Well, if you're interested in planted tanks too, check out SCAPE. A member in SD has mass quantities of ferts for helluva lot cheaper than Greg Watson (especially after the price raise a while back). Like ~$1-2/lbs or something. And a lb probably lasts you a year, or so (varies with tank size and light).
Driftwood can get pricey if you get from LFS. Give Manzanita Bulworks a try; they send a box of wood for around $30 shipped.
But for plants, ask around with local hobbyists. Many give away or sell for cheap their trims. I usually give away rotalas for free.
Also, if your plant mass is low right now, keep the lighting period low too, maybe 5 hours.