DIY is the way to go if you can. I bought only the main parts(pump, skimmer, tank, glass top), and did the rest by myself. Ebay is also your best friend.
240 custom glass square with 4 drilled holes and a single overflow $750
Custom glass top for 240 -sealed with 4 doors-2 front and 2 back- $100
delivery of above tank $100
DIY stand -lumber and bolts $200
4 heavyweight 2" bulkheads for pressure fittings on tank total $100
DIY sump made of 3 rubbermaid tubs and plumbing- walmart $75
10 cheaper bulkheads for sump system 2" -ebay $100
Dolphin Ampmaster 2700 pump -marine depot $300
Vortex 400 venturi skimmer -ebay $250
40 gal bioballs -ebay $200
300 lbs gravel-volcano beach-and shipping -marine depot $200
soon to get live rock ebay-200lbs. $600
(2) 48" satillite lights with lunar $150
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$3125
and I don't even have anything alive yet.
This has been a really depressing exercise, when you look at it this way, but ya gotta wait for everything to be just right or don't even bother trying.
I got 3 months to wait after I get my live rock in, if everything goes well I'll get a happy O.Vulgaris or S.Officinalis pair.