Looking for canopy ideas

[cilyjr]

I'm in the middle of a 40b build and I'd like the canopy to have the ability to be raised into a "floating" canopy position or be sitting right on top of the rim. Looking for ideas on a mechanism to accomplish this.
Whatever it is it will need to be mounted to the stand. There's about five to six in the behind the tank.
I was thinking maybe gas shocks but I have almost no experience with them and am unsure if they will 1. Work vertically and 2. Be able to lock in an up or down position.

Any help would be appreciated

Here's a pic of a tank that I'd like it to look similar to in the raised position.

Here's a pic of my actual stand it's not skinned yet

 

[Goodair]

You can check if your local light shops have any suspension kits. You can order them online but you might get some ideas from the fixtures around. (if they are a big shop)
I used the same wood on my canopy as the trim for the cabinet, it came out nice considering only basic tools were used. Wish I went a lighter stain or black though .