[Six-line Wrasse]

What I would do first is look around the DIY section and try to look at canopies people have built there. These are usually well ventilated (you may need to add square holes for fans in the canopy if you want to get a little more creative, and to help prevent additional heat from your lighting setup.

As for the lighting. You install your own lighting. A woodworker won't take on the responsibility of installing any electrical work. He may install your reflectors for you, if you provide them and mark where they need to be, but I would do that for yourself.

Measure twice, cut once.

Play sand is okay. You want to make sure it's small enough to pass through the gills of a fish, however. Usually sugar-sized graduals are good enough. I went the more expensive route and bought dry sand from Dr. Foster and Smith. I bought two bags of like 30 lbs. and it came to like $50 or something after shipping. If you want to go for local Home Depot sand, I would ask around 'cause I don't know of any good stuff anymore since the Southdown company switched owners.

Another thing about DIY'ing a canopy is that canopies that are held together with screws can be unscrewed and rearranged. With a PC setup now you can easily change it to DIY metal halides. You just pull the PC kits out and screw in the new MH kits and you're done, and for half the price. With DIYing, always buy moisture resistant end caps and solid ballasts.