DIY Pole, What, How much, Where??

21Reefman · 05/19/2006, 01:30 PM

I just want to know the reasons this hobby has sent you searching through a hardware store?

What did you need and wich store was most helpful?
I always seem to go to more than one hardware store and still might need a few items to complete the project. From stands, lighting, plumbing, TUBE, buckets, skimmers, and sumps the trips to the store seem endless!

What did you build/Buy?

How many stores needed(including hardware from LFS)?

What was the "elusive" part?

Budget Vs. actual cost?

MCary · 05/19/2006, 01:44 PM

I am so tired of hemorraging money. I am plumbing in a closed loop. Went to the store and bought some pvc connectors and teflon tape. Cost me $12. No problem. Went back yesterday, bought gate valves, more elbows, 1" pipe etc. Cost me $73. Damn! Still didn't have all I needed. Went back to Ace at lunch, bought some 45's, 2 more gate valves, and some 2" elbows and pipe dope. $35. Over an hundred dollars for plumbing? I really messed up my bill of materials estimate on this little project. Would someone just stab a fork into my neck!

Mike

21Reefman · 05/20/2006, 11:59 AM

LOL, Mike, that's is so funny. Sorry about your hassle though.
I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who has done this!! Actually, it sounds like EVERY reef project to date!

Thanks, for sharing.

Anyone else??? Com'on let's hear it.

aiko670 · 05/20/2006, 05:35 PM

Welcome to my world, I have a big box full of PVC fittings in the garage and never what I need. I think I'm always buying PVC. I really should start returning what I don't use.....

21Reefman · 05/20/2006, 05:45 PM

Ok, I'm not hearing about all those canopys and stands I thought I would??

How much $$ have you spent on this hobby... TOTAL!!

jdieck · 05/20/2006, 05:46 PM

Well get ready to be known by name at all the hardware stores around were you live. I think it is everyone's story.

21Reefman · 05/20/2006, 06:03 PM

jdieck, Yes that is the case, they all think I'm a MAD scientist! Mostly because they can't picture what the heck I'm trying to make. Thanks, for tha reply!

68 people have read it, I want to hear about 68 Reefs, Projects, Costs, and hard to find items!!! Don't be shy

aiko670 · 05/20/2006, 09:00 PM

I'd really rather not try to figure out what I've spent!

I've probably spent nearly 1,000 in the last ween in equipment for a new 120. Argh!!!!

Calcium reactor
Auto Topoff
ASM G3
Light bulbs....

I'm getting sick, and I hope my wife doesn't read this!

xtrstangx · 05/20/2006, 09:05 PM

I am literally spending more on the plumbing for my new tank than I am spending on the tank.

smmscott · 05/20/2006, 09:20 PM

Check valve for this, a float switch for that, I don't think it is the expensive things like a tank and big hardware, it is always the little things that kill me. That and the ohhh look at that fish or that coral or any of the many other cool things at the LFS. My girlfriend is always harrassing me, she says I am always saying I need just one more pump.

21Reefman · 05/20/2006, 10:52 PM

Only 5 people in 118 have spent any money?? Well, at least tell us how your doing that!

21Reefman · 05/20/2006, 11:12 PM

Anyone still lugging BUCKETS of RO water back from the store??

MMEEEEE I DO, I DO!! Boy do I need an RO/DI, auto top-off, a fuge, a sump, a surge, a controller,...mmmm a plumber, an electician, ..... a financial advisor.

jdieck · 05/21/2006, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 21Reefman
Anyone still lugging BUCKETS of RO water back from the store??

MMEEEEE I DO, I DO!! Boy do I need an RO/DI, auto top-off, a fuge, a sump, a surge, a controller,...mmmm a plumber, an electician, ..... a financial advisor.

........ and a good job!

msuzuki126 · 05/21/2006, 12:08 AM

Plumbing forced me to go to Home Depot quite a few times. I think I've spent around $400 so far on my 37gallon (not including tank) Still need to spend more for equipment

Timothy01 · 05/21/2006, 12:44 AM

salt water addict rule number one.....never keep track of how much money you've spent on your addiction

you might just relize you couldve bought that new car you allways wanted

jdieck · 05/21/2006, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Timothy01
salt water addict rule number one.....never keep track of how much money you've spent on your addiction

you might just relize you couldve bought that new car you allways wanted

and a bemer at that

Freed · 05/21/2006, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 21Reefman
jdieck, Yes that is the case, they all think I'm a MAD scientist! Mostly because they can't picture what the heck I'm trying to make.

Exactly. I go into any hardware store looking for a fitting to attach to, let's say, my protein skimmer. Yeah, I'm looking for one of these please it broke when I was tightening it and I can't find another one. 5 minutes later after looking thru everything to try to find another one the guy always asks "What's it for?" Well, it really doesn't matter does it? Do you have any other ideas where I can find one? "Well, what's it for?" You wouldn't understand if I told you. Never mind but thanks anyway. This always happens.

21Reefman · 05/21/2006, 11:16 AM

LOL, were you following me??? They always ask what's it for!! I'm gonna start telling them crazy stuff just to see their faces.
What's it for? Well, I have a greenhouse full of marijuanna and I need this flex-tube to feed my illegal immigrant workers! LMAO

21Reefman · 05/21/2006, 11:19 AM

Seriously though, What did you build and how much did it cost?

