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Please help me figure out how to make an AI Sol light hanger?

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by PotRoast, Feb 29, 2012.

  1. PotRoast

    PotRoast Well-Known ReefKeeper

    999
    Ratings:
    +24 / 0 / -0
    I saw an awesome light rail at MACNA that was used to connect to SOL units together. It looks like this...
    [​IMG]
    I have been bugging AI monthly about selling me one of these but they won't. I think they must be waiting for the release of the Pheonix I don't know. If anyone on the board can score one of these for me that would be great!
    Assuming nobody can get me one, I am giving up waiting on the release and want to build it myself. It looks to me to be an inverted heatsink. 
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    So I am thinking I just need to buy an thin heatsink and get this done. The problem is I am not very good at measuring things like this. I know there are people out there that could measure the heatsink of the SOL unit and tell me what to buy over at HeatsinkUSA (or similar store). It looks like if I knew the right size heatsink to buy then this mod would be easy.
    So, what do you think of this plan? Can you check out your SOL unit and do some measurements for me? 
    Thanks.
     
  2. ninjazx777 Experienced Reefkeeper

    Des Moines, IA
    Ratings:
    +7 / 1 / -0
    i might be able to make you one like that out stainless steel let me look around work and see if i can find some scrap that will work  how far apart do you want your AIs from each other?
    one issue though that i see is that its drilled and tapped twice on each side where the stock AI is only drilled and tapped once.  you would have to take the heat sink off and drill and tap the second hole   but 1 hole might be enough though let me do some checking and figureing and i will get back with you  
     
  3. PotRoast

    PotRoast Well-Known ReefKeeper

    999
    Ratings:
    +24 / 0 / -0
    Thanks Matt.

    I would need them about 16" -- 20" apart. (I think) I have not gotten that far yet. So the bar would have to be longer than that obviously.

     
  4. Tholton33

    Tholton33 Well-Known ReefKeeper

    537
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Ill take a hanger for a single AI if you make one
     
  5. blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Ratings:
    +738 / 5 / -0
    If you look at the heatsink on the top of the pheonix unit itself you can see its specially made to accept that mounting bar. It has additional "tabs" that would engage a shelf of sorts on the mounting bracket and really add some stability to the whole thing.
    It would be hard to get the same kind of strength out of the original AI unit and a similar mounting bracket.
     
  6. PotRoast

    PotRoast Well-Known ReefKeeper

    999
    Ratings:
    +24 / 0 / -0
    AI sent me some info




    1) Here is the approximate measurements of the heatsink/fins only. This does not include the bottom housing. These are very close to exact, but not guaranteeing this is indeed exact. L 11 7/8 x W 5 3/8 x H 1 1/8.




    The rail system that is in the works at the moment will be an aluminum bar that will slide into the Sol's heatsink, and then will be pinned down by a set screw and mounting screw and will be mounted parallel to the tank that is included in the attachment.





    [​IMG]
     
  7. PotRoast

    PotRoast Well-Known ReefKeeper

    999
    Ratings:
    +24 / 0 / -0
    I think I have this figured out. I bought a $10 piece of aluminum stock. It is an L shape. I cut it to size, drilled a couple holes and did exactly like it looks in the picture above. It is totally solid and secure.

    I'll take pics once I get it hung.

     
  8. areefoffaith

    areefoffaith Inactive User

    606
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    darn expensive light with a low end hanging kit first thing end broke on mine went to another brand
     

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