How about scavenging a beach area for wood? Is that possible? (I know we touched on this before, but can't recall your reply) Or, alternately, you can build an interesting structure from rock placement...just have to soak em for a while to see if they alter the pH too drastically.
I hear ya on the funds thing. I need to do some renovating in one of my tanks, and it's getting kinda frustrating. :rolleyes
It's so easy to go over budget with aquariums! I often think there should be a 12-step program for folks like us...aquaholics annonymous!!!:lol