Pro/Cons of basement build

[tuumi]

Two weeks ago my ATO line slipped out of tank and 5 gallons of water topped off my carpet. I was testing a new tank and just spilled another 5 gallons onto the floor. Each was a learning experience and I won't make the same mistakes twice. But....who knows how many more mistakes I have yet to learn from?

I can't keep doing this to my rental home so I am going to move the new build to the basement. It isn't going yet so it's not that big of deal.

I have the typical small brick bungalow build in the 50's. The basement is finished but has brick walls, tiled floors, and drains. So in that respect the basement is dummyproof. I should also mention that I live in Michigan. It gets pretty cold down there in the winter so I'm going to have to find a way to get more heat down their. Fortunately, I'll have time to figure that out later.

Pros
-Easy Cleanup
-I can get experiment more because it won't be in an area where I don't have to worry about being tidy.
-Don't have to worry about high temps. in the summer

Cons
- Humidity?
-Cold?
-Not in public view

 

[Big_Don]

We have our tank built into a wall in the basement with a utility room on the back side. It has worked out very well with the water changes and storage out of view. We did have to put a whole house dehumidifier in due to the increased humidity level in the basement. We were concerned about mold, offensive odors, and mildew. How large is the tank you are putting in the basement? The size is a big factor in that respect.

We live in Ohio, so we experience much of the same temperatures that you do. We have found that our basement is generally a consistent temperature, so we just keep the heaters in our sumps set and watch them closely.

I love having ours in the basement too because I there is no natural light. We can shut the lights off down there and just chill out

Good luck with your decision.

 

[maypo59]

Can you just plumb to the basement? That's how I did mine, and it has no cons near as I can tell. Except maybe needing a slightly larger return pump. I did it just to get the equipment out from underneath so it is easier to work on. If you are careful, the plumbing holes will be easy to conceal when you move on. see "my gallery" to see how it looked when I 1st moved it.

 

[THE ROOK]

I agree basement sumps rock. I wish I had a basement.lol

 

[NeveSSL]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14690675#post14690675 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by maypo59
Can you just plumb to the basement? That's how I did mine, and it has no cons near as I can tell. Except maybe needing a slightly larger return pump. I did it just to get the equipment out from underneath so it is easier to work on. If you are careful, the plumbing holes will be easy to conceal when you move on. see "my gallery" to see how it looked when I 1st moved it.

He's in a rental, so I'm doubting cutting adequate holes for plumbing is an option.

Brandon

 

[Indymann99]

I feel the basement is a great place for a tank. Especially in the midwest where the basement levels out temp swings.

Mine actually helps heat the basement (my basement temp is 65deg)

Best thing I did was plumb lines to the mix tank and the drain... water changes are done in less than 10min with no buckets.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/Tankframing.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/Tankfullshot.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/Tankcabwdoors2.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn10/Indymann99/MixRoom.jpg

 

[Rouselb]

No problem if its a rental, cut a rectangular hole in the floor for a heating register. Run all your pipes and cords through that, then when you move drop a heating register onto the hole.

 

[NeveSSL]

Wow! Really nice setup, Indymann99!

Brandon

 

[maypo59]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14692167#post14692167 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Indymann99
I feel the basement is a great place for a tank. Especially in the midwest where the basement levels out temp swings.

Mine actually helps heat the basement (my basement temp is 65deg)

Best thing I did was plumb lines to the mix tank and the drain... water changes are done in less than 10min with no buckets.

I thought about putting my whole tank down there, but I can't put mine under the fireplace like you did... (at least that looks like my fireplace bump out..) gun safe is bolted there..lol

When working with a rental you do have to be creative.. I like the register idea.. what I did was just use two holes, cut with a hole saw, just big enough for the pipes, "star cut" the carpet. If I ever get out of the hobby, I will just close the holes from below with a piece of plywood, drop the rounds back in, hit with a bit of leveler(maybe), then carpet tape under the "star", little time with an iron, and walla, no evidence.

 

[jhildebrand]

Less mess, more convenience for sure. The juice will cost a bit more though for heat and getting rid of the humidity. In an older home with no fresh air coming in and the tank and sump in the basement you may also have depressed tank ph. Proper planning/ventilation and it should be no prob. It's a snap to do water changes, frag stuff, and clean up. You'll never look back.

+1 on finding a creative way to keep the tank upstairs and having a basement sump. You'll enjoy your tank more...