buying some iron bar from the plumbing section at home Depot, and a couple of 90° cabinet brackets.

Now my problem is that I can't get my drill bits through the pipe to make holes to bolt the brackets on.

Do you think super glue will hold to the bracket and the pipe?

And advise?

I wouldn't trust super glue to hold up long term, if at all... zip ties would be much better albeit slightly ugly. What kind of drill bit are you using?? And FWIW what had you confused on the Tnutz website about what you needed?

 

[Reef of Fillory]

I wouldn't trust super glue to hold up long term, if at all... zip ties would be much better albeit slightly ugly. What kind of drill bit are you using??

I've just got a case of "skil" brand drill bits that I was trying to use - I wish I had a drill press but I don't. The pipe didn't even show any effect from my trying to drill it!

I tried with zip ties, but the light can slip through the zip ties, or is not centered if I run the tie through the hold in the bracket.

I looked at the JB Weld products, but the reviews suggested that it wouldn't work either. =(

 

[JoshH]

I've just got a case of "skil" brand drill bits that I was trying to use - I wish I had a drill press but I don't. The pipe didn't even show any effect from my trying to drill it!

I wish I had one too, can't seem to get the girlfriend to understand my tool requirements lol and so I'm guessing just standard construction bits and not something really designed for metal. You could purchase metal bits but you could also buy two hanging kits for probably not a whole lot more. The zip ties I think could work but it would take a few tries to get it right. You would have to put them around the bracket (not the light) and pipe and line everything up before tightening them which would take some time, patience and willingness to redo it a bunch of times. Rounding the bracket around the pipe would make things easier but would take a little time to get right.

There are a few threads out there with reefers using the Tslot and I'm betting you could find all the information needed there for parts you would need.

 

[Reef of Fillory]

I wish I had one too, can't seem to get the girlfriend to understand my tool requirements lol and so I'm guessing just standard construction bits and not something really designed for metal. You could purchase metal bits but you could also buy two hanging kits for probably not a whole lot more. The zip ties I think could work but it would take a few tries to get it right. You would have to put them around the bracket (not the light) and pipe and line everything up before tightening them which would take some time, patience and willingness to redo it a bunch of times. Rounding the bracket around the pipe would make things easier but would take a little time to get right.

There are a few threads out there with reefers using the Tslot and I'm betting you could find all the information needed there for parts you would need.

My Wife's given up on trying to curb my tool needs! Right now she doesn't have to even try because we're in an apartment with no room for tools!

 

[JoshH]

My Wife's given up on trying to curb my tool needs! Right now she doesn't have to even try because we're in an apartment with no room for tools!

That's all a tactic to make you think you can't have larger tools

 

[Jerett83]

I've just got a case of "skil" brand drill bits that I was trying to use - I wish I had a drill press but I don't. The pipe didn't even show any effect from my trying to drill it! =(

That pipe is pretty soft you should have no problem drilling it. If you havent already try going in with a 1/16th or any small bit first to pilot before going in with whatever size bit you need. Center punch the tube also if the bit is wandering around.

 

[Reef of Fillory]

That pipe is pretty soft you should have no problem drilling it. If you havent already try going in with a 1/16th or any small bit first to pilot before going in with whatever size bit you need. Center punch the tube also if the bit is wandering around.

That's what I kept reading online [that the pipe is soft], but I literally made no mark on the pipe when trying to go through it with a drill bit. I fully could have been using the wrong bit though! It has a point on the end, so it may have been a wood bit, but I have no idea.

 

[Reef of Fillory]

Got through the pipe with my normal drill bits, but didn't line them up well enough. Ended up zip tying the lights on to the bar with black zip ties instead.

I'll be using the hanging kits instead of these L brackets as soon as I get my hands on a second kit.

 

[Delidel323]

I've just got a case of "skil" brand drill bits that I was trying to use - I wish I had a drill press but I don't. The pipe didn't even show any effect from my trying to drill it!

I tried with zip ties, but the light can slip through the zip ties, or is not centered if I run the tie through the hold in the bracket.

I looked at the JB Weld products, but the reviews suggested that it wouldn't work either. =(

Use some self-tapping screws