Suggestions on lighting suspension kit

[Jan]

Hi all

I have a new canopy to go on my tank that is 18" tall. My plan is to install my lighting (combo of T-5's, VHO, and mini pendants) on a plywood platform that is suspended from the top of the canopy. I would need to raise this platform when I want to get access to the top of the tank, then lower it again for normal lighting mode.

What would you recommended for a strong, reliable method of suspending this platform, and raising/lowering it as needed?

The canopy is 66" long (5.5 feet) and 30" wide. The platform will be 2-3 inches smaller so that it doesn't get caught on the sides during raising/lowering.

Also, would you hang this platform from the 4 corners, or from 2 points only? 4 corners seems more stable but more difficult to raise/lower (?)

thanks in advance for your suggestions.

 

[Scooterman]

I have my lights hanging on chains from two points, not enough IMO.
sounds like you would need to make up a pulley system & cables to resists rusting, this would almost probably be a custom made thing, not sure if that helps.

 

[Jan]

I am hoping that someone has already invented this thing, and that a few other people know about it :lol:

 

[russellaqua]

You might be able to adapt a pre-made hanging kit like this one to do what you want.
http://www.shop.russellaquaculture.com/product.sc?categoryId=26&productId=156

The cables are adjustable so you could raise and lower the platform without much of an issue, and since they're made to be used with saltwater tanks they'll resist corrosion. That's my idea anyway. Hope this helps.

 

[Jan]

thanks...there's some promise in that one

 

[VisionsSS]

I haven't built my rack yet but this is my idea.

 

[SRV]

Jan
You might want to take a look at one of these. We used them on Danno's and Tracy's tanks.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11040990&search=garage&Sp=S&Mo =23&cm_re=1-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price|1||P_Sig nDesc1&N=0&whse=BC&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=All &Dr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ne=4000000&D=garage&Ntt=garag e&No=8&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s= 1

 

[VisionsSS]

Those are definately great but probably a little overkill (can lift 250lbs). I was going to use pulleys in my original plan but since my light rack weighs about 2lbs I know eyelets will work just fine.

What is really cool is using DC actuators for lifting your lights electronically. You can raise your lights with a press of a button. Unfortunately for a small light rack it is not cost effective. The materials are around $200 to make them but for a larger set up, totally awesome.

 

[Jan]

now we're cookin' with gas! I love that garage storage system, Rick. We need a couple of those as we stopped being able to park our cars in the garage as soon as I bought my "new" tank set up. The $15 bicycle hoist system looks almost perfect; I just need the four-point platform lift instead of the seat and handlebar grips.....hmmm

Or I could use the heavy hoist thing on the main link and just lift my entire canopy....but I don't think I want to go that route. We're getting very close, though.

 

[Jan]

I'm back!

We set my new canopy on top of the tank and have the lights going, but now I really see the need to get a lift system! :idea:

Right now I either choose to have room to work and have the lights too high, or lower them and have no access to the tank. The platform is too big, heavy/awkward to be using links in a chain to lift/lower each corner. That is not gonna work.

Time to get a membership to Costco I think

 

[Scooterman]

Post up a bunch of pics!
Might help with ideas!

 

[Blazer88]

I was planning to use something like this to hold my canopy up. It can hold 55 pounds and only costs $20.
http://www.amazon.com/Racor-Ceiling...ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1216251276&sr=8-1

 

[Jan]

I've been looking at multliple variations on that theme. That one looks pretty easy to adapt and install.