270 gallon reef / basement remodel has begun

[skippyreef]

I don't expect to receive teh rock until late next week or the week after. I have been waiting for one last piece to come from Germany prior to receiving it.



More pics

Hope to finishing hanging this next weekend.

Computer / office nook

Living room viewed from computer nook

Ceiling area in living room

Living room viewed from the stairs

 

[818]

keep em comin!

 

[skippyreef]

working on it

 

[skippyreef]

The big room is done with the exception of covering the stairs. Going to look at banisters post then we will finish that.

Started in the veiwing room tonight the ceiling is started adn we think we can finish the=is area tommow (it more straight forward than th last part and smaller).

 

[skippyreef]

We finished most of the veiwing room minus a few soffit covers today

The fan is installed over the tank to exhaust to the outside as needed. Still need to cut in the cold air returns after we get all the drywall hung to help assist with the summer humidity in the basement.

The first pic is the exhaust mounted about a foot behind the tank

View into utility room. Soffit will be built as well a the last wall and doorway in a few weeks and covered. I might do a plastic pplantation shutter to allow front and side access into the tank also. So cut outs will be done for this in the siffit after it is dry walled.

The viewing room. The two nooks are for book shelves for reefing books and periodicals (might do a turquoise glass series of shelves, ocean blue)

Last is the veiw from the door way leading into the veiwing room..

 

[NexDog]

Looking good!

 

[skippyreef]

thanks it is coming along well for the time we have worked on it....

 

[skippyreef]

Partially framed it in today...

 

[overanalyzer]

looking good - why the green board everywhere - humidty worries?? Working on finishing my basment and was only going to use the green board around the tank area itself and then use regualr drywall in the rest of the basement(in-wall tank with fish room behind and to the side) ....

 

[skippyreef]

It cost me about 150.00 more to do it this way but I wanted to use a moisture proof board to be as safe as possible from leaks ect. We do not live in a flood plain and have a sump pump, the house is brand new (1.5 years old) and the basement is usually around 65 degree's but I wanted to be safe. If nothing else I have piece of mind LOL

I am sure it can be done the other way too and many people do. I did not insulate the ceilings to allow the heat to trasfer into the floor space better (floor above). I have an exhaust fan and cold air returns will be installed shortly. I have planned for humidity issues and have a plan that I think will work.

I think my evaporation will be minimal because the lighting is not insane but is adequate for SPS.

 

[k9asia]

what are you using for lighting?

 

[skippyreef]

2-250 watt 10-14K in LAIII reflectors and 4 36 inch VHO

 

[k9asia]

i am planning a 72 x30x 24 and it was recomended that i use at least 3 HQi 250 or 150 based on what type of corals i plan on keeping, due to the 72" i would need three and also the 30 "deapth. what are you thoughts

 

[drjrose]

i am planning a 72 x30x 24 and it was recomended that i use at least 3 HQi 250 or 150 based on what type of corals i plan on keeping, due to the 72" i would need three and also the 30 "deapth. what are you thoughts

No less than 250 W for 30" depth. I keep my acroporas near the top, LPS in the middle and the softies near the bottom. Works for me.

 

[skippyreef]

My tank is 24 inches deep and I think this is fine. It si all a matter of several things adn not lighting alone. I am focusing on water clarity as well to maximize light transmission.

 

[overanalyzer]

It cost me about 150.00 more to do it this way but I wanted to use a moisture proof board to be as safe as possible from leaks ect. We do not live in a flood plain and have a sump pump, the house is brand new (1.5 years old) and the basement is usually around 65 degree's but I wanted to be safe. If nothing else I have piece of mind LOL

I am sure it can be done the other way too and many people do. I did not insulate the ceilings to allow the heat to trasfer into the floor space better (floor above). I have an exhaust fan and cold air returns will be installed shortly. I have planned for humidity issues and have a plan that I think will work.

I think my evaporation will be minimal because the lighting is not insane but is adequate for SPS.

Thanks - I'm planning a vent fan right over hte tank on a humidistat and there is also an air to air exchanger in the same area as my tank.

Our basement is right around 60-65 all year round too! Heck for the extra $150 it never hurts to have extra comfort/piece of mind!

 

[66chevelle]

Ecellent job skippy!!! Very proffesional looking!!

Cinthia

 

[skippyreef]

thanks,

I also picked up my dual flow sump. It is 48*30*18 and will house two areas for acropora frag grow out. One chamber has pegs to adjust the height of teh frag tray and the corals grow. the other is for the starter cuttings. I incorporated things into this sump so I could utilize the skimmer I have and the Schuran. I am running the sump light on a RDP to act as a frag fuge so to speak.

 

[k9asia]

My tank will be 72 long 30 front to back and 24 tall, , will 3 150 hqi be enough for lps and softs with a few sps at top?

 

[skippyreef]

I would think so but research it more.