05/19/2006, 01:30 PM	#1
21Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Chicago/NW IN Posts: 403	DIY Pole, What, How much, Where?? I just want to know the reasons this hobby has sent you searching through a hardware store? What did you need and wich store was most helpful? I always seem to go to more than one hardware store and still might need a few items to complete the project. From stands, lighting, plumbing, TUBE, buckets, skimmers, and sumps the trips to the store seem endless! What did you build/Buy? How many stores needed(including hardware from LFS)? What was the "elusive" part? Budget Vs. actual cost? __________________ "The significant problems that we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them." Albert Einstein

05/20/2006, 11:59 AM	#3
21Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Chicago/NW IN Posts: 403	LOL, Mike, that's is so funny. Sorry about your hassle though. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who has done this!! Actually, it sounds like EVERY reef project to date! Thanks, for sharing. Anyone else??? Com'on let's hear it. __________________ "The significant problems that we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them." Albert Einstein

05/20/2006, 05:45 PM	#5
21Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Chicago/NW IN Posts: 403	Ok, I'm not hearing about all those canopys and stands I thought I would?? How much $$ have you spent on this hobby... TOTAL!! __________________ "The significant problems that we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them." Albert Einstein

05/20/2006, 05:46 PM	#6
jdieck Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Maumee, OH Posts: 15,673	Well get ready to be known by name at all the hardware stores around were you live. I think it is everyone's story. __________________ Did I write what I wrote? What the heck am I talking about! Well..... Nevermind. Current Tank Info: 225 gal reef, DSB, 40 g sump w/ LRT100 return, 37 g pre-sump, 3 MH 250 W 15K, 4 96 W PC dual actinic,ETS 1500 Skim.w/LRT70, 20 lb Ca R., 40 W UV, 1/3 HP chiller, two 350 W Htrs, Neptune II Cont., 330 P LR/ 330 P LS. 55 gal Refugium

05/20/2006, 06:03 PM	#7
21Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Chicago/NW IN Posts: 403	jdieck, Yes that is the case, they all think I'm a MAD scientist! Mostly because they can't picture what the heck I'm trying to make. Thanks, for tha reply! 68 people have read it, I want to hear about 68 Reefs, Projects, Costs, and hard to find items!!! Don't be shy __________________ "The significant problems that we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them." Albert Einstein

05/19/2006, 01:44 PM	#2
MCary Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Hardin, Montana Posts: 3,142	I am so tired of hemorraging money. I am plumbing in a closed loop. Went to the store and bought some pvc connectors and teflon tape. Cost me $12. No problem. Went back yesterday, bought gate valves, more elbows, 1" pipe etc. Cost me $73. Damn! Still didn't have all I needed. Went back to Ace at lunch, bought some 45's, 2 more gate valves, and some 2" elbows and pipe dope. $35. Over an hundred dollars for plumbing? I really messed up my bill of materials estimate on this little project. Would someone just stab a fork into my neck! Mike

05/20/2006, 05:35 PM	#4
aiko670 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Deerfield, IL Posts: 5,409	Welcome to my world, I have a big box full of PVC fittings in the garage and never what I need. I think I'm always buying PVC. I really should start returning what I don't use.....

05/20/2006, 09:00 PM	#8
aiko670 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Deerfield, IL Posts: 5,409	I'd really rather not try to figure out what I've spent! I've probably spent nearly 1,000 in the last ween in equipment for a new 120. Argh!!!! Calcium reactor Auto Topoff ASM G3 Light bulbs.... I'm getting sick, and I hope my wife doesn't read this!

05/20/2006, 09:05 PM	#9
xtrstangx Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Shawnee, Kansas Posts: 4,568	I am literally spending more on the plumbing for my new tank than I am spending on the tank.

05/20/2006, 09:20 PM	#10
smmscott Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Cleveland (parma) Posts: 552	Check valve for this, a float switch for that, I don't think it is the expensive things like a tank and big hardware, it is always the little things that kill me. That and the ohhh look at that fish or that coral or any of the many other cool things at the LFS. My girlfriend is always harrassing me, she says I am always saying I need just one more pump.

05/20/2006, 10:52 PM	#11
21Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Chicago/NW IN Posts: 403	Only 5 people in 118 have spent any money?? Well, at least tell us how your doing that! __________________ "The significant problems that we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them." Albert Einstein

05/20/2006, 11:12 PM	#12
21Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Chicago/NW IN Posts: 403	Anyone still lugging BUCKETS of RO water back from the store?? MMEEEEE I DO, I DO!! Boy do I need an RO/DI, auto top-off, a fuge, a sump, a surge, a controller,...mmmm a plumber, an electician, ..... a financial advisor. __________________ "The significant problems that we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them." Albert Einstein

05/21/2006, 12:08 AM	#14
msuzuki126 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Dutchess County, New York Posts: 1,377	Plumbing forced me to go to Home Depot quite a few times. I think I've spent around $400 so far on my 37gallon (not including tank) Still need to spend more for equipment __________________ Red House=My 90 build. Matt. Current Tank Info: 90 rebuild

05/21/2006, 12:44 AM	#15
Timothy01 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 292	salt water addict rule number one.....never keep track of how much money you've spent on your addiction you might just relize you couldve bought that new car you allways wanted

05/21/2006, 11:16 AM	#18
21Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Chicago/NW IN Posts: 403	LOL, were you following me??? They always ask what's it for!! I'm gonna start telling them crazy stuff just to see their faces. What's it for? Well, I have a greenhouse full of marijuanna and I need this flex-tube to feed my illegal immigrant workers! LMAO __________________ "The significant problems that we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them." Albert Einstein

05/21/2006, 11:19 AM	#19
21Reefman Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Chicago/NW IN Posts: 403	Seriously though, What did you build and how much did it cost? __________________ "The significant problems that we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them." Albert Einstein