My DIY Stand with light system for raising fry. Cheap. Under $100.

[rcombs]

Building with 2x4. Estimated cost.
 Wood $28.
Light- $33.
Bulbs- $8.
Screws- $8.
Wire nuts $2.
Cord for light $2.
Black Paint $10

Stand was built first. Later decided to add the light. Drilled hole through side of 2x4 and half way through the top so cord does not get pinched. See pics. Please comment or suggest what I should have done different or what would make this better.

[rcombs]

More pics

[mightieskeeper]

Nice Setup.  Do you plan to put a tank below to fill that empty space?

[rcombs]

Thank you. Eventually I want to add a sump to filter all 5 tanks. I want to drill all of the tanks and put a long pipe that will run across the back of the tanks for the return. Sure I'll incorporate ball valves so I can tune the flow for the drains and return. When I need to do water changes just simply empty the sump.

[atmagoulick]

good job!

Looks classy.

[FIUPanther]

That looks good, can't wait to see pics of the fry growing out.

[rcombs]

Thanks everyone. Fish are doing very well. Things I wish I would have done differently: paint all sides black except panel of glass facing forward, and not use any substrate. With the small flakes I feed them, I need multiple water changes per week to keep the water quality up. Water changes would be much easier if the tanks were free of a substrate. The larger rocks are fine, easy to remove.

[Cat(fish)lady]

I like the lighting setup!!

Trying to work out something similar with compact CFLs over my 135!