new empty tank looking for ...well everything

[rossb]

Greetings. I have been seriously researching saltwater tanks for about a year and just about have a 180 gallon reef tank. I would have one but well they didn't deliver it yet. I have some stuff (from people that were very good at killing live fish) which is too small for my big tank which I am willing to trade. I have lots of freshwater stuff also, I have a 30/50/90 gallon tank for my goldfish (yup just goldfish) and a indoor/outdoor pond for my turtle).

So I am looking for tips about sand (like what I should use instead of aragonite because it dang expensive), and lights and DIY protein skimmers..and well any other thing I need. I have been making rock for the my almost reef and it will be ready in about a month.

Although I have many hobbies my other favorite thing is woodwork and I have a geat collection of most every kind of woodworking tool (well the important ones). I can make anything I can think of ... mostly.

I live in the NW...scenic acres and welcome any kind of advice/tips you would care to share with an old guy (I was a teenager when they landed on the moon).

thanks R