New workshop build out plans
- Thread starter MrMikeB
- Start date
MrMikeB
New member
The water control folks really wanted to make sure I was not putting anything that would be harmful into the sewer lines. In the end it all worked out, but there was a bit of training on their end to be had on what exactly was in the water. They were also very keen on the amount of water with current water saving initiatives underway. I also think there was this issue given the zoning and whether they considered it commercial activities. For some reason I think they figured I was going though 10s of thousands of gallons on a regular basis.
Hey Mike,
Being in this club for a while, I have meet quite a few people who talked about setting up an aqua cultured farm or a coral research facilities. All of them were talks. I remembered when you first mentioned a coral research facilities, I thought "He's another one of those big idea people but no action." You have proven me wrong. I am really impressed with your plans!
Minh
Being in this club for a while, I have meet quite a few people who talked about setting up an aqua cultured farm or a coral research facilities. All of them were talks. I remembered when you first mentioned a coral research facilities, I thought "He's another one of those big idea people but no action." You have proven me wrong. I am really impressed with your plans!
Minh
MrMikeB
New member
Thanks Minh... it helps to be somewhat obsessive compulsive and addicted to the ocean. 
Funding is always the big problem. If you can develop a plan to get around this on real means (and vying for grants is not easy as it sounds), then I think you are ahead of the game in my book. Great ideas and good intentions will never take you off the ground floor if you do not have a sound business model to take you there. I am fortunate enough to have a background in building good and bad businesses, so I was able to use that to start something far more meaningful than making a buck.
Its no joke when you plunk down capital expenditures. Wow, I could buy a brand new car for that...
Funding is always the big problem. If you can develop a plan to get around this on real means (and vying for grants is not easy as it sounds), then I think you are ahead of the game in my book. Great ideas and good intentions will never take you off the ground floor if you do not have a sound business model to take you there. I am fortunate enough to have a background in building good and bad businesses, so I was able to use that to start something far more meaningful than making a buck.
Its no joke when you plunk down capital expenditures. Wow, I could buy a brand new car for that...
Justin74
New member
Is the cost the inhibtor?<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10525700#post10525700 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MrMikeB
What you do NOT see on the pics is that this building has a very usable attic/crawlspace. To minimize plumbing all over the place, the returns will all be through the ceiling and come down the legs of the tank stands. I know, not very efficient on head pressure, but it was that or go under the ground/foundation which just is not something I am wanting to do about now.
I also have another building dedicated to all the actual research activities and will be used for workgroups, conferences, web discussions, studies and lab work that needs a more stable and quiet workspace. There is a swimming pool right outside that building that I have threatened to turn into a SW tank or a massive refugium.
The cost of laying extra pipes may be cost effective in the not so long run. With all the equipment, and pipework running in the attic not only the loss of head pressure(making bigger more energy consuming pumps necessary) but the direct access to extreme radiant heat(100-120+) on a consistant basis, the chillers will need to combat the heat from the pumps, lights as well as the buildings ambient temperatures concentrated in the attic crawl space.
Geothermal cooling may be a really cost effective option once calculating the size of chillers you plan to accomodate the system with and there energy usage. I know, more work
Keep up the momentum Mike, your doing great!
-Justin
MrMikeB
New member
I originally wanted to do this, however the largest inhibitor is my own ineptitude at doing this type of stuff to a concrete foundation and what is involved (permits, tools, etc.). I did not want to compromise the integrity of the place by trenching pipe, but man would that be the way to go. I planned on mitigating the heat issue by installing one of those whole house fans to exhaust the crawlspace air and to maximize the efficiency of the AC units. Any contractors out there want to weigh in?
Justin74
New member
Ive never layed geothermal pipes down so Im not an expert by any means but having seen many many phases of contracting work to residential and commercial buildings and the basic idea behind geothermal cooling, there would be no compromising of the integrity of the building nor its layout as the pipes will be well under the foundation which would be used to support the structure and any invasions to the foundations would be merely vertical like the rest of the pipes layed.
This of course would be done prior to laying the foundation But necessary permits would have to be obtained any time before breaking ground regardless of it's intention, especially in a residentiall or commercially zoned area. Very easy to obtain, and a USA guy just comes out and sprays where all the existing utility lines and pipework is which will be done anyway since you intend to build.
