DvsDev

I cant see why you couldn't have gone with your first idea of using metal to hold it up, I would've said go for it, go to a local marine engineering factory and ask for some 316 stainless steel, 8 or 10mm, get two pieces, 1x long, 1xshort (half length) get them to bend the longer piece into a L shape like you wanted, then TIG weld the smaller part onto the lower leg in a V shape so it wont fall over. Drill a deep/long hole to match the size rod you have and fit it in. Marine stainless would've been fine, even cheaper 303 or 304L Austenitic stainless would've been fine in an aquarium for about 30-40 years. If you have no local marine shops, most engineering places could get you a piece in with their next material delivery.