PVC light fixture??

[Chris]

I am wondering if it is possible to build a pvc frame for my lighting (HOT5) to suspend from the ceiling.... looks arent overly important since the tank will be inwall... going more for light weight easy to handle/move raise/ lower with pullies, etc.

the 2 main things I am thinking would be issues would be heat, and attatching lights to it (which I would use screws / bolts/ washers and silicone or spray them with clearcoat to protect them from the water/salt)

Seems like it'd be ok to me, but not sure so looking for some thoughts on this...

[RedfordReefer]

Build it out of Channel Aluminum and use Rivets or Weld it. Aluminum doesn't rust. PVC is for drains really. It's not something I would call "structurally sound" for load-bearing. ALTHOUGH (I know there's going to be some smartass here who posts the link to the PVC catapult), it IS possible. I think that in the long run, you'll end up with Aluminum anyhow.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by RedfordReefer

Build it out of Channel Aluminum and use Rivets or Weld it. Aluminum doesn't rust. PVC is for drains really. It's not something I would call "structurally sound" for load-bearing. ALTHOUGH (I know there's going to be some smartass here who posts the link to the PVC catapult), it IS possible. I think that in the long run, you'll end up with Aluminum anyhow.

Aluminum is out of the question.... its either pvc or wood.... dont have the time, $ patience or skill for all that lol

Obviously yeah 3/4"-1" probably wouldnt work for a 6' span but was thinking a thicker like 1.5-2" would work pretty good and hold up nicely

I'll have some extra 3/4" birch ply from the stand top anyways so maybe I will just do that anyways (didnt think about having that already from the top anyways, before posting this lol)

[jolson10450]

i used pvc to hang my leds and it worked fine, you could always use a wall clamp and clamp the pipe to the legs or a wooden area of the stand and just run the pipe up and across and back down and clamp the other side. if you do this i suggest getting a union fitting and putting it just above the clamp and glue it good so it doesnt slide down the clamp. they can support some good weight, depending on how heavy i would use 1-1.5" pvc, not the flimsy cheap cream color water line.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by jolson10450

i used pvc to hang my leds and it worked fine, you could always use a wall clamp and clamp the pipe to the legs or a wooden area of the stand and just run the pipe up and across and back down and clamp the other side. if you do this i suggest getting a union fitting and putting it just above the clamp and glue it good so it doesnt slide down the clamp. they can support some good weight, depending on how heavy i would use 1-1.5" pvc, not the flimsy cheap cream color water line.

no need for legs, planning on suspending it from the ceiling with pulleys.... planning on 6-10 t5's attached to it with ballasts above or remote mounted to the wall next to the tank.

[Wy Renegade]

If you're planning on moving it up and down and tweaking it in the process, I would recommend going with the aluminum or the wood - I don't think ultimately that the PVC would stand up long term to the stress unless you went with 3" or 4" PVC. I'm not sure that 2" would even handle the 6' span under its own weight (without bowing), let alone if you hang multiple lights from it as well. I don't see the heat as an issue, unless the lights are going to be in direct contact with the pipe.

[cephalotus]

I would not recomend PVC but if it comes down to that it would work if you attached it to the ceiling at 8 or more different points.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by Wy Renegade

If you're planning on moving it up and down and tweaking it in the process, I would recommend going with the aluminum or the wood - I don't think ultimately that the PVC would stand up long term to the stress unless you went with 3" or 4" PVC. I'm not sure that 2" would even handle the 6' span under its own weight (without bowing), let alone if you hang multiple lights from it as well. I don't see the heat as an issue, unless the lights are going to be in direct contact with the pipe.

Yeah I think I will just go "traditional" with a piece of wood then and play it safe and easy

Originally Posted by cephalotus

I would not recomend PVC but if it comes down to that it would work if you attached it to the ceiling at 8 or more different points.

yeah I was hoping 2-4 pulleys.... Im just going to go with a piece of 14x8' oak plywood I have leftover from my stand top that I forgot I was going to have leftover