Most Rust Free Light Fixture Stand

FuzzySPS · Jul 18, 2015

Pretty sure this one technically falls under the "Reef Chemistry" heading...looking to fashion a stand to hold a four foot long (40 pound) LED fixture. The primary objective is to be able to slide the fixture out of the way when I need to get into the display tank. Would like to have two 90 degree (with the bends being curved) rods secured to the back of the stand and likely braced with welded braces adjoining each main support. Would, of course, like it to be as aesthetically pleasing as possible but am wondering about the best material out of which to make these so that they do not rust, last the longest, can support the weight, and do not contribute anything negative to the water chemistry. I'm thinking aluminum but I clearly need some help and guidance. Thanks.

redfishbluefish · Jul 18, 2015

Aluminum conduit with a conduit (pipe) bender.

FuzzySPS · Jul 18, 2015

redfishbluefish said:
Aluminum conduit with a conduit (pipe) bender.

Thanks, Redfish. If I may, and if you happen to know, if I wanted it black (for whatever unknown reason at the moment), can it be powder coated and would doing so mess with its integrity for my purposes. As you can tell, I know less than zero about this. Thanks either way.

Randy Holmes-Farley · Jul 18, 2015

Stainless steel will also work well. 316 is a good choice.

redfishbluefish · Jul 18, 2015

Randy, you have expensive taste.....I'm guessing about one Ben Franklin just for the pipe. And it is a fine choice.

And yes, powder coating does give you a slightly more durable finish....but at a cost probably more expensive than the pipe. Check with your local powder coaters to see what they'll charge. I personally would just go with a quality spray can of paint....around five bucks.

FuzzySPS · Jul 18, 2015

Thanks, guys...at the heart of the matter is that this would be an alternative to suspending the fixture from the ceiling which is my preference, with two wires (one toward each end of the fixture) provided by the manufacturer, Vertex. Just have no clue how to move the fixture out of the way when needing to get into the DT. So, while I've changed topics (sort of)...any clues re: the root issue? I suspect I am overlooking the obvious. Thanks to you both in any event.