Jestersix

Gimmito's 450 gal L-shaped tank

gimmito said:
Here's a link to a boltless aluminum/stainless steel site a fellow hobbyist recommended if going the DIY route.

http://www.eztube.com/
Click to expand...

Most people i know use the 8141 (? Iirc) site :) I will have to compare pricing now.
 
Id need to see the space to give you any further input. Pics? Plans?
 
Another thought:
Maybe it is better if the lights slide out half way - both directions.
Your tank is really wide.
So the odds are, if you want to mess with the front half of the tank, you would
want access from the living room, and for messing with the back half, you
would want access from the garage.
If that is the case (might not be due to odd corner):
It is best if the lights simple slide half way out, but both directions.
You can do that pretty easily with a strong "U" channel, and some wheels.
Looking at it from the side:
-----------------------
O-----O-----O-----O
-----------------------
In fact, it could likely go about about 3/4 of the way with no problem.
 
I've got it, just pay Jeremy to service the tank for you, and presto chango, it's no longer YOUR problem!
I kid, I kid... But for real, if you have a rack of lights hanging, let's say there is a cable on each side, maybe you have it so that one side can be easily disconnected and swung 90 degrees out and hung temporarily from a hook on the ceiling while you work? Not sure on your hood etc...I'm sure there is a reason you can't do it that way...
 
Can't you change plans and have the lights slide out the living room area? maybe a two piece rack, half to the garage half to the LR
 
Are those the fire doors on the last photo? The swing out to the side on both sides?
 
Here's some recent pics...sorry no plans.


photo-147.jpg


photo-146.jpg


photo-145.jpg
 
rygh said:
Another thought:
Maybe it is better if the lights slide out half way - both directions.
Your tank is really wide.
So the odds are, if you want to mess with the front half of the tank, you would
want access from the living room, and for messing with the back half, you
would want access from the garage.
If that is the case (might not be due to odd corner):
It is best if the lights simple slide half way out, but both directions.
You can do that pretty easily with a strong "U" channel, and some wheels.
Looking at it from the side:
-----------------------
O-----O-----O-----O
-----------------------
In fact, it could likely go about about 3/4 of the way with no problem.
Click to expand...

I've been throwing around that idea...where would I get the parts ?
 
Coral reefer said:
I've got it, just pay Jeremy to service the tank for you, and presto chango, it's no longer YOUR problem!
I kid, I kid... But for real, if you have a rack of lights hanging, let's say there is a cable on each side, maybe you have it so that one side can be easily disconnected and swung 90 degrees out and hung temporarily from a hook on the ceiling while you work? Not sure on your hood etc...I'm sure there is a reason you can't do it that way...
Click to expand...

That's another idea I've been kicking around. I like the idea of having the whole rack pull into the garage.
 
I know exactly how to do this then :) let me whip up a quick drawing tonight. FWIW I would use Unistrut for the hanging/sliding system..

I'm thinking some Telestrut, UniStrut and maybe some trolleys.

UniStrut catalog: http://store.eberliron.com/files/PDF_Catolog/Unistrut_16-Catalog.pdf
 
gimmito said:
rygh said:
Another thought:
Maybe it is better if the lights slide out half way - both directions.
Your tank is really wide.
So the odds are, if you want to mess with the front half of the tank, you would
want access from the living room, and for messing with the back half, you
would want access from the garage.
If that is the case (might not be due to odd corner):
It is best if the lights simple slide half way out, but both directions.
You can do that pretty easily with a strong "U" channel, and some wheels.
Looking at it from the side:
-----------------------
O-----O-----O-----O
-----------------------
In fact, it could likely go about about 3/4 of the way with no problem.
Click to expand...

I've been throwing around that idea...where would I get the parts ?
Click to expand...

Note that center 2 wheels would be slightly lower than end wheels.

Well, the U channel should be available at metal supply stores. Not Lowes though.
Say 4' long x 2" x 4" channel. If aluminum, probably 1/4"
Channel should be just slightly larger than wheel.


As far as wheels, probably online. You want something water resitant, like here:
http://www.drillspot.com/products/432544/Approved_Vendor_1NWT7_Wheel

You may want wheel axles to go all the way from one side of the fixture to the other for strength.
Simple stainless rod.
 
GreshamH said:
I know exactly how to do this then :) let me whip up a quick drawing tonight. FWIW I would use Unistrut for the hanging/sliding system..

I'm thinking some Telestrut, UniStrut and maybe some trolleys.

UniStrut catalog: http://store.eberliron.com/files/PDF_Catolog/Unistrut_16-Catalog.pdf
Click to expand...

Thanks Gresham,

That looks like it just might work. :bigsmile:
 
rygh said:
gimmito said:
rygh said:
Another thought:
Maybe it is better if the lights slide out half way - both directions.
Your tank is really wide.
So the odds are, if you want to mess with the front half of the tank, you would
want access from the living room, and for messing with the back half, you
would want access from the garage.
If that is the case (might not be due to odd corner):
It is best if the lights simple slide half way out, but both directions.
You can do that pretty easily with a strong "U" channel, and some wheels.
Looking at it from the side:
-----------------------
O-----O-----O-----O
-----------------------
In fact, it could likely go about about 3/4 of the way with no problem.
Click to expand...

Thanks Mark,

I'll have to look into a metal parts store for the u-channel.

I've been throwing around that idea...where would I get the parts ?
Click to expand...

Note that center 2 wheels would be slightly lower than end wheels.

Well, the U channel should be available at metal supply stores. Not Lowes though.
Say 4' long x 2" x 4" channel. If aluminum, probably 1/4"
Channel should be just slightly larger than wheel.


As far as wheels, probably online. You want something water resitant, like here:
http://www.drillspot.com/products/432544/Approved_Vendor_1NWT7_Wheel

You may want wheel axles to go all the way from one side of the fixture to the other for strength.
Simple stainless rod.
Click to expand...
 
You might wanna look into "barn door track system." A couple guys on RC use this system to move their frame/racks. Can also hit your local hydroponic store and get a motorized rail. :) The Unistrut that G mentioned looks like a nice setup also.
 
I suggested the hydro route earlier but they move pretty slow. I emailed a friend that works at one of the largest hydro supplies wholesalers in the US. Hopefully he's not out snowboarding and will answer soon :)

I also emailed a friend the sells UniStrut to see if you can add one size rail into another larger size while still being able to use the trolley. I worked out in my head how to add stops so it won't slide all the way out.

I think I should wait to here back from the UniStrut guy though before I draw anything up. His answers will shape the direction I go in :)
 
sfboarders said:
You might wanna look into "barn door track system." A couple guys on RC use this system to move their frame/racks. Can also hit your local hydroponic store and get a motorized rail. :) The Unistrut that G mentioned looks like a nice setup also.
Click to expand...


IME they corrode fairly easily, granted I've not used them on tanks, but in my old aquaculture facility they failed often due to a minute amount of salt spray.
 
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