new 300 gallon reef tank with fish room setup, need help

[IvanTheTerrible]

I was planning a dehumidifier but is an exhaust fan a better route?

I would definitely go with the exhaust fan. A dehumidifier adds heat (especially in a small room) and noise.

I would try to get bigger RODI/SW storage containers. 30 gallons isn't much water for a 300 gallon tank.

- Ivan

 

[scott11106]

I would definitely go with the exhaust fan. A dehumidifier adds heat (especially in a small room) and noise.



I would try to get bigger RODI/SW storage containers. 30 gallons isn't much water for a 300 gallon tank.



- Ivan

Ok I have found some 55 gallon heavy duty barrel type containers and will spec in an exhaust fan


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[Ryagon]

Opened up the floor plan 1 foot w/l and I like the idea of a small step down, I could loose the tapered floors if I do that also correct? I was a bit worried about how the stand would be on a tapered floor.

Was wondering if I should have the stand framed in with the house or built and put on tile floor, thought it might crack tile or flooring


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You would probably still want a bit of slope at the drain so it would not puddle, but should be ok flat at the tank. Then you wouldn't have to shim a 300 gallon tank.

 

[fishgate]

I don't think I'd put it in the bedroom. I'd have it someplace where everyone can see it. You also want a sink next to the tank.

 

[ReefKeeper64]

@fishgate. I may be wrong but I believe that this is a fishroom with an inwall tank display that faces a living room near a fireplace.

My concern is in having a fish room so close to your master bedroom. My wife would not go for such a design for two reasons. The noise from pumps and that fish store smell. Do you have such concerns or is the bedroom well isolated from your fish room?









Do you have an updated drawing you want to share? Please include the layout of the living room where your fireplace and display tank

 

[scott11106]

the tank is open to the living room, the bedroom is behind the fish room.

i put the sink on the opposite wall due to space, if you all think that it is very important for the sink next to the tank i can move the R/O to the other side and maybe fit it...

i have attached a new drawing

 

[ReefKeeper64]

Not sure if you saw my comment to you. Do you have any concerns about noise or smell issues so near a master bedroom? Or have you planned for that already?

 

[scott11106]

yes i saw that as i was posting. I do have concerns for that but i am not sure what to do about that... if i make the door so it seals and it has an exhaust fan and ac and return you dont think that will take care of the smell? plus there are a set of doors between the room and the master bedroom.

having said that i dont know if it will still be a problem so please give your thoughts. I could flip the house and put the kids bedrooms on that side.

as far as sound i am also worried about that but i plan to do some sort of sound proofing but have not figured out what that could be as of yet? i will have a solid core door also .
the only other thing i could do is put a basement in the house but that is a real expensive option just for an aquarium...

please let me know your thoughts

 

[fishgate]

@fishgate. I may be wrong but I believe that this is a fishroom with an inwall tank display that faces a living room near a fireplace.

My concern is in having a fish room so close to your master bedroom. My wife would not go for such a design for two reasons. The noise from pumps and that fish store smell. Do you have such concerns or is the bedroom well isolated from your fish room?

Ah - ok you are right. It looks to be in like a walk-in closet just outside the bedroom.









Do you have an updated drawing you want to share? Please include the layout of the living room where your fireplace and display tank

 

[scott11106]

ok to recap, here are some of the changes and edits as per these good ideas.

I have made it 1 foot wider and 1 foot longer
changed the 35 gallon cans to 55 gallon heavy duty barrel type containers
an exhaust fan to remove moisture
extra gfi outlets
i think i am going to add a counter top with sink instead of just a utility sink
1 1/2 " step down into room for drainage
floor tile and tile walls up to 3' (like a shower build)
sump/refugium/ skimmer ect under tank

things i am still a bit worried about: (any additional ideas are welcome)

1. sound proofing and noise
2. smell for master bedroom
3. i plan to use apex for as much as i can so want to make sure i have electric perfect as there will be alot pulling power from that one source
4. location of power and where to mount apex

 

[ReefKeeper64]

I really don't know your entire home build situation by any means but I think you're on the right track by planning out this out so far in advance.

As far as controllers go, I've owned the Apex and more recently a GHL Profilux. 5-8 years ago I would have said noting compares to the Apex. Today there are more choices and there are no clear winners any more. My personal favorite between the two is the GHL by far. Be sure to check into controller brands and talk to friends who own other than the Apex when you are doing your research. You'll be impressed with what else is out there!




