My DIY 125 Stand Build, Lots of Pics

Very nice!!! It is going to look great when everything is done. I really like the look of a canopy myself. My 125 is the classic oak stand and canopy that All-glass had about 12 years ago and it looks like a piece of furniture that it is. We paid $800 for the stand and $400 for the canopy and that was at the pet store price. We knew the owner so he give it to us at cost. So how much have you spent so far on the set up?
 
It will probably be a while yet, although I may do a test fill just to check everything out. But beyond that, I want to get the PFS in and I also need to decide on rockwork for the Mbuna. I want to make sure I have all the ducks in a row before I get to the cycling part.

The stand probably cost me around $300 to build if you include all the nickel dime stuff. Canopy is shaping up to be less than $200.
 
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Here's another update. The canopy is done except for 2 coats of polyurethane after the Oil finish cures. Lighting is 2 3' Dual T5 fixtures from HD. It looks to be adequate for now, although different spectrum bulbs may be in the works in the future. I do need to pit a curtain or blocking device across the back of the canopy to keep some light from escaping. I've collected some nice rocks and slatethat I saved from what used to be landscaping in my yard. They have been scrubbed and are soaking in a bleach solution now. They will get rinsed REAL well and treated with prime to dechlorinate as a precaution. I also got 100lbs of pool filter sand. Here are a few more pics.

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Thank you. Here is some of the rockscaping, but I don't think I'm satisfied with it yet. I won't put water in and start the cycle until I'm happy with it.

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Thanks gunner! I think we all have a little craftsman in us, just need to find the niche for it!
 
Looks really good DrgRcr, i wish i could complete my build as quickly as you have done yours.
Do you mind me asking how much you have spent on this build?
 
Sorry for the late response Krytan. As far as the $ spent, I didn't keep exact numbers, but by my best estimate, probably about $500 plus or minus a few dollars to do both the stand and canopy. Everything else(I think) for those interested:

Tank- New AGA 125g- $374 w/tax. Had no luck w/CL
New FX5 from ebay, picked up and saved shipping- $197
New AC110 from ebay, free shipping-$65
2 Stealth 250w heaters, glass tops, Koralia3 PH, Day/Night power strip, and 6 liters of various filter media from Drs FS- $200 w/shipping
2 3' Dual T5 flourescent fixtures w/bulbs from HD- $60
100 lbs pool filter sand- $17
Various rocks- Free from my yard:grinyes:!
The day I add the Mbuna to their new home....c'mon say it now.. priceless:headbang2:.
 
Beautiful! Im so jealous now! I had a stand that came with my 135 gallon... but needless to say... it will suffice, but I would like another one.
Thanks for the tips!
 
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