I had some DIY lighting... 4 55watt pc's, all overdriven, that cost me $130, and $30 for the reflector... Thats a lot cheaper than buying a coralife setup.

Other than that, most of the time the supplies cost about the same as the store bought project.... and sometimes, or atleast in my case, it looks better

Yes, fair enough. My DIY sump/fuge were cheaper too, as was my DIY Overflow box.

I just wanted to point out the flip side of some DIY projects, so that people know before they jump in. You'll definitely get personal satisfaction from building a higher quality, customized product, but you will pay for it. In both Time and Money. Plus Murphy's Law is always there to prove itself. So you have to weigh those options. Else you can pay a premium up front for a retail product, and you'll have it right away. So it depends on what you're looking for, and what you're willing to give up.

But again, dont get me wrong, I jumped in to this DIY thing whole heartedly, and I actually learned a LOT about the various trades involved. It was very rewarding, and I'm already thinking about how I'd improve on some things for the next time.

Famous Last Words: Measure Twice, Cut Once!!

Yes for me the reward already has been immense. I've never had a space to mess around in and now having a basement allows me to do just that. This stand will surely cost more than a retail one but in the end I made it, I know it's strong, and i can make it exactly as I want it (with my limited skillset). Plus, like you said, It's a chance to learn. I'm on a computer all day and it's nice to do some hands-on work like this.

I expect to save on the canopy as I bought a retrofit 250 W MH fixture but I wouldn't be surprised if I spend as much or more than a comparable retail unit by the time I'm done putting fans in etc.

Brett

Good to hear, Brett! You know what's weird for me, I actually bought a ready-made DIY hood that had 2 x MH moguls, spider reflectors, fans, grills, and 2 x 250W Icecap ballasts, shipped from a guy in the states, and it was significantly ($100?) cheaper than buying those parts locally, even after shipping and duties.

I just took the parts out and put them into my own DIY hood.

Having done these projects, I cant wait to get my own fixer-upper house and renovate it myself, just like those home improvement shows! haha ;)

Hehe, I love your writing. Pretty funny stuff :cool:

Great looking stand. Reminds me of my own, built by my dad (he has the better tools and needed a "retirement project"). I call it the Tank for the tank.:razz:

Way past my bedtime AGAIN.

But I made some minor progress with the stand:

http://www.reef.thelastlight.net/#feb_6_2006

Brett

Looking good. A circular saw with an edge guide would be easier and more accurate than a jigsaw for those types of cuts in the future. They are about $99 for a laser guided one at sears or cantire.

Yeah you're probably right about the accuracy. I was worried about wrecking the laminated maple edges with the circular saw as my blade isn't all that new. Maybe I'll pick up a new blade for it test it on a scrap piece.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Brett

I used a router with a flush-cut bit on my stand.

If you do get a new blade ask about a Carbide Triple Chip blade at the hardware store.