Tips / Advise on starting and keep 300g tank

[rj ripetide]

Hi
I'm switching from a 120g to a appox 300g tank here soon and looking for advise and tips on running a large system.
Basically do's and don'ts and what to watch out for.
I will have the display tank in my living room with the sump,refugium and equipment in the basement. I think I will end up with about 450-500g of water when all is said and done.
Thanks
Rj

 

[DNA]

Humidity will damage you house if you don't deal with it.

 

[rj ripetide]

Humidity will damage you house if you don't deal with it.

Any suggestions other than using a dehumidifier?

 

[dave.m]

Dedicated HVAC system, of course.

Dave.M

 

[nuxx]

Any suggestions other than using a dehumidifier?

We have one near our 470 display and one near our 150 frag tank.

Really set and forget, set the level you want to keep the humidity at and empty when full.

Use a lot less in the Summer. Had to get them after we had our first Winter with the big tank and started to see pools of water at the base of some windows

Really not much of a different between running a smaller tank otherwise. Will need to change more water, get more / stronger lights, bigger equipment, etc...

 

[Breadman03]

Disclaimer: I don't own a large tank (yet), but I do have about 350 gallons of saltwater in my basement.

I've been using a dehumidifier, but am about to change it out to a portable A/C so that I can get my basement temperature down. The tank doesn't contribute terribly much heat, but the dehumidifier has it around 83 down there.

My thought is plumbing, specifically two things: a reliable return pump and easy to clean pipes. I suggest investing in the best return pump you can afford. If the electric bill is a concern, look into the Red Dragon pumps. They are a high end DC pump.

Secondly, I plan on using a BeanAnimal overflow for the noise control and failsafe features. I am also going to run my plumbing as straight as possible between my display and the sump so that I minimize the chance of clogs and can more easily clean them if necessary.

You may also want to consult a structural engineer to make sure your house is up to supporting that much weight. Nobody wants to see a tank fail because the floor twisted and broke a seam.

 

[sde1500]

Random question regarding a dehumidifier. What is everyone's thoughts on using the dehumidifier water in your tank? Most water collected probably came from the tank. I assume the risks could be it getting contaminated somehow?

 

[nuxx]

Random question regarding a dehumidifier. What is everyone's thoughts on using the dehumidifier water in your tank? Most water collected probably came from the tank. I assume the risks could be it getting contaminated somehow?

Never...

It's really dirty...

The water even feels slimy when dumping it out.

When you pour it down the sink it makes lots of bubbles as well.

We just use it for plants.

 

[rj ripetide]

Disclaimer: I don't own a large tank (yet), but I do have about 350 gallons of saltwater in my basement.

I've been using a dehumidifier, but am about to change it out to a portable A/C so that I can get my basement temperature down. The tank doesn't contribute terribly much heat, but the dehumidifier has it around 83 down there.

My thought is plumbing, specifically two things: a reliable return pump and easy to clean pipes. I suggest investing in the best return pump you can afford. If the electric bill is a concern, look into the Red Dragon pumps. They are a high end DC pump.

Secondly, I plan on using a BeanAnimal overflow for the noise control and failsafe features. I am also going to run my plumbing as straight as possible between my display and the sump so that I minimize the chance of clogs and can more easily clean them if necessary.

You may also want to consult a structural engineer to make sure your house is up to supporting that much weight. Nobody wants to see a tank fail because the floor twisted and broke a seam.

A/C for the basement fish room is a good idea, the dehumidifier does crank out the heat.

I already shored up the floor joist with extra support.

 

[rj ripetide]

We have one near our 470 display and one near our 150 frag tank.

Really set and forget, set the level you want to keep the humidity at and empty when full.

Use a lot less in the Summer. Had to get them after we had our first Winter with the big tank and started to see pools of water at the base of some windows

Really not much of a different between running a smaller tank otherwise. Will need to change more water, get more / stronger lights, bigger equipment, etc...

Your right there.... more & more and bigger and better stuff..... also $$$

 

[claynelson]

I run a 230g display with total system volume of about 320g. I used to have it out in the open but humidity was brutal in the house. after I shut the system down I decided to reno the basement and build it in the wall with its own dedicated room. I have a bathroom fan that runs on my profilux that will turn on based on temp or humidity in the room. summer months it pretty much runs 24/7

 

[rj ripetide]

I run a 230g display with total system volume of about 320g. I used to have it out in the open but humidity was brutal in the house. after I shut the system down I decided to reno the basement and build it in the wall with its own dedicated room. I have a bathroom fan that runs on my profilux that will turn on based on temp or humidity in the room. summer months it pretty much runs 24/7

I wish I was able to do that but the way my house is laid-out won't allow it.
I did help my friend turn his den into the tank room with the in-wall 260g set up. Turned out real nice.