new tank construction project

Greatreefer · Apr 8, 2016

Okay, so I wanted to get people's input into a massive project that I've been trying to plan out for awhile now. I want to finally build my dream tank. However, the problem lies not in the tank build its self but, the supporting equipment that goes along with it. See, what I want to do is to design the tank into our new house and then have a room behind it to where all of the maintenance will take place. What I'm wondering do any of you have a dedicated room for your tank and what kinds of items do you have or, would you recommend to keep in this area?

R_C · Apr 8, 2016

Following!

Greatreefer · Apr 8, 2016

lol. its going to be awhile don't actually have the house yet. House is scheduled to close next week.

Greatreefer · Apr 9, 2016

Would I need to worry about humidity with the tank being enclosed within the wall?

rayn · Apr 9, 2016

So you're taking about a in wall tank with a sump room behind it?

All depends on the size of tank and how well sealed off it is. One can add a vent fan to dipsense the excess humidity. There wasn't thread about adding a vent and return to the fish room to disperse the humidity throughout the house, just make sure the furnace can handle the excess.

PatW · Apr 9, 2016

You might want to sell the house eventually, so you want to be able to convert the fish room into something that most buyers would like.

To my thinking a fish room could be converted into a powder room and the rest into a closet or storage area. Or it could become a full bath.

If I was doing it, I would like a floor drain that could be used later for a commode. It would have a sink, preferably a big one.

It would have two circuits in it for the power load. I would run the sump, refugium, protein skimmer, etc in the fish room. I would probably just pick up a big old used glass tank or two for these duties. I would just use the stand for various tank stuff like food, scrapers, test kits, etc.

I would have a RODI in the fish room and a large brute for RODI. I would have two brutes for salt water mixing and storage.

I would have a QT and a frag tank.

Greatreefer · Apr 9, 2016

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. However, I'd be concerned about water damage and humidity. Could I use a dehumidifier in this space with a or would you need to install a fan to vent the room?

Greatreefer · Apr 9, 2016

I was also wondering also about power. I was thinking it woukd be a good idea to install a specific breaker box for the tank. But now sure what kind of load the tank would require. And I think it might be a good idea to add a couple extra circuits to allow for expandability.

PatW · Apr 9, 2016

Well it would probably need AC ducts return and supply. You would also put in the vent fan for the future bathroom. Also, don't use ceiling paint on the ceiling. Flat texture paint has real issues in humid environments.

You could put in a dehumidifier. I am in FL so a dehumidifier is not that big an issue. Being in A colder environment, it might be a good idea in the cool months.

Greatreefer · Apr 9, 2016

So the size of the DT will be 96x30x24
Not sure on the sump size though.

PatW · Apr 9, 2016

Nice tank. I have a 72, 36, 27. The depth (36) really helps with the aquascape. I think you will find the 30 inch depth quite appealing.

If you do a sump under the tank, you almost have to go acrylic custom or DIY. If you do it in the fish room, you could just get some used glass tanks and link them up. If you were using a single tank, I would think you would want a 180.