Well, its nearly complete, I have built my own sump. All I have to do is add the front pane of glass and finish the plumbing for the sump. I will also be building a skimmer very shortly.
As for the cost I can get the last piece of glass for 180 including tax(canadian) so like 110 US. I have spent so far about 150 dollars, making my final estimate right on budget.
160 Gallon Tank
Pine Cabinet and stand, four cabinets underneath, 1 shelf on top, eight 48" florecent lights, 20 gallon sump, venturi Skimmer.
The final cost should be far under the 500 I figured. My guess is it will be closer to 400. Last night I went to the LFS and saw a 150 gallon with a stand and light fixtures(no sump) for 2100. I think I am way ahead of the game.
The walls are plywood with glass silconed to it for waterproofing The plywood on sides bottom and back are two layers of 3/4" ply. and the frame is all 2*4 minus the bottom rails that are 4*6. It also has a brass port hole on one side and will include a side door with a track to slide out the sump for maintenance.
The cost includes timers and bulbs.
Plus it matches all of the pine furniture I have built in the rest of my house.
I think I will be likely going with 12mm or 1/2" I still have to see. I can still make it shorter and may be going with a 20" height and 3/8" or 10mm I am not sure yet, I have to weigh it all out. I think I may go with the latter. I will lose some weight and water but no surface are and hence no fish. It will also make lighting easier. But I am just loving the idea of a 160 gallon tank, bragging rights mostly. But still a 130 is nothin to shake a stick at.
