Retractable Lights?

[SteveM10]

I am looking for some help coming up with a solution for hanging my lights. I will be hanging 8 Radions over my tank. I have the hanging kits for them and will be hanging them over an 8' X 3' tank. I do not have the option to hang them from the ceiling due to the height of the ceiling and items already in the ceiling above the tank.

In order to span the distance above the tank I need to cover about 9'. My current plan is to possibly use 2 galvanized pipes mounted to the walls to hang the lights from (on cables). The Radions themselves are not very heavy and I think the steel pipes would easily hold the lights but would they rust over time?

What I am looking for is a way to have the lights raise up when I need to work on the tank. Ideally I would like the lights to raise electronically so all I have to do is flip a switch and they will move up out of the way.

Does anyone know how this can be done? Or any better ideas on how to mount the lights?

[hebygb]

This would be a good place for a picture or drawing. You mentioned other things are on ceiling... lights? fans? sprinklers? What kind of space is above the tank? How far do you need the lights to move? Do you want them to move up or to the side... is that an option?

[SteveM10]

This would be a good place for a picture or drawing. You mentioned other things are on ceiling... lights? fans? sprinklers? What kind of space is above the tank? How far do you need the lights to move? Do you want them to move up or to the side... is that an option?

The ceiling has an AC vent, AC return, exhaust fan and recessed lights in the way.Not an option.

I have several feet above the tank to work with. I would like for the light to go UP instead of to the side.

Here is an image of it to give you an idea...
http://www.m10photography.com/webimages/tank_lights.jpg

[Paul B]

My lights are suspended over my 6' tank on a counterweight system where I just touch them and they go up about 10" so I can access the tank. My tank is built into a closet.
Galvanized pipes over a tank will not rust for many many years and it would not be a concern, but you could slip PVC pipes over them. They will look much better and never rust.
My counterweight, allows me to move the light anyplace I want and it will stay there. The counterweight just has to be the same weight as the lights. I use a plastic container filled with lead shot.
I used stainless steel cable.

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh270/urchsearch/IMG_1092.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh270/urchsearch/LEDs050.jpg

[SteveM10]

My lights are suspended over my 6' tank on a counterweight system where I just touch them and they go up about 10" so I can access the tank. My tank is built into a closet.
Galvanized pipes over a tank will not rust for many many years and it would not be a concern, but you could slip PVC pipes over them. They will look much better and never rust.
My counterweight, allows me to move the light anyplace I want and it will stay there. The counterweight just has to be the same weight as the lights. I use a plastic container filled with lead shot.
I used stainless steel cable.

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh270/urchsearch/IMG_1092.jpg

http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh270/urchsearch/LEDs050.jpg

Great idea, I think I understand it. So I assume the counter weight is suspended behind your tank? that way when you push up on the lights to move them up the counter weight hangs down behind the tank a little?

[hebygb]

excellent. Looks like an inwall with a fishroom behind. With that kind of clearance and access I would build a lift using a garage door opener (silent, strong, good torque).

Other methods could be actuators mounted to walls pushing the ends of the the light rack up.

[SteveM10]

excellent. Looks like an inwall with a fishroom behind. With that kind of clearance and access I would build a lift using a garage door opener (silent, strong, good torque).

Other methods could be actuators mounted to walls pushing the ends of the the light rack up.

Yes, it will be an in wall tank viewable from 2 sides. There is a 9x12 room behind it for all my "stuff".

I'm not sure how I could get a garage door mounted in there to work but I'm sure there is probably a way to do it. I'm not sure I understand about the actuators.

[Paul B]

I think a garage door opener is overkill for some fish tank lights and you would also need springs or counterweights.
Whatever you do, adding counterweights will make it much easier and negate the need for a powerful lift.
So I assume the counter weight is suspended behind your tank? that way when you push up on the lights to move them up the counter weight hangs down behind the tank a little?


The counterweight is in that blue plastic container. It is exactly the same weight as the lights and with one finger I can raise or lower them with no motors.
The counter weight must be connected to both ends of the light so it goes up evenly. I can push on one end and both sides smothly rise evenly.
In your case, with that much room, the counterweight does not have to fall behind the tank. You have plenty of room.

[hebygb]

actuators are an elegant solution often used to lift TV screens from cabinets. Actuators are a silent, piston, that have incredible lifting/lowering strength in a smooth stroke. They also take up minimal space and can be mounted alost anywere. Think of the air piston shocks that assist, or even lift a tailgate on a car.

http://www.firgelliauto.com/

[SteveM10]

Thanks everyone for all the ideas.

actuators are an elegant solution often used to lift TV screens from cabinets. Actuators are a silent, piston, that have incredible lifting/lowering strength in a smooth stroke. They also take up minimal space and can be mounted almost anywhere. Think of the air piston shocks that assist, or even lift a tailgate on a car.

http://www.firgelliauto.com/

This looks like it might work perfectly. Thanks!

[Lildingy]

check out somfy motors and or rollac I install roll up shutters and they have very strong motors that fit in aluminum tubing. You can get them switched or remote. they also have limit switches built into them so you don't have to worry about dumping them if somthing gets leaned against the switch. Just a thought, tho not cheap but comon its remote controled :)

http://www.somfysystems.com