how to mount DIY LED rig

[csarkar001]

my LED fixture is still at the design stage and is not yet build so i have some flexibility on how it is made.

noise is an important issue for my tank so i am looking to avoid fans.

instead, i want to cut holes in my canopy and install my DIY LED pods so that the heat fins stick out from the top of the canopy.

i cannot quite figure out the best way to mount the fixtures to accomplish this.

does anyone know where i can get a rectangular frame in can insert into the canopy hole so that i could just drop the module on top and have it be screwed in and secure?

is there some other way to mount it?

[TheFishMan65]

Can you make a frame out of wood?

How about hanging the fixture.

[csarkar001]

Can you make a frame out of wood?

How about hanging the fixture.

i like my canopy.

the heat sinks i'm looking at do not have any edges/flanges.

i'm considering using right angle aluminum brackets and screwing them into the heat sinks. anyone done this?

[TheFishMan65]

I have read of a few mods a nano tanks, but I don't remember anything on larger tanks. What is the canopy mode of now? Got a picture?

[csarkar001]

I have read of a few mods a nano tanks, but I don't remember anything on larger tanks. What is the canopy mode of now? Got a picture?

http://reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=2812&pictureid=20527

above is a picture of my tank with the canopy open (after i just put sand in for the substrate).

[TheFishMan65]

Looks like solid wood. How about screwing in some hooks and using a short length of chain? Or us L channel and make a sliding track. The track idea is probably where I would go so you can move it easily to get in and out of the tank.

[csarkar001]

i think i may cut holes in the top of the canopy so the heat fins stick out through the top for better circulation.

i was going to just screw the plates in but the track idea is worth thinking about.

[mcgyvr]

I'm running 2 x 2" fans blowing across all LED's from one end and exiting out the other end of my fixture through grills (12V fans running at 5V) still good flow and you can't even hear them running.. (20deg C temp drop with the fans versus without)..My controller increases the voltage to the fans if the LED temp increases over a certain amount.

[csarkar001]

i do have a controller installed and could mount fans with a second temp probe to trigger them. but that is one more complication ... still, it would let me avoid putting big holes in my nice canopy.

you meant 20 deg F temperature drop, right?

[csarkar001]

mcgvr, on your suggestion, i plugged in a 12V fan and was surprised at how quiet it is, even at full voltage.

thanks much for this suggestion. it will probably lead to a much safer LED mount. i can decide later wether to put the fans on the same timers as the lights, leave them on all the time, or trigger them with a temperature probe. will probably go with the probe since i have the controller there already.

[mcgyvr]

No I mean 20 deg C...

[csarkar001]

No I mean 20 deg C...

WOW. that is a huge drop.

[cal_stir]

here's how i did mine, i mounted plastic strips on the ends of the heatsinks so it slides back so i can open the lids, the xbox fan is temporary, fans are necessary.126779

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