Rona you say? Cool. I think we have a winner, folks. All I need to do now is get a couple pulleys on it!
Awesome
Thanks so much
Rob

Rob mine is an egg shaped motor and I believe it's the Onward name brand. I was thinking about trying it as a wave maker/power head motion control but we'll see.... bbq season in BC never ends... speaking of which... steaks are ready to go on.

Doug

or you could do a hand crank with a removable handle.

Steve

Yeah, that would be easier, just not sure where to get the hardware-like a hand winch I guess, small enough to fit, and willing to lock in both directions. The one thing I worry about is the slight possiblity of the handle slipping out of your hand, causing the lights to come crashing down onto the tank.
Might have to try and see if that could happen or not. Thanks for your help!
Rob

How heavy is the light rack going to be? a simple dowl with the rope attached to it so it winds areound the dowel will work great. then have a pin to lock it in position from the handle end.

Steve

I'd second the garage door opener (if you don't mind old - I may even be able to chase one down for ya for pretty much free).

Size wise, you're talking the box at the end of the rail - roughly 12x10x8" (that could even be pared down some if you removed the cover and ancillary junk). you'd have limit switches. And Dave would probably have a hoot with the remote :)

Andy