AI Sol Blue Mounting in Canopy

[Reefer1225]

I just got my Aqua Illumination Sol Blues (2 modules w/controller and mounting rack) for my 90 gallon.

Any ideas on how to mount this inside a canopy? I want to use one rail and run it lengthwise, so I can adjust its position. I am wondering how to mount the rail to the canopy. The instruction manual says the modules need at least 3 inch clearance from the top.

Any ideas? Appreciate any help

[brgmini]

I asked on another post how much clearance was needed. I didnt realize it was in the manual. Thanks.

As far as mounting the standard rail in your canopy google "conduit straps". They can be picked up at your local HD or hardware store. This is what I saw another reefer do in his canopy. Just make a ledge and use conduit straps to secure the rails.

[pmrossetti]

yes,but he had no top on his canopy.

[NyReefNoob]

if you place the modules inside a canopy you are going to need openings where the fans are on the modules. my rails sit on top of my canopy, but i cut out the top of the canopy for the lights

[Reefer1225]

Cutting the top of the canopy is not an option. It has to be inside the canopy. Not sure how conduit straps would work for what I am trying to do. The canopy is "backless", so that will provide some ventilation, but yet I may need some fans in there.

I was thinking 3'' L-brackets from the top, but how do I attach it to the rails? Any links to threads or posts where someone successfully mounted AI inside a canopy? Thanks for the input and help everyone. Appreciate it

[Reefer1225]

brgmini - here is the link to the AI user guide. Page 5 has some reference to mounting in canopy but not much using the railing system.

http://www.aquaillumination.com/support/ai_led_userguide.pdf

[brgmini]

brgmini - here is the link to the AI user guide. Page 5 has some reference to mounting in canopy but not much using the railing system.

http://www.aquaillumination.com/support/ai_led_userguide.pdf

Thanks man.

[Reefer1225]

Thanks everybody. Installed it last night. Easier than I thought. I just used a corner brace / L-Bracket and connected it directly to the rail. These modules are tight!

[brgmini]

Thanks everybody. Installed it last night. Easier than I thought. I just used a corner brace / L-Bracket and connected it directly to the rail. These modules are tight!

Yes they are! got mine installed last night and I love them! :fish1:

[pmrossetti]

pic! pic!

[Reefer1225]

All I have is crappy iPhone pics. Here they are:
http://images1.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp%3B37%3Evq%3D3239%3E%3B%3C%3A%3E%3A94%3EWSNRCG%3D347%3A5973%3C9339vq0mrj
http://images1.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp%3A%3A7%3Evq%3D3239%3E%3B%3C%3A%3E%3A94%3EWSNRCG%3D347%3A5973%3C%3B339vq0mrj
http://images1.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp%3A%3C4%3Evq%3D3239%3E%3B%3C%3A%3E%3A94%3EWSNRCG%3D347%3A597433339vq0mrj
http://images1.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp%3A%3C4%3Evq%3D3239%3E%3B%3C%3A%3E%3A94%3EWSNRCG%3D347%3A597435339vq0mrj
http://images1.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp%3A%3C%3B%3Evq%3D3239%3E%3B%3C%3A%3E%3A94%3EWSNRCG%3D347%3A597436339vq0mrj
http://images1.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp%3A%3B%3B%3Evq%3D3239%3E%3B%3C%3A%3E%3A94%3EWSNRCG%3D347%3A597438339vq0mrj
http://images1.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp%3A%3B7%3Evq%3D3239%3E%3B%3C%3A%3E%3A94%3EWSNRCG%3D347%3A59743%3A339vq0mrj

[Reefer1225]

The canopy is 15'' tall. Bought 3'' corner braces, so the modules hang 12'' above the water line. I am so glad I can use the rail and slide adjust their position lengthwise.

[sunandmk]

Reefer1225 could you please post any larger pics of your mounting solution in your canopy I'm trying to figure other options.

[emuirishguy414]

I like the sliding rail idea.

[intljock]

My two AI Sol Super Blues arrive tomorrow and I am going to be mounting them inside a hood also. I am going to try the conduit strap idea since my hood is only 8 inches tall.

I spoke with the support guy at AI and he said that I don't need to cut holes in the top of my hood and that the opening in the back of the hood would provide enought ventilation.

In fact, he said that unless I am running them at 80 - 100% power, the fans probably won't come on very much anyway and that the heat sinks would provide enough cooling.

[NatureNerd]

I used earthquake straps to secure a single rail to the top of my canopy. I then mounted my Sol's length-wise on that rail. I needed to mount them in this orientation for a couple reasons but, the big upside is that when I open my canopy, the rail turns/rotates in the strap loop so that gravity ensures that the lights point down into the tank even as the top of the canopy lifts up. I get light in the tank even with the canopy opened fully (top is nearly vertical rather than horizontal as it is when closed).

This has worked great for me.

http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n299/JJohn_photos/ReefLights.jpg

[basicinstinct91]

http://www.youtube.com/user/basicinstinct911?feature=mhsn#p/u/1/pO2s9f9_QCg

[bunzaroo]

I used 80/20 hardware to attach the rails to my canopy. Even though my canopy has an open top I am sure you can also do it on a a closed canopy.


http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/tuckaboo1/Rimless%20105/Canopy/DSC01425.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/tuckaboo1/Rimless%20105/Canopy/DSC01428.jpg

80/20 Brakets that slide into the AI rails
http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/tuckaboo1/Rimless%20105/Canopy/DSC01426.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/tuckaboo1/Rimless%20105/Canopy/DSC01438.jpg

[bunzaroo]

Completed Installation.
http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/tuckaboo1/Rimless%20105/Canopy/DSC01436.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/tuckaboo1/Rimless%20105/Canopy/DSC01433.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/tuckaboo1/Rimless%20105/Canopy/DSC01435.jpg

[todd rose]

Completed Installation.
http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/tuckaboo1/Rimless%20105/Canopy/DSC01436.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/tuckaboo1/Rimless%20105/Canopy/DSC01433.jpg

http://i943.photobucket.com/albums/ad271/tuckaboo1/Rimless%20105/Canopy/DSC01435.jpg

Where did you find the 80/20 hardware?

[bunzaroo]

http://www.8020.net/Default.asp
they also sell stuff on ebay.

[BruceC]

Do you know what the part number of the bracket from 80/20?

[cvilleh2o]

Great idea. I'm gonna check eBay now. Thanks