New Fishroom Build

[Hawkman2000]

Possible electrical problems -

Too many outlets on the same circuit - If this is not a dedicated circuit, it is most likely overloaded. Even if it is a dedicated circuit, I would recommended a 20 amp circuit.

GFCI Issue - You can only have so many outlets loaded on one GFCI outlet. We never load more than 2. Also, if it is a dedicated circuit, you could install a GFCI breaker in the panel. This would cover the entire circuit.

Romex wire - We install romex wire over block and concrete all the time. However, I would have recommended using MC wire. The aluminum wrapping gives added protection. Not as strong as conduit, but better than romex. I would also recommend strapping the wire to the wall every 16 inches.

Everything else looks great. Its just that after doing electrical work for 6 years, and seeing the crazy, idiotic, life threatening , and just plain stupid !@#$ that I have seen in some of our customers house, I get a little paranoid.

 

[Reed]

New Fishroom Build - Update

Make sure you put covers on the tanks to keep down the evaporation. With end out tanks the standard glass canopies don't work the best and you will want to custom cut some with a hinge that runs front to back as opposed to side to side for an end out tank.

I learned the hard way and am in the process of tearing down half my fish room because of humidity problems.

Andy

I want to share with you my new fishroom build project. I got tired of dragging the Python around and doing water changes and ran out of space for more tanks. I was inspired by many of the club memebers fishrooms, including Cabinetmkr39 (Dave G) 360 view, and decided to build my own Fishroom.

I worked with the Dave G and came up with design that would give me lots of flexibility. The water flow design will work similar to his system. All tanks will overflow into a 55 gallon sump and water returned to each tank via PVC pipes. Water changes will be accomplished by draining the sump and refilliing it. The plan is to make water changes take 10 minutes or less! I will be installing a central air system using the Alita-60 (from Kensfish) with sponge filters.

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Since the room is in my lower basement I have to run electricity and have a plumber pulll water and provide drainage ($$$)

So here we go.

My cluttered basement
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My Rack kit, only the vertical boards are 2x4, all horizonal rails are made from 2 pieces of 3/4 plywood glued together and cut to length. Everthing was numbered which made it super easy to put together.
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Install Electric. I decided to locate 4 outlets per section. The are positioned to miimized water dripping in to the outlets. This was my first attempt doing electric work (I am now a YouTube electrician).
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I wanted to seal the wood by painting it. (I ran out and need to get some more to finish) and apply a second coat.

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Thank god for Petcos $1 per gallon sale which started today 3/31/13. I bought 3 x 40 breeders and 6 x 20 Longs. I already have a 1 x 40 Breeder. The plan is to have 3 x 40's on the bottem and 1 x 40 on the top with 6 x 20L lenghtwise. Thats 280 gallons
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As I make more progress I'll keep you posted.

Progress Update

Alita 60 installed


Drilling and Tapping. the air runs around my basement




All the PVC parts for the Clean and Drain plumbing. I had made so many trips to Lowes and Home Depot!


Lots of measuring to make sure the drains line up in the right positions. The drain is 2 inch pipe




Dry fit everything and number it. Lay it on the ground to cement. I used the ground to make sure everything was straight.



On to the Clean water return. I am using 1 inch pipe that reduces to 1/2 at the T with 1/2 ball valves.


Had to measure to make sure the returns will be located over the right corner of the tanks. I install all the 9 valves on the top row if I decided to swap the 2 x 40 breeders for 6 20 longs in the future.



Bottom row will have 3 x 40 Breeders


Sump (in progress) The 1 inch ball valves can be positioned to return water to tanks or drain to sump pump. I will be adding a quick disconnect so I will be able to easily remove and clean the whole sump.


The rack with Drain and clean water return.


Lots more to do. The plan is to install 1 inch bulkheads with Flexible PVC to attache drain and return water. Already purchased 4 x 48 dual shop lights ( 2 on top and 2 for the bottom)

 

[blkmjk]

That is looking pretty awesome! I'm jealous.

Drew

 

[Rasta Fish]

Looking good Reed
when is opening day party?

 

[Wblaze]

I am just catching up on this thread, but this is awesome. If I could only get rid of my mother-in-law and home office, I could have a fish room too. Plus, I want to be a youtube electrician.

 

[Tony]

Looking good, Reed. I'm definitely jealous.

 

[AquaStudent]

Wow this looks fantastic! Nice job stocking up on the $ per gallon sale too!

It doesn't get much better than that

 

[mchambers]

GFCI outlets

I like the build as well, but I strongly suggest the GFI outlet as well. I'd change them all out to GFI's personally. The phrase ""YouTube electrician" scares me! While I appreciate the DIY effort(and I do it myself too), there is one thing that I hear often, being in the construction industy: Electrical work is not a hobby.

This thread, and reading about some of Jon Clark's travails, inspired to put two GFCI outlets in my basement, where the majority of my tanks are. Did it, with a great deal of assistance from my 18 year old son, Sunday and last night.

Gives me a little more piece of mind.