The lift is made of aluminum and steel components. We've powder-coated everything we can, and the only tapped holes are in aluminum components. Our concern is with the exposed steel in the bearings, the bearing rails (the body of the rail you see in the video is aluminum), and the internals of the actuator. Our plan for corrosion protection of these components is splash protection, ventilation, and regular lubrication and maintenance. The design is such that all components can be removed and serviced while the aquarium is against a wall.

Damn dude, this is a nutty build. I love it! One day when I'm not a poor grad student (t-minus 1 year) I'm totally doing a build like this. I love the detail with the actuator board. And here I thought I was the only one anal enough to design my own circuit boards... :razz:

It's buttery smooth...and that was a necessity with this build. We had to make a minor design change after our first trial and the cost was more than originally planned.... but overall I am really pleased!

Canopy lift controller front panel artwork
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7...s-etching4.jpg

Here's the start of the canopy lift control box.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-t...o/s640/006.JPG

Sexy!

........ and whats the budget look like for this one:lol:

look-in good I know I will be pick-in your brain when i start my tank room

I did not realize how geeky this was going to be until now!!

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-v...Q/s640/015.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-A...o/s640/016.JPG

Laser etching to come! lol. I might decide to change the wiring to all blue so it doesn't look so toy-like.

Sweet! Anything with that many lights HAS to be cool!

that is too cool! shame that glass hasn't been machined though...

that thing strangely reminds me of that movie the cube.. purdy cool

Looks bad ass! I want one

I agree. Let's see what we can do about that...

That looks incredible! Great job!

Finished canopy lift controller!

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2...g/s640/016.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_...o/s640/012.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-L...4/s640/011.JPG

that awesome! nicely done

After some delay due to factors out of our control, we're back on track and will be getting this running in the next couple weeks. Here's a teaser of the millwork, made to match the customer's surrounding furniture:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-C...8/s800/007.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5...I/s800/005.JPG

Wow, nice job with the plumbing!

It lives!!

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D...M/s640/012.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-S...Y/s640/031.JPG



https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c...E/s640/006.JPG

Bitchin'

Looks great! They didn't cheap out on the lights!

Wow! For a beginner like me, that looks super crazy! I feel like I'm a neanderthal tank owner !
Beautiful job!

Amazing looking new setup. Should be very proud of your fine work.

Thanks!! Lots more of this setup to reveal yet... :D

You definitely went the extra mile, I'm impressed. :biggrin:

THanks! Although it feels more like 10 miles...

Just finished making a couple submersible webcams...

http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rWQWfgqNrms/UA...Y/s800/042.JPG

The lenses will sit just below the waterline.

Hahaha thats so awesome!

Okay, you can not show us that without some more detail. Did you have to fashion the cases yourself?

Wow!!! What an amazing build!!

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-b...k/s640/005.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s...Y/s640/001.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-t...o/s640/024.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0...A/s640/021.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-N...c/s640/008.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-h...U/s640/016.JPG





Yep, I made the waterproof enclosures. :)

Incredible job! Very well done!

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-A...443%2520PM.jpg

http://www.donstank.com

Dedicated website so our customer can show off pictures and video of his tank, login to view webcams, control the Neptune Apex, control the dedicated PC, and activate an auto-feeder (to be implemented).

That site is awesome! And such a killer build. Can't wait to see this thing stocked.

how will you access the plumbing at the back spencer?:question:

Thanks!

Shouldn't ever need to. At least not for a very long time I hope!

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-v...A/s640/017.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D...o/s640/014.JPG

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-P...U/s640/013.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-u...Q/s640/007.JPG

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-H...g/s640/021.JPG

Very nice build man!! do you have any suggestions on lifting vertex LEDs from the ceiling?

What type of lights are you using?(I apologize if this question has already been asked)