the problem would be in how you lighted them - if you use the squares as I did then you might even want to go to a slightly larger rod. simply because of how the leds are placed in the squares. Haven't played with that aspect yet but ultimately I might use pvc pipe on the ends and move the squares back a bit in order to get a more complete lighting. Also, placing another square at the other end would light them more evenly. Of course that will limit how one uses these. For example, that arrangement would not be suitable if you were making say a LIGHT Pipe Organ. The sanded or frosted give a more uniform light but I sure do like the way the clear acrylic looks. BTW, orginally I had drilled a 1/2" hole in the end of the rod to put a single pixel node. However, the drilling caused the surrounding acrylic surface to cloud and the light transmission was much reduced. You could probably use a low flame to re-melt the acrylic - I didn't try that . Just too much work!