reef tank in a garage?

[clownman87]

i don't have any room in my house for a bigger tank and i have any empty garage that i don't use and i was wondering if i could turn it into a fish room. the only problem is that theres no insulation its just walls, i live in north carolina and due to it getting hot in the summer and somewhat cold in the winter what can i do to make it so i put one large tank in there and maybe a nano or 2. thanks in advance!

 

[cchsoracle]

Stand alone A/C? Would probably run you $300 - 400, but it would always be nice and cool in the garage. You might be able to find one cheaper used.

 

[clownman87]

is that the only problem? would heaters be enough to keep the water warm in the winter? it sometimes gets into the 20's during the winter

 

[joekool]

I would insulate the garage especially the ceiling or roof. Then buy a ductless or window shaker a/c. You will also need some sort of heat as a tank heater alone will not cover that. I think your best bet is the ductless units because they are heat pumps too.

 

[vic67]

is that the only problem? would heaters be enough to keep the water warm in the winter? it sometimes gets into the 20's during the winter

Definitely add insulation. I did have a tank in my garage during the winter in Chicago. You have to have a heater that would normally be oversized for your particular tank; two if you want to be safe. The other problem is that there's a lot of evaporation bc cold air is much drier.

 

[clownman87]

can you recommend a heat and ac multi unit that would be good for a 250 sqft garage? it needs to keep it cool in the winter and warm in the winter

 

[footballdude2k3]

If you insulate, it would be much easier, and then you can get everything setup pretty easily

 

[clownman87]

i already have the one wall and the roof insulated but i thought if i got a heat and ac unit that there would be no way the temperature would get too hot or co too cold

 

[tyler1503]

is that the only problem? would heaters be enough to keep the water warm in the winter? it sometimes gets into the 20's during the winter

I don't know what 20 degrees F is, I'm a Celsius guy, but my 120 is in my garage and with a 100W heater it stays consistently at 25-26 degrees C when air temp outside can be as low as -3 degrees C. It's only half full at the moment though, so figure 60 gallons, not 120

 

[footballdude2k3]

I don't know what 20 degrees F is, I'm a Celsius guy, but my 120 is in my garage and with a 100W heater it stays consistently at 25-26 degrees C when air temp outside can be as low as -3 degrees C. It's only half full at the moment though, so figure 60 gallons, not 120

20 and -3 are pretty close, sounds like you should be good to go.

 

[ethridge78]

You should be good with the all in one unit and insulation the best you can I have done it before with no real issue .