Mounting options for my new LED's

[rbredding]

the reason that gt suggested gloss is because the "shinier" a paint is, the more durable it is.. (flat paint can be removed with a damp rag, whilst gloss paint must be properly stripped).

satin will be fine..

just got the txt.. looks good...

 

[gnashty]

Here are a couple of rough pics. I cut out the ports using a drill and a jigsaw (jigsaw was much cheaper than a router). I used 2 cans of odorless Killz and am using a rustolium outdoor satin paint for the top coat. The first top coat didnt go on very well but the other side has about 3 coats and its looking decent.

I have small 1 x 3's I plan to mount behind to make sure they cant slide off the back. It also doubles as a guide and makes sure the LEDs are all shining thru the port.

Im going to paint it some more, get it fully dry then mount the 1 x 3's and get more pics.

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Edit:

ichthyoid;684515 wrote: I think your design is great Gary, assuming that you have external vents in that space above the fixtures. They do put off some heat, although it will be less than your T-5's.

Plenty of room for air circulation. I plan to leave a minimum of 3" between the fans and the top of the canopy. And if I still need ventilation I have this....

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[rbredding]

How much do the LED light units weigh? (what fixtures did you buy?)

 

[gnashty]

They are about 5-6 lb each I think, I put them all on yesterday before painting and held fine, just needs a little support in the center for long term use. They look identically to these in the link but is not this brand.

 

[ichthyoid]

I'm guessing you went with the 20K's?

 

[gnashty]

I think these are 15k, cant remember. I just know it looks very nice on my tank when I demoed a unit at home. Like a 250w MH/VHO combo

Here is a pic with the guides on the back put on and painted. One more coat. I may have to bring it in from the garage, its just not drying with all the humidity outside.

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[gnashty]

Ok, semi finished product....

Next step is to remove my T5 fixture and mounting the clete's inside the canopy.

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[gnashty]

almost forgot the money shot

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[grouper therapy]

:thumbs:Good job

 

[gnashty]

Ive got the shelf and lights above the tank now doing a test..

Look at the last pic. Do you think I am ok using the tanks plastic centerbrace's to keep the center level?

Im not good with DIY so Im pretty impressed with myself even though it wasnt a difficult projecct. I planned to pay some one to do it.

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[smallblock]

awesome cant wait to see em!

 

[rbredding]

gnashty;684731 wrote: Ive got the shelf and lights above the tank now doing a test..

Look at the last pic. Do you think I am ok using the tanks plastic centerbrace's to keep the center level?

Im not good with DIY so Im pretty impressed with myself even though it wasnt a difficult projecct. I planned to pay some one to do it.

yeah, especially it's not much weight... (can you "level out" the shelf by raising up on it with one finger?)

there are a couple other things that you can do, if you feel that you need to (we can talk about it on the phone if you like.. )

I told you it was gonna be relatively simple.. glad that you decided to tackle it yourself..

 

[gnashty]

yeah, I can level it out with a finger. Overall everything is a tight fit.

 

[rbredding]

good deal... snug fit... that's the way it is supposed to be..

proud of you on this one.. looks great.. !

 

[KrisDeitz]

I have Mine over my Bc and love it. Its a 18k model. Its killer! Awesome Job G

 

[gmpolan]

Nice job gary, but your cool with the par those are giving off and the existing placement of your corals?

 

[gnashty]

gmpolan;684864 wrote: Nice job gary, but your cool with the par those are giving off and the existing placement of your corals?

Only time will tell Geoff. I was getting around 70 par at the bottom with my T5's, these are supposed to be putting off at least 2-3 times that much at 24". I imagine Ill be moving things around as needed.

 

[markl]

LED mafia...

Edit: Those are some purty lights.....