aluminum lighting frame

[Arati]

question for the poeple building these diy led units. I guess most are using aluminum flat or angle pieces from home depot to asseble the framework.

my question is what are you using to connect the aluminum pieces, are people taking these to local welders to be TIG or MIG welded? are the using self tapping screws or maybe some kind of weldon or plumbers puddy to fasten them.

I want to build one but im not sure how to connect the frame together. like at the corners andI dont want it to fall apart and droop my lights in the tank :duh:

 

[scapone]

Self tapping sheet metal screws from home depot

sent from my HTC EVO

 

[akma]

Right by the aluminum frames they sell this at home depot:

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/screen-fram-corners.html
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/spline-for-window-frame-diy-aquarium-tops.html
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/spline-roller-for-diy-screen-top.html

 

[InfernoST]

Drilled and tapped using stainless steel screws. You can also use stainless self tapping screws.

 

[Arati]

great thanks everyone!~

 

[tosiek]

Or you can get some of this. Can be bought at any convenience store or bodega.

I would use 2 sticks per corner for max strenght. Also use self tapping sheet metal screws and predrill holes for them first. Home depot has a bunch of corner brackets as well in steel that help too if your building with flat aluminum.

 

[InfernoST]

Great holding strength not to mention pretty tasty.

 

[Arati]

I just got me a bag of Big League Chew !~~! its like buying in bulk.

 

[jerl77]

i can weld it for you buddy tig or mig whatever you want

 

[NYreefNoob]

aluminum requires a special welder. the bodyshop i worked at had one, lol if only i would have done a diy led then

 

[bigyankfan]

I built my DIY using tube aluminum and connectors from a place called EZ Tube - their website is here.

 

[jerl77]

you can weld it with a tig welder chris if you need help give me the metal and i will weld it for you

aluminum requires a special welder. the bodyshop i worked at had one, lol if only i would have done a diy led then

 

[Arati]

o sweet that would be awsome ill cut it all and draw it up and give you all the pieces and the plans

 

[NYreefNoob]

http://durafix.com/

and if i remember correctly yes you can use a mig or tig but the mig requires a special wire to use and most set-ups arent correct for use of aluminum, the wire is smaller then what most migs use and cause's bunching trying to run it through the guun, we had a convertion kit for our mig at work. being alot of cars have anbd or use aluminum parts we were required to purchased for those use's

 

[Arati]

thanks for the link that looks like a greta choice if Jeremy flakes out

ok so what kind if hanging kit are people using ? is there a best choice?

just an fyi im not doing LED im just building a rack to hold my MH pendant and 4 retro T5's. i just happe to have most of the lighting ill need and i like diy projects and i want the MH off to one side a little for my anemone.. so i decided id make my own. also im buying it a little at a time so wifey doesn't notice!

one more question. should i have the thing powder coated when im done or will it be OK bear aluminum?

 

[jerl77]

i have a tig. just need to use rods make for aluminum but want the hell do i know lol
and man i am hurt you think i would flake out on you wow i am hurt:irked:

http://durafix.com/

and if i remember correctly yes you can use a mig or tig but the mig requires a special wire to use and most set-ups arent correct for use of aluminum, the wire is smaller then what most migs use and cause's bunching trying to run it through the guun, we had a convertion kit for our mig at work. being alot of cars have anbd or use aluminum parts we were required to purchased for those use's

 

[jerl77]

this stuff will work too

http://durafix.com/

and if i remember correctly yes you can use a mig or tig but the mig requires a special wire to use and most set-ups arent correct for use of aluminum, the wire is smaller then what most migs use and cause's bunching trying to run it through the guun, we had a convertion kit for our mig at work. being alot of cars have anbd or use aluminum parts we were required to purchased for those use's

 

[NYreefNoob]

arati check out member Jim 300g tank build, he made aluminum light rack on a roll out frame to pull it clear out of the way, 3x 250w mh pendents 4 vho's and led all attached to it

 

[Arati]

i have a tig. just need to use rods make for aluminum but want the hell do i know lol
and man i am hurt you think i would flake out on you wow i am hurt:irked:

haha hey I flaked out on picking up the bucket :tongue1:

but nah i didn't think you would man im just playin, and im sure you would do a better job them my sloppy a$$.

I picked up the aluminum today. I should be cut up and ready.. in a few weeks LOL. I cant decide if I should stay with my 250 or downsize to a 150DE that i have in the basement.

you cant belive how fast those sps frags are taking off in my tank. its unreal you have some healthy corals!

 

[jerl77]

thanks glad to hear there doing good i say dump the mh and go with t5s lmao and yes you did flake on the bucket ha ha ha

haha hey I flaked out on picking up the bucket :tongue1:

but nah i didn't think you would man im just playin, and im sure you would do a better job them my sloppy a$$.

I picked up the aluminum today. I should be cut up and ready.. in a few weeks LOL. I cant decide if I should stay with my 250 or downsize to a 150DE that i have in the basement.

you cant belive how fast those sps frags are taking off in my tank. its unreal you have some healthy corals!