AI Sol Blue Mounting Ideas

reefsurfing · 08/27/2010, 09:56 AM

Hey reefers,

So, I have a 90 gallon 48x18x24 and I really really want to try out these AI lights. I have been doing a lot of research and decided not to go with the 4module unit since I think it is overkill. Then, I think the 3 module unit would be difficult to place b/c of my center brace. So now I have chosen AI's 24" unit and I need some more ideas on how to mount these over my tank. I have a few options I can think of and I will list them in order from most desirable to least. (1) 36" Rail kit with hanging hardware running length wise vs. front to back( I hope this isnt to much weight on 1 rail) (2) Canopy with static mounted legs ( I would have to Build the Canopy)(3) Run each module on its own 18" rail kit front to back.(4) Head to the hardware store and DIY my moutning kit with aluminum I can size myself. BTW, The standard openings are 21"x15.5 and the modules are roughly 12"x6".

Ideas, Comments, Concerns all welcome

reefified · 08/27/2010, 12:10 PM

Why dont you try the 24" 2-units about 12-16" off the water. As long as the spread is acceptable, we know the par will be, go with it. You can always get the 3rd unit later. I am in the same boat. I have a 60gal I am putting these on but I just acquired a 120gal that is 4 x 2 x 2 with the center brace. I almost bought the 3rd unit but after reading sall the posts, decided to hold off and see what the 2 units will do. In addition, if you end up wanting the 3rd, you can cut the center brace an inch or so from the rim, take a piece of acyrlic and drill and fasten with nylon to the 1 inch that you left. This way you will have the tension support in the center and the ability for the light to penetrate. That is my plan. (you could also silicone the piece but since I am a structural engineer I like to over design).

reefified · 08/27/2010, 12:13 PM

try using the hanging bracket with the 36" rail. mount the units one the rail perpendicular (5" side looking at you, 12" side from the side view). slide them centered over the openings and hang at what ever height gives you the best coverage/look. you can certainly adjust the intensity anyway.

As a side note, just got the confirmation that mine are out for delivery for this afternoon UPS.

reefsurfing · 08/27/2010, 01:00 PM

Yes, I definately plan trying that, I just thought they seem to fit the space better the other way. Especially since the openings are surprisingly small, come to think of it, I might just have to go with a rimless tank lol.

drtrash · 08/27/2010, 01:54 PM

Looking at getting a 24" unit as well. Let me know how the color looks also concerned what the amount of light spread. Are these units available or backordered?

reefified · 08/27/2010, 02:17 PM

mine was backorder for 2 weeks but they may have them in stock now i will post some pics after they get mounted tonight

reefsurfing · 08/27/2010, 02:37 PM

yay pics

reefified · 08/30/2010, 06:05 AM

I forgot to post pics so I will try tonight. The color is amazing on these. I hung mine 10" off the water surface to eliminate the dead spots. I also have mine on auto and they are only getting up to 40% white 50% blue, lunar cycle with 1% blue night light. Absolutly love the look.

dustinc · 08/30/2010, 06:36 AM

Here is how I mounted my AI fixture. I just used two shelving brackets and mounts by closetmaid. They work great, are easily adjustable in height because of the slots, and cost less than $20. You just screw the screw directly into the top of the AI unit. Here are some pics...

102_2149

reefsurfing · 08/30/2010, 07:22 AM

Good Idea, I dont have a wall behind my tank though, I was thinking using a single track from the mounting kit and hanging that. I dont see why it wouldnt work with all the weight pulling down so it cant turn over. We shall see...

Mj75 · 07/04/2011, 08:43 AM

Sorry I'm reviving a 1 yr old thread. I just ordered 2 ai sol blue for my 90 gallon rimless 48x22x20. Will 2 of these work mounted side ways on a sps dominated tank. Thanks all.

reefsurfing · 07/04/2011, 09:41 AM

yes MJ, I ended up putting 2 modules over a standard 90, just hang them around 12AWL and it will work out good.

Mj75 · 07/04/2011, 10:03 AM

Thanks. How high did you mount?

JMartin104 · 12/23/2011, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefsurfing

yes MJ, I ended up putting 2 modules over a standard 90, just hang them around 12AWL and it will work out good.

What size and how did you hang them? Parallel? I'm in the same boat. I have a 90 with the center brace so I was thinking 2 x 12" running parallel would work.

