hanging an Outer Orbit system from ceiling

[jandree22]

I'm trying to decide the best of 2 routes of hanging my 48" Outer Orbit lighting system. I didn't weigh it on a scale, but it's gotta be at least 30lbs is not 40-50lbs, so drywall won't cut it. I found the joists in my ceiling, and I'll describe and illustrate the 2 options below.

Option #1 (top diagram)
Hang the light from the 2nd and 4th joists. This centers up the light over the tank and is the cleanest looking install. Has the downfall of pulling weight horizontally against both the ceiling and light.

Option #2 (bottom diagram)
Mount up a 2x4 to the ceiling. The 2x4 would be screwed into all 5 joists. Then the lighting hangers would be screwed into the 2x4. This of course makes vertical hanging with no horizontal stress and perhaps easier height adjustment. Has the downfall of a visible 2x4 support, although painted white, still not as clean looking.

Any thoughts? thanks...

 

[SnowManSnow]

as long as you hit wood you'll be fine. It isn't going to pull the screws out. That being said if you're going to be constantly worried about it just put the 2x4 up there and be done with it. Pant it the SAME color as the ceiling so the wife doesn't kill you though.

ONE plus to hanging it by the 2x4 would be that you can square the light better. If your hang points move in from the outside like in #1 It will probably be difficult to get it to actually hang square over the tank.

Just My 2 cents.

B

 

[SnowManSnow]

OH, u know.. I bet you'd be ok with a 1x4 as opposed to an old ugly 2x4 too. If you aren't sure just take a few screw eyes, pop them into a 1x4 and try to pull it out

B

 

[SnowManSnow]

geez one more thought...

Is there any chance of just setting up the tank a little to the left or right so that your light gets centered right under the joists? Then you can just hang your light and put the tank under it

B

 

[SnowManSnow]

WOW ONE MORE IDEA!!

you COULD, assuming your attic isn't floored, run the cables up THROUGH the dry wall (use a straw or something to make an eye for it to go up through so it doesn't constantly rub). Once ur on the other side connect it to a 2x4 that stretches the distance you want on TOP of the joists.


Dude, you gotta get some ideas outta some of this! haha

B

 

[SnowManSnow]

of course..

you COULD just use the legs that come with those things

B

 

[jandree22]

I think I'll go with the plastic legs supplied, best idea yet! :lol:

No seriously, I was thinking about it and I think I'm going with the 2nd approach, except probably use a width greater than 4", maybe _x6" or _x8", and mitre down the sides at a 45* angles to make a more integrated look than a 90* board jutting out of the ceiling.

lol, I appreciate your rapid-fire approach at helping me out!

 

[SnowManSnow]

10-4

 

[jandree22]

Pant it the SAME color as the ceiling so the wife doesn't kill you though.

Yeah, the tank move up from the basement (esp with a basement sump) has proven to be capable of providing an endless number of ‘surprises’ for my wife. Seems like each day I’m asking for her blessing on a new something… but I gotta love ‘er, she’s pretty cool about it

 

[jandree22]

OH, u know.. I bet you'd be ok with a 1x4 as opposed to an old ugly 2x4 too. If you aren't sure just take a few screw eyes, pop them into a 1x4 and try to pull it out

B

Yeah, I was actually thinking 1" thickness would be a little sleaker... if I can find it in 1x6" or 1x8" that is.

 

[jandree22]

geez one more thought...

Is there any chance of just setting up the tank a little to the left or right so that your light gets centered right under the joists? Then you can just hang your light and put the tank under it

B

Yep, the 5 joists are actually damn close to perfectly square over where the tank is going... between a door frame and a HVAC floor vent 8)

 

[jandree22]

WOW ONE MORE IDEA!!

you COULD, assuming your attic isn't floored, run the cables up THROUGH the dry wall (use a straw or something to make an eye for it to go up through so it doesn't constantly rub). Once ur on the other side connect it to a 2x4 that stretches the distance you want on TOP of the joists.

It’s floored upstairs

Dude, you gotta get some ideas outta some of this! haha

B

I figured with the your motivation to help me out, only fair to give you a little feedback on each idea :lol:

 

[SnowManSnow]

meh.. what else am i gonna do at work haha

b

 

[jandree22]

SERIOUSLY! :roll: