Things that reefers can do to help save themselves money

[howdy20012002]

I thought I would start a thread that would allow members to share their wealth of knowledge with others in ways that they can help save a few bucks.
An example would be instead of buying seaweed sheets at the fishstore, buy unsalted unseasoned sushi wrap - it is often the very same thing and about a quarter of the cost
what things do you guys and gals do to cut the corners in this hobby?
are there home based subsitutes for additives that you use?
I am sure a few people have ideas that would be useful for other members

[11purewater]

Silversides are way cheaper at the Asian markets

[lpsreefer]

Staying away from lfs on payday!

[howdy20012002]

Mattyjoly85 - very true - but people need to satisfy their reef cravings or they get grumpy.
Saving a few bucks here and there means that you get to buy more corals and fish.

[11purewater]

Make friends with a plumber,electrician,electronics tech,etc.

[monocus]

buy bulk-i buy brine shrimp by the lb at $56 instead of a jar at the lfs at $35 for 4 oz.i make all my own foods.buy rowaphos at a 5kg pail.mix Epsom salt with nagari instead of magnesium,do a lot of diy projects

[howdy20012002]

monocus - can you explain the process of epsom salts and nagari?

[Reef Pilot]

I used this from Home Depot to make up my mounting railings for my Radion LEDs.
http://www.homedepot.ca/product/wire...l-ivory/911637
Here's the thread describing how I installed them. All you need is a hacksaw and a file to smooth the edges, and a drill to make a few holes.
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/sho...t=81535&page=2
I recently did another installation with my new Gen2 Radions, using the same cheap HD part.

[Reef Pilot]

From a past thread...

Originally Posted by Reef Pilot

I posted this on a recent thread. You can add a 90 degree elbow at the end of the overflow, instead of the cap and the open end up (cut it to choose the height you want) will serve as an emergency overflow if your slots get plugged. The airline tubing attached to the intake of your return pump is essential to prevent loss of siphon and to auto start it.

Foolproof overflow. Will not lose siphon due to micro bubbles, and will auto start even after power outage. Airline tubing is connected to return pump input. And totally quiet.

I was using an undrilled tank as a refugium for a while, and made this out of 1 1/4 inch PVC. Worked great.

__________________

[tgrover]

Make your own Phytoplankton... It really isn't that difficult. Over the past week or so I have produced a couple of litres and my tank absolutely loves it. Every creature in there seems to be happy wit no exceptions.

It costs you pennies...

http://www.indiegogo.com/Stolleryaquarium