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!