-Justin
This of course would be done prior to laying the foundation
But necessary permits would have to be obtained any time before breaking ground regardless of it's intention, especially in a residentiall or commercially zoned area. Very easy to obtain, and a USA guy just comes out and sprays where all the existing utility lines and pipework is which will be done anyway since you intend to build.-Justin
yoboyjdizz
Active member
I like what i see! This seems to be like a great project! Hard work but fun as well! Good luck with it and keep us updated!
Mike,
Let me know if you need help. I'm off Sat thru Mon. I don't have access to PM's yet so email me at pv1191@comcast.net if you you need an extra hand. I've never done anything on this scale but I built my prop tank, set up my room and I have access to people who can fab metal for stands and do eletircal.
Let me know if you need help. I'm off Sat thru Mon. I don't have access to PM's yet so email me at pv1191@comcast.net if you you need an extra hand. I've never done anything on this scale but I built my prop tank, set up my room and I have access to people who can fab metal for stands and do eletircal.
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10526128#post10526128 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Justin74
Ive never layed geothermal pipes down so Im not an expert by any means but having seen many many phases of contracting work to residential and commercial buildings and the basic idea behind geothermal cooling, there would be no compromising of the integrity of the building nor its layout as the pipes will be well under the foundation which would be used to support the structure and any invasions to the foundations would be merely vertical like the rest of the pipes layed.
This of course would be done prior to laying the foundation
-Justin
Isn't this a built building all ready, i.e. an existing slab? Trenching an existing slab can be riddled with problems and could comprimise the integrity. Tension slabs come right to mind with load baring slabs (even though no wall may be above it) a clsoe second (being I'm not a cement guyy by trade I'm probably butcherring this last reference a tad). Having done a few 600+ gallon tank installs I can vouch for how careful you need to be with slabs. Structural engineers can cost far more then the actual install is what I learned the hard way
Mike, I'd make an area for a few Kreisel tanks in case you get into larval rearing. No marine research station isn't complete with out them.
If you want help on desinging you "live feed" section I can help you with that. I'm a bit far to help build, but I can share plans and ideas that are commercially used
If you want help on desinging you "live feed" section I can help you with that. I'm a bit far to help build, but I can share plans and ideas that are commercially used
Justin74
New member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10529945#post10529945 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GreshamH
Isn't this a built building all ready, i.e. an existing slab? Trenching an existing slab can be riddled with problems and could comprimise the integrity. Tension slabs come right to mind with load baring slabs (even though no wall may be above it) a clsoe second (being I'm not a cement guyy by trade I'm probably butcherring this last reference a tad). Having done a few 600+ gallon tank installs I can vouch for how careful you need to be with slabs. Structural engineers can cost far more then the actual install is what I learned the hard way
Like you quoted me saying, this should be done prior to laying a slab down. I would never recommend trenching after the fact, I misunderstood and thought these were new plans for construction, not renovating.
-Justin
MrMikeB
New member
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10529960#post10529960 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GreshamH
Mike, I'd make an area for a few Kreisel tanks in case you get into larval rearing. No marine research station isn't complete with out them.
If you want help on desinging you "live feed" section I can help you with that. I'm a bit far to help build, but I can share plans and ideas that are commercially used
Sorry for the late response - out all weekend. I actually have another building for the 'real' research to live in with Kreisel style tanks. They are a bit expensive from one of the very few places I found that can manufacture one, but I think essential for larvae suspension.
Thanks for the offer Gresham, I think I will take you up on it as the time draws near for the first steps of developing the live feed hatchery. I know your time is a rare commodity, so your offer is most appreciated.
MrMikeB
New member
BTW - the slab is already built, as is the building it supports. The grow out facility is actually a 1000 sq ft. external workshop with all electrical, bathroom, water, etc. and near my home (but far enough way to avoid major issues from a mad made flood ). The building is pretty much ready save the paint and the sealant on the rollup doors.
The other facility is 750 sq ft, similarly equipped save its like a one bedroom studio (on the same property in a different location). This will primarily be the research location. This too is already built and very functional - just never use it (yet) - called it a guest house, so my H2O friends will be my guests.
Thank you all for your support. I may indeed call on the calvery when time comes to take the plans from paper to reality. Fun stuff!
). The building is pretty much ready save the paint and the sealant on the rollup doors. The other facility is 750 sq ft, similarly equipped save its like a one bedroom studio (on the same property in a different location). This will primarily be the research location. This too is already built and very functional - just never use it (yet) - called it a guest house, so my H2O friends will be my guests.
Thank you all for your support. I may indeed call on the calvery when time comes to take the plans from paper to reality. Fun stuff!
