New house

[Guelphie]

First off, my apologies for asking a question that's probably been asked a thousand times, but I'm going to do it anyway.

In the next couple of months, I'm going to be getting a house built and I'm interested in setting up a large tank in the basement at some point (maybe between 200 and 400 gallons). Before the house is built, I'm looking into things that will make life eaiser for myself when the time comes to set the tank up.

On my list (that I've read about here on RC) is:
<ul>
<li>Upgraded electric service. Where I am, 100 amp (?) is standard. I'm thinking of going to 200.
<li>Extra outlets where the fishroom will be. The outlets will be on a couple of breakers
<li>An HRV for some reason. I've read that it's the thing to do, but I'm not 100 percent sure why.
<li>Waterproofing the fish room using special paints, drywall etc
</ul>

Are there other things people would recommend?

 

[DARKPHREAK]

Either a sink or drain for water changes, must have plumbing in the room.

You will need to vent the room either with a HRV or with something like this

And Install GreenBoard instead of normal drywall.

 

[Virginia Reef]

I'm in the midst of such a project now. I will install a 225 in-wall with a "fish room" behind it. I (will) have the following in a room approximately 12' x 13':

1) two 20amp circuits in the room, both GFI.
2) exhaust fan in ceiling
3) greenboard inside fish room and on outside (viewing side) of the tank wall
4) floor drain
5) restaurant style sink with side drainboard
6) gloss enamel paint
7) silicone caulk between cement floor and baseboard molding
8) epoxy style paint on concrete floor
9) wood supports between ceiling joists placed to support hanging light fixture
10) two double electrical outlets (one on each side of tank) placed high on the wall for lights, timers, surge protectors, etc
11) basement floors are cut into sections to minimize impact of cracks in the concrete. Have the builder avoid cutting the concrete in the vicinity of the tank stand.
12) access to plumbing to add icemaker hose for water filter connection
13) generator panel to run fish room and other critical functions in the house. Outside generator to run on underground propane tank servicing gas logs, stove, water heater, etc. Natural gas works well also.
14) talk with builder to get adequate concrete in basement floor for planned tank.
15) a HUGE issue for me in choosing floorplans was the basement layout. Pay particular attention to the location of posts, beams etc. These can be adjusted in many cases to make tremendous improvement in your layout with little or no cost. Also, give detailed thought to plumbing rough ins in the floor. They can be put anywhere before the floor is poured. My wife cared about the first and second floor layouts while I cared about MY basement

Good Luck

 

[law086]

I'm building a house now and had the same quesitons several months back. My whole house has a 400 amp service, three 20 amps circuits are dedicated to my 180. I also had them install a utility sink next to my sump area as well as a direct vent outside. I also asked the HVAC guys if he had any suggestions for dealing with extra humidity - he installed an inlet to the house HVAC system next to my sump area. The idea is to draw the warm, humid air into the house. In the summer the AC condenser will take care of most of it, in the winter it'll get distrubuted throughout the house (which is good).

Here's a link to the thread I started at the time. FWIW, I was not legally able to get a floor drain in my basement.

Ron

 

[Guelphie]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the information. It'll be very helpful over the next few months as things progress with the house. I'll be sure to take your advice.

later.
Brian.

 

[pyro383]

follow this, same thought process as Virginia Reef
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=850198

 

[andycook]

Put the tank in the basement and build the house over it. That will save a lot of hassel lugging the tank around.

 

[Guelphie]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7464706#post7464706 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by andycook
Put the tank in the basement and build the house over it. That will save a lot of hassel lugging the tank around.

that would be ideal in the long run, but unfortunately, the tank isn't going up right away. I just want to prep the basement for the tank with the hopes I'll be able to finish the basement and get the tank going within the next 2 to 3 years.

 

[andycook]

Then I hope there aren't too many doorways and turns to negotiate when you do get the tank.