Shopping for new complete set-up ... Ideas wanted...

[skylord]

By scratch do you mean you will build your own stand and hood/cap? If you are doing the woodwork that really changes the cost. You can save a bit by designing your own hood and DIY lights. Other than that....

I would go with the 120 you mentioned....new I would guess about $600
Sump about $150
I would go with the Euroreef RS180.....$450
2 maxijets with the mod kit Chin has....$100
return pump about.... $150

With taxes thats about $1650

Leaves about $350 for wood to build the stand and $1000 for lights......

I spent your 3k and you will still need to come up with a few bucks for plumbing, test kits and misc supply's.

$3000 spent and you still have no water, rock, sand, fish or corals or......Im sure I missed something.....lol

Scott