air handler requirements for 300g

[kypatriot]

I currently have a 135g with a 100g basement sump (for last 4 years), which I have learned a lot from - it's not contained, and the salt spray has rusted everything in my basement.

We are moving next month, and I'd like to use the chance to upgrade systems, and fix the mistakes I've learned from. I was looking at a 300g Marineland DD in our new finished basement, with an equipment room behind it.

The basement has a storage room that runs the width of the basement, about 8' wide, which is where I thought I could put my sump, skimmer, fuge, frag tank, etc.

My concern with this is that the room is currently damp with no tank in the house. A dehumidifier takes care of it easily right now. That won't be possible with a large sump, frag tank, etc, in there, and I'm concerned the room could mold if I can't use a dehumidifier to any good effect.

There are 2 windows into which I could place an exhaust fan if necessary (though I'd need to protect them from taking in rain).

Like I said, I want to fix the things I've learned - and our biggest complaint is the salt spray that covers everything in my current basement (seriously, it's on stuff at the opposite end in other rooms).

I'll put up some pics once this endeavor is underway, which will still be a few months for funding.

 

[kypatriot]

Any thoughts?

If I were to tile the walls, would it offer any protection, or would I only set up an environment for mold to grow on the concrete wall under the tile? (getting damp from outside)

 

[SPotter]

just put in a mini split ac unit. it will keep the room cool and dehumidify as well. I went with a big air handler unit and regret it now as Im having significant heat issues in the fish room.

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[bbaz123456]

I would think the first thing you should be thinking about would be, redesigning your system. There is really not any need to have crashing waves in your sump that would cause that kind of spray. I did have that problem with my first 150.... In my parents basement....oops. Now I have well over 2000 gallons in my house with no spray at all.
Keep that in mind when designing

 

[kypatriot]

I would think the first thing you should be thinking about would be, redesigning your system. There is really not any need to have crashing waves in your sump that would cause that kind of spray. I did have that problem with my first 150.... In my parents basement....oops. Now I have well over 2000 gallons in my house with no spray at all.
Keep that in mind when designing

I am definitely doing that. In the current system, water falls 13' from the overflow down to the sump. The new system will all be on the same floor (new tank will be in the basement), so the head height will be more like 3'. Plus the current setup is not enclosed - the new one will have the equipment room enclosed.

I was just concerned about taking a room that's already moist (requiring a dehumidifier) and adding open water containers to it.

 

[kypatriot]

just put in a mini split ac unit. it will keep the room cool and dehumidify as well. I went with a big air handler unit and regret it now as Im having significant heat issues in the fish room.

Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk 2

That looks like an excellent idea - thanks. Could easily also eliminate needing a chiller as well.

 

[rezaktp]

I agree minimize / try to eliminate the salt spray. I have had a basement rubbermaid stockt tank sump for about 15 years, with no rust anywhere except for a couple of the bolts on a Iwaki pump head!