Buy or DIY! Which do you prefer?

[Gumbies R Us]

100% DIY here

I find off the shelf options are just not flexible enough to my ambitions, or way to expensive.

Like my 1.7L Pico Reef concept:

3D Printed Base, top, pump, and custom circuit board and code to run it all. You can follow the build so far here:
IKEA 1.7L Jar Pico Reef

It is all part of a project to make a cost effective solution for pico reefs. Everything designed for the 1<10L size.

- Paul

That is a really cool pico design!

 

[JayM]

DIY. Plumbing is mostly mocked up now, just haven't taken any pics yet. I should have some ready to post an update tonight. Then it's time for more sanding and paint.

 

[Labridaedicted]

I've done some of both (you can see it in my build) but find generally DIY is gonna get you bigger and more durable than purchased if you have the know-how.

My auto feeder outperforms every single one on the market by alot. And ive tried many of the options.

Also, for 1/4 of the price,my diy reactors are much larger and do a better job and are basically indestructible compared to manufactured ones.

Ntm the custom tank build suited my needs better than any prefab options and was cheaper by probably 50%.

There's plenty of options that the tech makes it make more sense to go prefab, though. All depends on the reefer, the budget, and the desired bells and whistles.

 

[Knucker]

I've always done a bit of both. My first tank was a 40g Frankenstein, I ended up modded the hell out of my Fluval 13.5g, and now I'm building a 15g IM AIO. I also plan on doing some DIY, like the lid and a refugium

 

[drolmaeye]

I generally prefer to buy, and usually only DIY if I am looking for something very specific that I cannot get commercially. I don't usually end up saving much money going the DIY route, so cost is not a big decider for me.

 

[Delatedlotus]

DYI Dollar Store Trap,
This works like no other way I have ever seen. I made my first one some 30 plus years ago. Stepped on my last one I had it for about 18 years. When I made one out of a pink plastic jar, they did not like the color I found out fast. So I made a new one, you to can catch any fish in no time at all. This is my total investment it is just shy of $13.24..! And that is if you don't have any of these items at all. There are two sizes of these jars for $1.24 each at the Dollar Store. I chose the smaller size it is perfect in any tank I have.

The way it works:
Place the jar with the magnet glued inside of it, and the foam on the top of the jar. You just lower the jar down in the tank, the open end with the foam horizonal with sand bed. Place the other outside magnet on a string, to the jar magnet they will stick together that will hold the jar in place (one magnet inside and one magnet outside on a string). I use up to 10 foot string. Put shrimp or clam into the inside jar.. And sit in your lounge chair and wait until the fish you want goes in the jar. And then pull the outside magnet on the string hard and fast, the jar opening will tip and float straight up in a second and float up to the top of the water FAST. Your fish or shrimp can NOT GET OUT.... There is no better way I have seen to both catch and seize any fish or shrimp of your choice.... I use it to catch fish with any disease, to separate mates, dose meds and dips, when selling or trading any fish or invert, or to just move fish to a another tank. I built one just this like I said for 30+ years and it works like no other... I just keep hearing about all these people with tanks that cant catch a fish. Trying for days and days at times. In 20 mins total max time I can get anyone of them. And I have some 300 lbs of live rock and corals everywhere! This one came out perfect, best one I have ever made to date. Just wanted to share this to all. Happy Reefing

The list:
Plastic Jar $1.24
Neodymium Magnets, I use Rubber coated. (a pair) E-Bay (Out of Texas) $3.00
Foam Door Draft Stopper (Ace, Lowes, Home Depot) $8.00
Super Glue or heat gun (Dollar Store) $1.00
String, Braided Fishing line, Rope... lol ?
Razor Knife or a razor blade ?
One Larger Rubber band ?

And just 20 minutes of your time.

The foam that I used is closed cell foam and there is a picture of what and how to get it. It works perfectly and bends fantastic very little effort if any..! Bottom Picture!





Use this foam! I don't know if I could ever find anything that would come even close to working like this did... I will post a video of it working and catching fish and peppermints very soon..

 

[SantaMonica]

That's how I got into scrubbers... really only wanted to buy one in 2006, but gave up when when there were none and made my first one.

 

[Delatedlotus]

That's how I got into scrubbers... really only wanted to buy one in 2006, but gave up when when there were none and made my first one.

Pictures....

 

[PharmrJohn]

As I am kinda in between jobs, I would rather diy. Buuuuuut, I am NOT crafty. So I usually spend hours trying to make something, and it is always complete garbage.

But at least you try. I'm currently trying to thought experiment my way to a rolling sump platform. I want to be about to disconnect my plumbing and roll my sump out of the side door. It's gonna be a MacGyver project! But I'm pretty good at this sort of thing. You just have to think it, then build it.

 

[timmyrules]

But at least you try. I'm currently trying to thought experiment my way to a rolling sump platform. I want to be about to disconnect my plumbing and roll my sump out of the side door. It's gonna be a MacGyver project! But I'm pretty good at this sort of thing. You just have to think it, then build it.

The last time I tried to make something, it was an “Octopus proof” lid for a rimless tank…let’s just say…it failed miserably, and ruined the tank in the process.

 

[SantaMonica]

Pictures....

Pics of what

 

[Delatedlotus]

Your DYI scrubber...

 

[FUNGI]

Depends on what it is. Tank, equipment, sump ect... i'd prefer something ready to go. Stands or cabinets for equipment i go DIY.
I built my 75 stand in my garage, turned out pretty good.

And the final result

Nice job Mr.....but you lost me when you made it black.....LOL.

 

[SantaMonica]

Your DYI scrubber...

Here is the first waterfall scrubber build in 2008

 

[Delatedlotus]

Here is the first waterfall scrubber build in 2008

I have to build a external scrubber was well... only much larger. I have been looking for just a acrylic box to start, I have been there and done that build the box thing... gezzzzzzz It just takes so much time that's all. I have the acrylic, the best acrylic glue, hole saws blades, every type of hose and valves, lights, and all the syringes needed for glueing. Just everything! It's just the time it takes to build the ole box..I will have to start it soon... lol Good build sir...

 

[Delatedlotus]

I have to build a external scrubber was well... only much larger. I have been looking for just a acrylic box to start, I have been there and done that build the box thing... gezzzzzzz It just takes so much time that's all. I have the acrylic, the best acrylic glue, lights, and all the syringes needed. It's just the time it takes to build the ole box..I will have to start it soon... lol Good build sir...

You may have motivated me... lol. As I have to build one soon!

 

[Reefer2.0]

I chose buy because I honestly have no idea what I’m doing making my own stuff. Just show me how it works and I will use it lol

 

[Jasonak]

Little of both. Lean more towards buy then in the past.

 

[Pink Reef]

Anything added to my tank I do manually, water top off, lights, additives, food…….more corals

 

[Delatedlotus]

Anything added to my tank I do manually, water top off, lights, additives, food…….more corals

I cant.. I am running 280 gallons. Wish it was so for me but I really like my eco-system lol