New hqi setup

[Reefer769]

i guess i havent posted in a while so hey everyone!

i have a little problem, i just got done cutting, rewiring my new hqi, i have to cut the light case down to the right size so it would distribute light to the whole tank, and i had to rewire the wires becuase originaly the ballast was inside the fixture so it was like 40lbs and it looks ugly, so i took the ballast out and ran wires 5 ft down to the ground and now the ballast sits on the ground and i have a free fixture on top trimmed down nicely. i just need some advice on how i should higher the fixture up 10 inches off the top of the tank, what can i use? im planning on making a canopy in the future but what would be the best alternative for now, i just need something for the fixture to sit on 10in above the water level. thanks!
i have some pics attached.

[Reefland]

i guess i havent posted in a while so hey everyone!

i have a little problem, i just got done cutting, rewiring my new hqi, i have to cut the light case down to the right size so it would distribute light to the whole tank, and i had to rewire the wires becuase originaly the ballast was inside the fixture so it was like 40lbs and it looks ugly, so i took the ballast out and ran wires 5 ft down to the ground and now the ballast sits on the ground and i have a free fixture on top trimmed down nicely. i just need some advice on how i should higher the fixture up 10 inches off the top of the tank, what can i use? im planning on making a canopy in the future but what would be the best alternative for now, i just need something for the fixture to sit on 10in above the water level. thanks!
i have some pics attached.

Hey Reefer!

If your looking for a temporary solution, I used small 1x's and made a stand that was just big enough for the fixture to sit on, which sits inside the plastic trim on the tank.

Scott Z.

[Reefer769]

hmm... i dunno would i have to paint the stand a special coat so it wouldnt heat up?

[Reefland]

Mine is just raw wood, no paint, not protection. My original intentions were to use it temporarily however it has been almost 2 years now. Maybe real soon I'll build us a canopy.

[Reefer769]

haha sounds like a plan scott, i am hoping to build a nice small canopy soon so i can just hang the fixture from the top of it, and then i wouldnt have any problems lol, but building a canopy is hard work, you have to be precise, and i suck at being precise, but i have to give it a try and i hope it comes out alright.