Jessy's Candyshop Cubed - The Retro Into A Pendant Plan
by
, 10-11-2010 at 02:18 AM (2700 Views)
So I'm trying to think of the best way to hang my lighting over my tank. I have this sexy tank, and the only lighting I have for it is a 36 retrofit LED and I'll be getting a couple stunner strips to supplement. It seems a shame to build a traditional canopy for it. So I've concocted an idea for a floating canopy/pendant enclosure for it instead. I have been telling myself that I am NOT going to rush this set up. I've always jumped to putting water in too fast and regretting it later. For either the fact that I cant' get behind the tank anymore, or that I wanted to do something different inside the tank. So before I can figure out the sump/skimmer/fuge design, I need to get this light/arm hung and in place on the back of the stand.
The plan is to hang it from a single DIY light arm (will post pics when I make this) with these tension retractable pulleys connected to the pendant by eye hooks. This way I can both raise and lower the light or swing it to one side completely for maintenance.
Side cross-section view
I'm going to create a horizontal surface for the lights to drop into/connect to. I'm thinking this surface should be 1/4" thick to provide enough stability to prevent warping from the heat of the lights. Perpendicular to the outer edges will be a 3.5" border material to hide the light and create the face of the pendant.
Top-Down View
I don't know what to make this out of yet. My options that I'm aware of are:
--Black acrylic if I want that shiny look
--Clear acrylic spray panted matte black to match the rest of the stand
--Wood sanded smooth and painted matte to match the stand.
Any opinions or suggestions on the design/materials?