DIY and buying used is half the fun (so far for me, all the fun).
My 75 gallon will be completed for about $1000 out of my pocket. That includes a 75, with a dart closed loop, 45 gallon sump, 2 x 175 MH, 88lbs live rock, 120lbs sand, RODI, salt, etc. Now I swung a few good deals to make that happen, but it's doable. Once it's done (should be running by end of January) and corals etc. are added, I think it will rival most "store bought" custom set ups.
Currently on the buy and sell forum, you can get a 125 gallon, with metal stand and lighting for $425. Get it drilled at a glass shop or drill it yourself (search RC). Add a calfo overflow. Skin the metal stand with ply wood, stain it, add doors. Buy a 55 gallon used tank, have a glass shop cut baffles to size. Pick up a used skimmer or a nice Octopus skimmer (cheap, but good). Get a closed loop, a mag 7 for return. And pick up two boxes of Fiji Live Rock from J&L.
$425 for Tank, Stand, Lights.
$100 for glass work
$200 for wood/stain
$300 for skimmer
$400 for closed loop
$75 for Mag 7
$600 for Live Rock
$200 for sand
$400 for metal haliades
$300 for misc & beer
Total of $3000 for a 125 gallon tank ready to go. I think I went over kill on some of the prices as well.
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