Halide Light Help :d

[weezawoo]

I probably won't really have much of an option to take tbh but worth a go!

Right I have a 3x150w halide unit, it was 2nd hand, works perfect! Its an older arcadia model.

My issue is how do I put it above my tank. We are in an extension part but it is a wooden structure so the walls and ceiling are not strong enough to support it (a shelf full of my teddys is hanging by a thread haha) So I need a way to hang it above the tank that won't cause problems and is as easy as possible for a girl to do

I was thinking of using the frame for the lid of the tank and building up on the sides and then across to hang the lights on. But would this cause too much strain on the glass? Are there any wedges of sorts that I can hold it up with or any other ideas? Or do I sell them on and just stock up with some T5s?

Any ideas welcome as they were actually the first thing I bought and I have got no where with them

 

[Stampos]

How about one of these?

Failing that, I've seen people add frame to the back of their stand to support the unit.

Simon

 

[MrLiam]

How about a metal arch for a garden then you could have some hanging baskets as well.

 

[woody88]

I probably won't really have much of an option to take tbh but worth a go!

Right I have a 3x150w halide unit, it was 2nd hand, works perfect! Its an older arcadia model.

My issue is how do I put it above my tank. We are in an extension part but it is a wooden structure so the walls and ceiling are not strong enough to support it (a shelf full of my teddys is hanging by a thread haha) So I need a way to hang it above the tank that won't cause problems and is as easy as possible for a girl to do

I was thinking of using the frame for the lid of the tank and building up on the sides and then across to hang the lights on. But would this cause too much strain on the glass? Are there any wedges of sorts that I can hold it up with or any other ideas? Or do I sell them on and just stock up with some T5s?

Any ideas welcome as they were actually the first thing I bought and I have got no where with them

3 x 150watt metal halides would cost a fortune to run.
If you can get a good price for it then inwould go with T5's but that just my opinion.

You could buy a compression clamp on a frame to support it if the tank could take the weight.
Problem is tho ballast units are quite heavy on their own and you'll have 3 I'd imagine so that might not be a good idea.

Another way would be to fabricate some sort of metal frame and would sit on the top of the tank to evenly distribute the weight load on the tank or easiest way would be to find a joist and suspend from the ceiling.

You need to think about ventilation also so make sure that they're not enclosed as it could push your temp up and evaporate more water.

 

[weezawoo]

I have seen those Stampos but I emailed if I could use it with my unit and had no reply from them! I don't know a huge amount about the lights so don't know there model number and fittings etc which makes it hard for me to tell if I can use things!

I was thinking about building on the back - should have mentioned - but my stand is a metal one with wood built around it so I wasn't able to really build onto it!

yes Woody they may be quite expensive but I have done my calculations and happy with it, otherwise I was going to have 6xT5s 54w most likely so thats 300w so not overly more tbh!
Its all one long unit, I can take pics if wanted but they won't be fantastic as my camera broke!

Do you think I could build a wooden frame to support it on the tank or would it not be strong enough?

Yea I am planning on at least a foot of space inbetween the tank and light unit. Then if problems try fans to begin with to control the heat, failing that a chiller haha!

And I think hanging baskets would compliment my tank

 

[woody88]

If it was mine I'd fabricate a frame that sits on the edge of the tank using 20mm metal conduit as it's strong, durable to a degree and easy to work with. Especially if you have a pipe bender.

It also polishes up like chrome with a bit of elbow grease! Lol

Don't use wood. It could be a potential fire hazard with halides. They're hot hot hot!

 

[weezawoo]

Ummmm I have the basic tools like hammer and screwdriver
How much to get someone to make something like that?

 

[Stampos]

Should be fine holding your pendant, they are rated to 50kg.

Your lighting sounds like an Arcadia series 3 halide.

Just need the correct size for your tank and hang them with suspension wires

 

[woody88]

Ummmm I have the basic tools like hammer and screwdriver
How much to get someone to make something like that?

Materials would come to about £20 and you would need to know an electrician or a plumber or someone with good diy skills...........,,and a flick of yer eye lashes! Lol

 

[weezawoo]

Ooooo sounds good, would the fittings be the same then? I was worried they were only made for their light units. Will they give enough height between the tank and lights do you think? They look quite short!
Thank you!!!!

 

[Stampos]

Should be fairly straightforward I should think, just a matter of attaching wires to your lights. If you don't have the cables you can buy them separately (I know, more costs ) or I know of someone who sells them pretty cheap on another forum (can PM you the link if you like?)

IIRC your tank is a 6 footer? If so the 180cm unit is the one you need

Simon

 

[weezawoo]

Yup 6foot! Thank you will get that one then! DO the wires not come with it? Also is there a way to tell if my fittings will definately attach to wires? The link would be helpful hush hush though haha!

Sorry Im a bit newbie Thank you for the help!!!