Do I need to install a dehumidifier for a 800 gallon basement tank?

[sonofgaladriel]

Hi guys,
Sorry for the delayed reply. I've been out of town for the last 4 days.
The tank is in a completely finished basement with AC. I'm considering all the options listed above and will be meeting with a the HVAC contractor that installed the house's AC originally. I'll see what he recommends and get back to you all to get your opinion.
Thanks again for all the suggestions. You guys are great!
Sean

 

[cali_reef]

Make sure you get one with copper coil vs. cheaper aluminum coil, it will last a bit longer. I have one but never run it because it uses more power than a small window AC.

I run a plastic inline exhaust fan with ducts over the two tanks (total water about 400 gallons) I have in my basement, its controlled by a de-humistat controller to maintain 45% humidity all year round.

 

[JazzMan]

Let me know if you go Humidex. I am thinking of getting one myself.

 

[kwl1763]

Here is what I have done for my ~750G system

1)Totally enclosed the fishroom. Not airtight but close enought that humidity outside the room is in the low 40's with no additional work.

2) Used greenboard in the fishroom and then painted floor, ceiling, walls, everything with waterproof boat paint. This way even if the humidity is high in there the only possible problems will be with connections, ducts, etc. Structurally I'm good.

3) Set an inline fan up on a humidistat. I set mine to 55% and when it gets there the inline kicks on and vents the humid air out. Then the air is sucked in from other areas of the house at low humidity.

Right now I only have about 400G of water in there but it has worked great so far keeping the humidity in the 50s without much issue and it doesn't even run that often. I think isolating the room is key. Wet in there is OK. Wet anywhere else not OK!

 

[pyro383]

You a/c unit will reduce humidity in a snap.

 

[Cathy8424]

I have about a 1,000 gallon total system. The fish room is green board. It has a duct and cold air return from the house heat pump and it has it's own AC window unit. I like to get as much from the house system as possible, I figure the heat pump is much easier on the elect. bill.

I also have a booster fan in the duct that runs to the fish room. My fish room is also vented through the lights with actuated dampers and exhaust fans, which are controlled with an AquaController. In the summer the air goes outside, in the winter the air goes into the finished basment.

Good luck with your new system