Starting a new tank from scratch

So....I'm off to college soon, and that means freedom, booze, and most importantly, the power to spend unlimited (relatively) amounts of money on fish keeping supplies! If you had a budget of, let's say 1K, what would you get for your fish? (minus the tank).

And....just out of curiosity, has anyone here actually made one of those huge tanks out of plywood and glass that you sometimes see around the forums? If so, how hard was it, any advice? What level of woodworking would you need roughly? (I've made tables and a canoe before).

FINALLY, is it possible to create a self-sustaining tank? Like something with a bunch of filters, an automatic water remover and filler, etc? (I'm kinda new to the actual fish-raising world; I've been abusing my little buddies for the last 10 years though; just for the record, they're all as old as I am). Im a pretty lazy person, and tank cleaning is always a hassle.

THANKS.

When I left for college, I stopped fish-keeping all together until junior and senior year. For 4 years I moved from dorm to house, to house, to apartment. Fish tanks are by far the biggest pains to move, and I don't suggest building a plywood tank just yet. I'd wait a while until you are settled a bit.
Being pushed for space, and time to clean tanks. I would suggest something like a 20 or 25 gallon aquarium - this is a great size simply for ease to clean, place on a dresser and ease to move. You can have a range of 'biotypes' and critters you can keep in a tank that size.
Search for Walstad tank setups. Many here have set up these type tanks and had great success. Since I have no experience with them, I will let someone else do the talking.

I am getting ready to move again, and with 1 big tank, and 3 small ones to move, I have my work cut out. So get somethig that you can manage during the next few years of your life. Self-control seems to be the problem when off at school

I second the walstad tank type. They are really cool and (mostly) maintenance free.

And....just out of curiosity, has anyone here actually made one of those huge tanks out of plywood and glass that you sometimes see around the forums? If so, how hard was it, any advice? What level of woodworking would you need roughly? (I've made tables and a canoe before).

http://forum.nanfa.o...ic=777&hl=epoxy

lol. yeah.....i have a funny feeling im gonna go nuts for a few weeks, then realize "crap crap crap" and settle back down. just dreaming. thanks though.