Lighting distance from water

V

vrba

I am working on a frag/shallow reef tank setup. Tank is going to be 30" x 48" x 14". I will be using an eight 54w bulb Tek Light fixture. Fixture is 48" x 19.5". I am currently building the stand and light rack out of metal. I have been trying to come up with a design/method to make the height of the fixture adjustable, but so far can't think of a good "clean" way of doing it. Have considered using small pulleys and wire/cable to hang the fixture and make it adjustable, but would rather keep the installation more simple and clean.

With that said, what would you consider the ideal height to set the fixture above the water? Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Keith
 
I would put a two foot gap from light to top of tank that way you can lower it if need and raise it if needed.

that there electronic note pad
 
I'm researching the same thing for my frag setup right now as well. Might not be as clean as you prefer, but I believe I'm going to be getting some 'Rope Ratchets' to put on mine for the raising and lowering.
 
I love the cables that come with the ATI fixtures. Its easily adjustable.

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/t5-fluorescent/ati/sunpower-fixtures/powermodule-sunpower-cable-hanging-kit-10ft-ati2103.html

this is what they look like on my 32"x24"x14" tank.

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Yeah, I looked into some of those as well. I believe they have one that's supposed to raise and lower off of a toggle switch, but all I see is a wing nut so I was kinda confused..
 
Thanks everyone, you inspired me. I found a similar locking pulley at Academy. They were only $7 each so I thought I would give them a try, mostly because I am not super patient. I may end up ordering one of the Sunlight Supply kits or ATI kits, but for now this at least lets me get an idea as well as test the light rack to see how much it bends under the weight. Next to figure out how to shore up the light rack with some sort of brace. It bends some but not too terribly much. I am guessing over time it will get worse. Oh, and I just finished building the frame for the stand. Guess it's time to start a build log and see if I can stay on top of updates for it.

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Keith,

I have these that came with the fixture I bought and I'm not using them. I can swing them by one day this week if you want them.


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Sure thing, thanks. I think I saw that they are rated for 22lbs a pair. Not sure if they would end up being enough, but I can try them and if they work on one end then I can grab a couple more and throw them on the other end.
 
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