DIY 45 gallon tank? And canister filter?

[k3xx]

Im not what you'd call new to the hobby, but I am a young'n who doesnt have a solid, actual job as of yet. I want to expand my horizions and put a saltwater tank in my basement! Would making a 45 gallon save me money compared to buying one?
Also, how could I go about making a canister filter?

[DerekFF]

To make s legit quality canister filter diy it costs as much as buying one almost, but youll feel more accomplished. I know nothing of making a diy tank.

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[k3xx]

aw, ok
thanks!

[Hoppy]

From years of reading this forum I have learned that making your own tank is at least as expensive as buying one, unless you have a special source for the glass. Very small tanks can be made cheaply from ordinary window glass, but bigger ones take thicker glass, which is very expensive.

[Pen3]

I would just go with modular canisters like ocean clear. Don't get the nu-clear brand their seals suck. Then just get an iwaki pump to your needs.

[k3xx]

Hoppy, would acrylic be cheaper?

And Pen3, ill definitely look into that, thanks!

[Hoppy]

Acrylic isn't cheap either. For larger tanks you need pretty thick, and heavy acrylic. When I last checked this out it was going to cost more than just buying a glass tank.

[k3xx]

grr, okay. Thanks, everyone!

[Bahugo]

You should just pick up a 40g breeder next dollar sale at petco. I heard that there was one going on now, but I have no proof of it.

[k3xx]

that would be nice... im currently out of a job, though.

[proaudio55]

Originally Posted by k3xx

Also, how could I go about making a canister filter?

yep, ditto the above posters. I'm a fairly ambitious DIY'er and I won't do a canister filter. . . When you look at the cost of a pump, a water tight vessel (pressure cooker), filter media trays, etc, etc, etc. A DIY filter will be over-priced and under-performing. In fact just 2 hours ago I placed an order for a Cascade 1500. Even a lower-end filter like this should give years of service if you're careful and gentle with it.

My advice, there's a time and place for DIY'ing: canister filters are neither.

Your best bet is Craig's list . . . you'll be easily find a decent aquarium with all the paraphernalia for a fraction of the price of new.

[Diana]

A DIY canister can be made from a 5 gallon bucket, but not the snap-on lid style. It takes a screw-on lid. By the time you have that and a good pump you might as well go ahead and buy a real canister filter.

A DIY sump is much easier, and if you are already making your own tank you could drill it for the best overflow system.

However, making your own tank is not any real savings in money, just very good experience in 'how to'.

Summer is just about here, can you get an after school/summer vacation sort of job? Perhaps at a hardware store or glass shop so you can get an employee discount?