How to hang a light fixture without ceiling hooks?

snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Hello all.
I am more than likely going to buy a photon 32 led unit for my 75g tank. The only problem that i can think of is a way to get it over the top of my tank. Id rather not use a canopy- but i dont want to use ceiling hooks either. This particular unit does not come with feet to my knowledge.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
I was thinking that maybe i could do the whole electrical conduit thing but the side i would want it to go up has my overflow box plumbing in the dead center.
 
2quills

2quills

Well-Known Member
What's the electrical conduit thing?
I've seen quite a few examples where guys would fasten some brackets to the back of the stand that rise vertical and then jutt out horizontaly over the tank and hang from that.
Could be done with wood or metal.
 
mr. limpid

mr. limpid

Active Member
I googled the "photon 32 led fish tank lighting" and your DIY thread popped up 3rd on the list. Can not find this light fixture, who makes it? Or is DIY.
 
acrylic51

acrylic51

Active Member
Agree with Corey on the idea.....Why not use a heavy duty toggle bolt in the ceiling and with some fancy cabling work you could suspend it from 1 cable from the toggle bolt.......
 
2quills

2quills

Well-Known Member

A little spackle and a bit of paint, and you won't be able to tell you ever hung the lights. People hang plants and lights all the time on rental property, just make sure you fix the holes before you leave. The
landlord only cares about damage after you leave.
Yep, if you fill in the holes then they're not supposed to charge you. Most places are more concerned about large holes, like fist size. Otherwise it's normal wear and tear. It couldn't hurt to ask your landlord and let them know. But typically small holes are not a problem if you fill them before you move. We've had a lot of people do that over the years. Well even give them the paint if they want to touch the place up themselves. The more work you save them the better chance you have of getting most of your deposit back.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Not sure about the ceiling in my trailer. I think it is mostly drywall. I would be lucky if i hit a rafter directly over the tank.
Would it be better at this point to build a canopy to fit it?
 
sweatervest13

sweatervest13

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/395007/how-to-hang-a-light-fixture-without-ceiling-hooks#post_3516218
Not sure about the ceiling in my trailer. I think it is mostly drywall. I would be lucky if i hit a rafter directly over the tank.
Would it be better at this point to build a canopy to fit it?
You could build a very basic open canopy to fit it. There is a thread on the big site that addresses how others have hung (or otherwise) their reefbreeders units. I was checking it out a day or two ago and there were a lot of pics that show open canopy and ideas for hanging.
For drywall they make the big drywall screw plugs (can't think of exactly what they are called off the top of my head) that can hold 70+ lbs each. IDK if I would risk that over a tank, but they do make them.
I always put some extra wood planks over the tank when I am attempting to hang lights over my tank. I keep them there for a day just in case.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
I'm putting off buying an LED unit until I am absolutely positive that I even want to stay in the hobby...
I'm fixing to start a new thread about it here in a few minutes if you want to join in the conversation.
 
snakeblitz33

snakeblitz33

Well-Known Member
Well, let me rephrase that...
I don't know if I want to have a tank right now at this time. I am still going to stay in the hobby, but the tank is taking away money and time and effort that could be used elsewhere.
 
2quills

2quills

Well-Known Member
Just take a break my friend. The hobby isnt going anywhere.
Sometimes there are just far more important things in life that should come first.
Besides, there are plenty of other hobbies floating around that you can attend to at will that provide more pleasurable experiences with far less cost and effort to have to put in. Lets face it. When money is tight this hobby is far from a worth while investment.
JMO
 
sweatervest13

sweatervest13

Active Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeBlitz33 http:///t/395007/how-to-hang-a-light-fixture-without-ceiling-hooks#post_3516244
Thanks bud. Yes, I do think it is time for a nice, long break.
I read you other thread about putting the tank on the back burner... I am not going to try to talk you off of the proverbial ledge here. Do what you gotta do man.
There are a lot more important things in life than a salt water fish tank. Anyone who has set up a decent system knows that it will cost you an arm and a leg (and maybe a wife). When money is tight it should probably be the first thing to go. But it just sounds like you don't have the time to devote to it with school and a family.
I always admire the super long lived tanks and their keepers for just this very reason. It is a tribute to just how hard it is to keep a tank going for such a long time. I am not talking about husbandry techniques... I am talking about life getting in the way (in good ways of course, like having kids, or a promotion at work) and folks motivation to keep going. It is hard work and some could argue that it is not worth all the time, money, and effort to keep a tank going. Everyone needs to find that balance, sounds like yours is not there right now.
Wish you all the best buddy, whatever you decision is.
 
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