I use vertex diffusers because they move the most water with the tiniest bubbles. The clean up/yearly maintenance is easy and requires only a good microfiber cloth. You can buy cheeper, but know your value. If you spend less on the part, but more on the electricity, have you saved anything? I know vertex replaced a diffuser that had been bitten by an alligator, that is customer service.
My bases are made of concrete that I poured into a bucket and let set. I can make three stands using one 80 pound bag of concrete. I can remove the plumbing and do any maintenance I wish. They have been rock solid (pun intended).
Don't do this the hard way, in the end it does cost more and you will get lesser performance.
