Making things that other people buy in this hobby..

[ruub999]

Like to do it ,and looks great

https://www.instagram.com/swirldrop/

 

[WVNed]

I think it is just easier to make it myself than to explain to someone what I want and wait for them to do it.

 

[littlebeard]

What's the main reason you take on DIY reefing projects?

Ugh, I've done projects for pretty much all those reasons. For example, I wanted my stand a specific way to fit my sump and not be too tall for me and I didn't want to pay a crazy amount of money to have one custom built. It was also enjoyable and gave me an excuse to buy new tools.

I started out building a reef-pi to save some money from those expensive apex systems. I found out, I wasn't a huge fan of the reef-pi code and to build it required a lot more soldering than I would prefer to do(I prefer software instead of building hardware). I also did not like how everything was saved locally on the reef-pi. I morphed my lessons from the reef-pi into building something that monitors my temp and ph and sends those stats out to a remote db that I can graph and monitor with different software tools.

I voted necessity because generally that is the reason I start a project is because there isn't quite a product I like. Otherwise I would probably buy it and be done with it.

 

[WVNed]

Well who is going to make a thing like this for me?

 

[WiscoFishNut]

DIY or Do It Yourself is pretty big in this hobby! Even so much so that we have a forum dedicated to the discussion of it! People build, make, create their own things for many reasons such as saving money, time, necessity, wanting something a certain way and many more reasons. So today let's talk about it!

1. What is something you've made or built that other people in the hobby pay for?

2. What's the main reason you take on DIY reefing projects?


Please feel free to share a link to your DIY threads here on R2R!

image via @Brian Goldstein

1. What is something you've made or built that other people in the hobby pay for?
Skimmer stand. It kills me to see the price for something so simple that is literally buried in our sumps.

2. What's the main reason you take on DIY reefing projects?
It depends really. Initially I only went with DIY when I couldn't find exactly what I wanted on the market. Now it's more for the challenge and to save some money. Current mantra - sure I can buy a pre-built system, but if I do 'x' on my own I'll have more money to spend on corals and fish I'm the world's least skilled carpenter/electrician, so its been a challenge.

 

[Bfragale]

Built a stand, 3D printed a few controller brackets, mushroom cages, scrapers and triton needle guides. 10 gal diy sump for the frag tank, modified an aquatic life fixture so wires all come out one corner.

stand was to save money and get the one I want lol. 3D printed stuff was because I got a used printer from offer up and wanted to print stuff lol. Sump was to save money. The aquatic life t5 hybrid was used but i hated the wires comming out at opposite corners.

 

[fish farmer]

Well who is going to make a thing like this for me?

I know some professional aquaculture companies that would give it a shot....probably cost a bit and something would still need to be tweeked later.

 

[WVNed]

I looked online and there was no Make Aquarium Lights Go Up and Down Co listed in West Virginia

But there is a Harbor Freight where I can buy a winch.

$399 for a filter sock holder? I'll pass.

DIYing quite often pays for the tools to complete the job. Buy good ones.

Those light are too bright. Let's fix that.

I got a tank at the dollar a gallon sale. It needs a stand.

I need an air pump with an inlet and outlet.

Learn the skills, buy the tools. Lasts forever. I am no master craftsman with wood like some on here. But I can make just about anything I need.

Once you learn how it doesnt have to be reef projects

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

Other - I do it as an extension of the hobby. I've made my own rocks from a DIY formula online, I've even built my own stand and cover once. It was pretty ugly, but I was proud that i was able to do it. I've modified a lot of mechanical equipment just to try out some experiments I've seen online. I like these little projects, its a way to keep my from tinkering with the main tank, and I get to learn new things.

 

[Cool tangs]

Other,

Save money and i like making stuff! Also i can make it the way i want.

Built my own light stands, built my own sump, built all the plumbing, siliconed the glass, built the cabinet trimming. The trims are magnetic and pull right off, i love it easier access to underneath for maintanance!

Did the DIY redsea mesh kit, most of my tank is DIY. Ive definitly learned a lot from it and know exactly how ill design my next tank!

Still slowly working on it, but this hobby takes time.

Happy reefing

 

[fish farmer]

Sumps, I've always used an aquarium and my own baffles, although the most recent design I bought precut sections off of Ebay.

 

[Diesel 2021]

I also made the bracket that my lights are hanging from. This was pretty easy to build.

 

[Ro Bow]

DIY or Do It Yourself is pretty big in this hobby! Even so much so that we have a forum dedicated to the discussion of it! People build, make, create their own things for many reasons such as saving money, time, necessity, wanting something a certain way and many more reasons. So today let's talk about it!

1. What is something you've made or built that other people in the hobby pay for?

2. What's the main reason you take on DIY reefing projects?


Please feel free to share a link to your DIY threads here on R2R!

image via @Brian Goldstein

I like to make things. Mainly artwork.

 

[Diesel 2021]

Ok somethings wrong with this phone. No pics posted. Sorry all!

 

[DIYreefer]

I build pretty much everything I can, hence my screen name. Mostly because I like to build things, but also so they can be exactly what I want. The cost savings is nice as well. My most recent DIY project was a new stand for my 125. I built it to match the cabinetry in my new house.

 

[DIYreefer]

I love to build and remodel. I drew up the plans and built my stand and canopy and did all the plumbing as well. Iincorporated the tank into my bar build this was a fun project and

huge challenge for my first reef tank. Ilearned alot on this project. I would appreciate any feed back.

Love it! That came out great!

 

[Motown100]

The control board is my favorite DIY project for the tank. I was able to customize it and make the most the limited space in the stand. Plus it’s great for hiding all those wires!

I also made a dosing pump stand out of the same material.

I would love to have one like that you inspired me that might be my next project
Good job

 

[Motown100]

That is such a cool insert in the door area. I have seen that at our Lowes. Would have never thought to use it that way

Nice design !!!!!

 

[c-horse]

I made an air-stone driven protein skimmer, using two plastic bottles, some pvc piping and a rubber band. I only used it occassional.

 

[HomebroodExotics]

DIY or Do It Yourself is pretty big in this hobby! Even so much so that we have a forum dedicated to the discussion of it! People build, make, create their own things for many reasons such as saving money, time, necessity, wanting something a certain way and many more reasons. So today let's talk about it!

1. What is something you've made or built that other people in the hobby pay for?

2. What's the main reason you take on DIY reefing projects?


Please feel free to share a link to your DIY threads here on R2R!

image via @Brian Goldstein

I diy everything I can to save money. The hard part is learning what is worth diy.

Also isn't that a pic of King of diy Joey?