[e_baer]

you can defintely make your own live rock, but you need to seed it with real live rock, and a few months later, you will have your own live rock. im not sure if you would want to die it though. the color will most likely fade and color the water. just get coraline algae to grow and it will be a natural dye. I also have a 55 and i have spent about 3500 on it, and it is a reef tank. I do not have loads of coral because thye have not grown tons yet, but are working on it. I definately could have done things cheaper, but sometimes you just need to learn through experience. LOOK ON EBAY AND CRAIGSLIST FOR ROCK AND CORALS AND SKIMMERS AND LIGHS AND WHATNOT!!!!!!!i made the mistake of going to my lfs and overpaying, and dince it seems like you are not willing to pay loads of money, the internet is your best bet!