08/27/2010, 09:56 AM	#1
reefsurfing Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 497	AI Sol Blue Mounting Ideas Hey reefers, So, I have a 90 gallon 48x18x24 and I really really want to try out these AI lights. I have been doing a lot of research and decided not to go with the 4module unit since I think it is overkill. Then, I think the 3 module unit would be difficult to place b/c of my center brace. So now I have chosen AI's 24" unit and I need some more ideas on how to mount these over my tank. I have a few options I can think of and I will list them in order from most desirable to least. (1) 36" Rail kit with hanging hardware running length wise vs. front to back( I hope this isnt to much weight on 1 rail) (2) Canopy with static mounted legs ( I would have to Build the Canopy)(3) Run each module on its own 18" rail kit front to back.(4) Head to the hardware store and DIY my moutning kit with aluminum I can size myself. BTW, The standard openings are 21"x15.5 and the modules are roughly 12"x6". Ideas, Comments, Concerns all welcome

08/30/2010, 06:36 AM	#9
dustinc Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,256	Here is how I mounted my AI fixture. I just used two shelving brackets and mounts by closetmaid. They work great, are easily adjustable in height because of the slots, and cost less than $20. You just screw the screw directly into the top of the AI unit. Here are some pics... __________________ You might be too strong to surrender boy, but you're far too frail to fight! Current Tank Info: 48"x26"x22" Starphire Rimless w/ 8x54w Sunpower, RLSS R6i Skimmer, 2 x Vortech MP40, ReefKeeper, Tunze Osmolator, Sicce 3.0 Return, & Phosban Reactor

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08/27/2010, 12:10 PM	#2
reefified Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 73	Why dont you try the 24" 2-units about 12-16" off the water. As long as the spread is acceptable, we know the par will be, go with it. You can always get the 3rd unit later. I am in the same boat. I have a 60gal I am putting these on but I just acquired a 120gal that is 4 x 2 x 2 with the center brace. I almost bought the 3rd unit but after reading sall the posts, decided to hold off and see what the 2 units will do. In addition, if you end up wanting the 3rd, you can cut the center brace an inch or so from the rim, take a piece of acyrlic and drill and fasten with nylon to the 1 inch that you left. This way you will have the tension support in the center and the ability for the light to penetrate. That is my plan. (you could also silicone the piece but since I am a structural engineer I like to over design).

08/27/2010, 12:13 PM	#3
reefified Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 73	try using the hanging bracket with the 36" rail. mount the units one the rail perpendicular (5" side looking at you, 12" side from the side view). slide them centered over the openings and hang at what ever height gives you the best coverage/look. you can certainly adjust the intensity anyway. As a side note, just got the confirmation that mine are out for delivery for this afternoon UPS.

08/27/2010, 01:00 PM	#4
reefsurfing Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 497	Yes, I definately plan trying that, I just thought they seem to fit the space better the other way. Especially since the openings are surprisingly small, come to think of it, I might just have to go with a rimless tank lol.

08/27/2010, 01:54 PM	#5
drtrash Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: S. Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,330	Looking at getting a 24" unit as well. Let me know how the color looks also concerned what the amount of light spread. Are these units available or backordered?

08/27/2010, 02:17 PM	#6
reefified Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 73	mine was backorder for 2 weeks but they may have them in stock now i will post some pics after they get mounted tonight

08/27/2010, 02:37 PM	#7
reefsurfing Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 497	yay pics

08/30/2010, 06:05 AM	#8
reefified Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 73	I forgot to post pics so I will try tonight. The color is amazing on these. I hung mine 10" off the water surface to eliminate the dead spots. I also have mine on auto and they are only getting up to 40% white 50% blue, lunar cycle with 1% blue night light. Absolutly love the look.

08/30/2010, 07:22 AM	#10
reefsurfing Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 497	Good Idea, I dont have a wall behind my tank though, I was thinking using a single track from the mounting kit and hanging that. I dont see why it wouldnt work with all the weight pulling down so it cant turn over. We shall see...

07/04/2011, 08:43 AM	#11
Mj75 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 61	Sorry I'm reviving a 1 yr old thread. I just ordered 2 ai sol blue for my 90 gallon rimless 48x22x20. Will 2 of these work mounted side ways on a sps dominated tank. Thanks all.

07/04/2011, 09:41 AM	#12
reefsurfing Registered Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 497	yes MJ, I ended up putting 2 modules over a standard 90, just hang them around 12AWL and it will work out good.

07/04/2011, 10:03 AM	#13
Mj75 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 61	Thanks. How high did you mount?