Thanks,
Chris

 

[VGT]

Smell should be fine if they can execute negative pressure and split HVAC, careful with code with regard to the negative pressure thing.

My only note, that room looks tiny. Going to be difficult to work in, no prep space, etc. Shelving for two tanks does not seem to have adequate space to service them.

 

[scott11106]

I really don't know your entire home build situation by any means but I think you're on the right track by planning out this out so far in advance.

As far as controllers go, I've owned the Apex and more recently a GHL Profilux. 5-8 years ago I would have said noting compares to the Apex. Today there are more choices and there are no clear winners any more. My personal favorite between the two is the GHL by far. Be sure to check into controller brands and talk to friends who own other than the Apex when you are doing your research. You'll be impressed with what else is out there!

Thanks,
Chris

yes i just checked out the GHL products and they look really good. I will have to do more research but looks like a winner. What do you think of there lights?

Unfortunately i do not know anyone that is in this hobby except everyone on here.

 

[fishgate]

Smell should be fine if they can execute negative pressure and split HVAC, careful with code with regard to the negative pressure thing.

My only note, that room looks tiny. Going to be difficult to work in, no prep space, etc. Shelving for two tanks does not seem to have adequate space to service them.

I have no smell at all (bad or otherwise) with my fishroom that has 2 150gallon volume tanks plus saltwater mixing. There should be no adverse smell from a properly maintained system.

 

[VGT]

Every tank has a smell, whether or not you notice it is another thing. Even freshly mixed saltwater has an oceany smell to it. I personally don't find it offensive, but some may.

 

[IvanTheTerrible]

things i am still a bit worried about: (any additional ideas are welcome)

1. sound proofing and noise
2. smell for master bedroom
3. i plan to use apex for as much as i can so want to make sure i have electric perfect as there will be alot pulling power from that one source
4. location of power and where to mount apex

1. You can buy sound proofing insulation.

2. I wouldn't worry about smell. The exhaust fan will take care of most (if not all) of it.

3/4. There are many ways to handle this. Depending on your choice of lights, you might want to run separate circuits above and below the tank. That way, one gets the lights and the other gets pumps/heaters. Just plan things out and make sure you're not overloading any circuits. You can mount the controller almost anywhere, but make sure it won't get splashed.

- Ivan

 

[benjammin03]

I am using my unfinished side of my basement as my fish room. Should I worry about rust on my furnace and ducts or anything I should consider

 

[Drewl117]

I did a 210 in wall with a room behind and I'll tell you.... if you can... do not paint the back of the tank until the rockscape is done, it will be much easier. I painted mine and then put it in the hole and then filled it with water and rock and it's hard to place rock just how u want it when you can only see from the top!

 

[UTCReefer]

If you've got an option for a floor drain, it's real good. I have a basement sump with that feature, and oh, the grief it's saved me.

I'd say in the 12 years since you left, the big deals is the high-end skimmer, and the LED lights, which are tricky; plus the high-volume circulation devices like Gyre and others.

If you have a basement option for the sump, take it: my Iwaki 100 pump sounds like a jet engine warming up. Down there, out of hearing.

Since the LEDS no longer provide the kind of heat MH did, plan on heating at least in the winter.

And being near a water source is good.

Or you can get some 400W MH lights to keep your water nice and warm, and make your sps grow like weeds. DC pumps for the return will be much quieter.

 

[ReefKeeper64]

yes i just checked out the GHL products and they look really good. I will have to do more research but looks like a winner. What do you think of there lights?

Unfortunately i do not know anyone that is in this hobby except everyone on here.

Everyone has their own personal opinions about lighting and I haven't owned a GHL fixture before so I can't really say. I think they may be a bit pricey being LED and all but I haven't really looked into it. I've been running an ATI T5 fixture for four years. It does the job well and it's paid for. The Profilux 4 controller will control all the major brands of lighting so you aren't tied to GHL lighting unless you want to be. Other's with GHL fixture experience can probably help you out here better.

Good feedback from others on the smell control. With proper ventilation in your plans, you can manage that well enough. It's just one of those things I'd want someone to mention to me if I was in the design phase like you are.