REEFING DIY: Biggest Wins & Biggest Failures

[revhtree Verified Admin]

DIY or Do It Youself in reefing is a pretty big subject in the hobby! You can save money, solve issues and have fun building things and solving problems! But some of us are just not the best at DIY projects! Let's talk about it!

What is the best DIY project you've ever built in this hobby?

Do you consider yourself a good DIY'er?

image via @wickette

 

[homer1475]

Not the KING of DIY, but loving making stuff with my hands.

Recent DIY was remaking my stand. From cheap chip board, to nice baltic birch ply. No structure internal, just ply panels.

 

[ReefEco]

Saved a great deal of money making my sumps. There is always a fine line between saving money, value of your time, and if you have the skills to pull it off - but with some basic woodworking skills, DIY acrylic sumps are very feasible. Start with some smaller projects to perhaps to hone some skills. The satisfaction of having made them yourself for me is the main reason to DIY.

 

[BigSkyRich]

DIY or Do It Youself in reefing is a pretty big subject in the hobby! You can save money, solve issues and have fun building things and solving problems! But some of us are just not the best at DIY projects! Let's talk about it!

What is the best DIY project you've ever built in this hobby?

Do you consider yourself a good DIY'er?

image via @wickette

Well, they do say a picture is worth a thousand words. And I'm glad because I really don't have any comment on this DIY'r. I can honestly say not many beers were harmed during this project

 

[kenchilada]

My stand and canopy. More details in my build thread that I never update.

 

[Dbichler]

Diy fish food. I’m allergic to shellfish lol

 

[Sleepingtiger]

Not the KING of DIY, but loving making stuff with my hands.

Recent DIY was remaking my stand. From cheap chip board, to nice baltic birch ply. No structure internal, just ply panels.

King of DIY is great at taking peoples idea on forums, make a video on it and doesn't give credit

 

[Miami Reef]

Absolutely not. I am not good at DIY.

 

[i cant think]

Only thing I’ve really ever DIYed was my desk that now has a 3’ tank sat on it.
So, I’d say I’m alright but I’m not decent at it so I went for other.

 

[ChaetoFarm_Kai]

DIYing is 60% of the fun for me. A whole lot of DIY done on my Apex/Alexa hybrid controlled Waterbox. Here’s a shot of what’s going on under the hood. Too much to get into on this one.

 

[Tenecor Aquariums]

We offer a wide range of diy options. Any feedback from the community is appreciated. What do you think about what we have so far? Pricing? Sizes? Anything else you want to see? >>> https://www.tenecoraquariums.com/collections/diy-kits

 

[GarrettT]

We offer a wide range of diy options. Any feedback from the community is appreciated. What do you think about what we have so far? Pricing? Sizes? Anything else you want to see? >>> https://www.tenecoraquariums.com/collections/diy-kits

Looks promising. On the cut to size, what type/brand acrylic is that?

 

[Tenecor Aquariums]

Looks promising. On the cut to size, what type/brand acrylic is that?

The cut to size collection is a work in progress. It will eventually be its own web site with just about any plastic you can imagine. For now it is what we use. Plexiglas. Lexan. ABS. Kommerling (sp?) PVC.

 

[Slocke]

Does my alternative aqua scape count? It was specially designed to hide an extensive pipework (inspired by SeraDesign's BTW). Though If I were a true DIYer I wouldn't have wimped out on drilling this tank...

 

[Reefer Reboot]

Biggest win, (posted before in DIY thread)
I DIYed this device to alternate the flow in the tank to create more of a slow tidal surge than a wave action.

Helps to have access to a killer machine shop. Of course right after I completed it I found Oceans Motions makes something similar. DOH, I could have just bought something similar and saved myself the time and trouble.

 

[Reefer Reboot]

Biggest fail, same device. I used softshot BBs for the bearings. After about two years they started to disintegrate. Had to re-machine it for 1/4" nylon bearings.

 

[Rocky Mountain Reef]

DIY or Do It Youself in reefing is a pretty big subject in the hobby! You can save money, solve issues and have fun building things and solving problems! But some of us are just not the best at DIY projects! Let's talk about it!

What is the best DIY project you've ever built in this hobby?

Do you consider yourself a good DIY'er?

image via @wickette

 

[Rocky Mountain Reef]

I DIY everything, I'm a builder and furniture maker. Custom Log Furniture and Barnwood Furniture (check out sasquatchwoodworkswyoming.com). I made the stand, lighting fixture, all the plumbing...essentially everything that you need to set up the aquarium. It's a 210 gallon peninsula with 50 gallon sump/refugium.

 

[tigre44]

I have made my own sump. I have made three wood tank stands. Years ago I made a light with canopy it used Two t12 vho bulbs, one 250 mh, one pl 13 compact Florescent and two cooling fans. I still use all of them completely or partially

 

[encrustingacro]

I tried to make a DIY ATO out of some float switches, suction cups, and a relay, it ended up not working after a few months.