How would you mount a box light over a biocube?

[k_dog345]

Hey guys!

So I decided I want to go topless on my biocube. I ordered a new light for it at a great price! It's a bit overkill, but I'll turn it down and use it on my new tank whenever I upgrade [emoji4]

So my problem is this, I cannot drill holes into the wall or ceiling, as the apartment would not allow me to do so.

I have come up with a solution I think might work. I got a railing for shelving along with one shelf holder. Something like this:
Bracket

Rail

The bracket has a hole at the end of it, so what I could do is bolt on a steel strip that have two holes on the ends so I can use the hang mount (has two clip ins)

So it would be hanging like this

My other alternative for hanging, which I discovered by searching images could be to just do something like this

No my problem is mounting the railing to where it would be sturdy against my cabinet which came with the biocube

What I got was screws, a locking nut, and a thick board with a hole drilled in it to act as a washer. I plan on getting a u bolt to provide more stability and prevent it from swaying. But still unsure that this will work.

What do you guys think? How would you go about this?

 

[mcarroll]

Looks like it has 90º lenses. Your BioCube, assuming it's the 29, is about 20"L x 20"W.

That means you'll want the light about 10" off the surface in order to have good [HASHTAG]#coverage[/HASHTAG] across the whole tank.

After it's hung and you're happy with the coverage, get a [HASHTAG]#lux[/HASHTAG] [HASHTAG]#meter[/HASHTAG] to help you set the [HASHTAG]#dimmers[/HASHTAG] correctly.

• You can get a freebie lux meter app for your #smartphone's [HASHTAG]#camera[/HASHTAG]. It's great to start here.
• A handheld lux meter (common model [HASHTAG]#LX1010B[/HASHTAG]) is only about $15. Great investment - you will find other uses for it!
• A [HASHTAG]#PAR[/HASHTAG] meter will do, but is lots more expensive and is not necessary for this purpose. Use it if you have it though!
• 100,000 lux is equal to direct sunlight. (=2000 PAR)
• As long as you're close to the range of 20,000 to 80,000 lux, your corals should be happy. More is not better.
• Around 40,000 lux seems to be a sweet spot.

Hanging Supports
All those options look fine. I might consider larger, one-piece shelf brackets...something that'll be the correct distance from the wall. They make em all sizes. This one is 18" x 16":

Consider hanging it from plant hooks in the ceiling too - gets the hanging hardware completely out of view.

If you want something to make raising and lowering the unit easier, consider a pair of Sun Lifts.

Depends on your location and tastes what to go with IMO.

 

[k_dog345]

Looks like it has 90º lenses. Your BioCube, assuming it's the 29, is about 20"L x 20"W.

That means you'll want the light about 10" off the surface in order to have good [HASHTAG]#coverage[/HASHTAG] across the whole tank.

After it's hung and you're happy with the coverage, get a [HASHTAG]#lux[/HASHTAG] [HASHTAG]#meter[/HASHTAG] to help you set the [HASHTAG]#dimmers[/HASHTAG] correctly.

• You can get a freebie lux meter app for your #smartphone's [HASHTAG]#camera[/HASHTAG]. It's great to start here.
• A handheld lux meter (common model [HASHTAG]#LX1010B[/HASHTAG]) is only about $15. Great investment - you will find other uses for it!
• A [HASHTAG]#PAR[/HASHTAG] meter will do, but is lots more expensive and is not necessary for this purpose. Use it if you have it though!
• 100,000 lux is equal to direct sunlight. (=2000 PAR)
• As long as you're close to the range of 20,000 to 80,000 lux, your corals should be happy. More is not better.
• Around 40,000 lux seems to be a sweet spot.

Hanging Supports
All those options look fine. I might consider larger, one-piece shelf brackets...something that'll be the correct distance from the wall. They make em all sizes. This one is 18" x 16":

Consider hanging it from plant hooks in the ceiling too - gets the hanging hardware completely out of view.

If you want something to make raising and lowering the unit easier, consider a pair of Sun Lifts.

Depends on your location and tastes what to go with IMO.

Thanks for the useful info! I'll be sure to get a lucky meter.

Unfortunately my lights dimmer didn't work so now I'm waiting for an exchange. Will update here soon!