Lights, skimmers, stands, reactors, tanks, sumps, rock...the possibilities are endless.
What do you consider when deciding between buying or building?
Thoughts for Thursday
- Thread starter SeymourDuncan
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Lights, skimmers, stands, reactors, tanks, sumps, rock...the possibilities are endless.
What do you consider when deciding between buying or building?
Zero Nitrates
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So far I have bought everything since I am a newbie, but my next build I want to build everything to accommodate how I do maintenance.
CoralMD
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I look at if I make something how much $$$ it will save me and how effective the one I build will work. I've made almost everything except skimmers and reactors. I love planning and building a new system. Just hate paying for them lol
redfishbluefish
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First and foremost is the Troika of DIY – Tools, knowledge and ability. With that I’ve made stands, canopies, sumps, fan fixtures, light hangers, sock holders, ATO units, etc.
The second consideration is whether or not it is worth my time. As an example, I have a kiln and clay, but I’m not going to make my own plugs, because I can buy them cheaper then the time, effort and materials to make the 20 or so I use per year. If I was doing hundreds of frags I might change my mind.
The second consideration is whether or not it is worth my time. As an example, I have a kiln and clay, but I’m not going to make my own plugs, because I can buy them cheaper then the time, effort and materials to make the 20 or so I use per year. If I was doing hundreds of frags I might change my mind.
Three very great points!!
Building to accommodate is the number one reason I would diy.
Building to save money is probably a tie.
Having tools is always important. I don't know how many acrylic frag racks I could have made had I owned tools at the time of my attempts.
And time vs cost is a great answer as well. I can easily spend hours building something and waiting for it to cure or wait less time by going to the store or Internet.
Such a fine line between diy and buy. :)
Building to accommodate is the number one reason I would diy.
Building to save money is probably a tie.
Having tools is always important. I don't know how many acrylic frag racks I could have made had I owned tools at the time of my attempts.
And time vs cost is a great answer as well. I can easily spend hours building something and waiting for it to cure or wait less time by going to the store or Internet.
Such a fine line between diy and buy. :)
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