JeffroM Fishroom

[JeffroM]

Thanks guys.

Josh - I've planned on 2 dehumidifiers that drain into my 2" tank drain line.  The plan was to set 1 up and see how it works and add the 2nd if needed.  However I'm strongly considering getting this air exchanger - http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-FV-04VE1-WhisperComfortTM-Ventilation-Patent-Pending/dp/B000XJNZ1Y/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358409120&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=Panasonic+FV-04VE1+WhisperComfortT%3FM+Spot+ERV+Ceiling+Insert+Ventilator+with+Balanced+Ventilation+and+Patent-Pending+Capillary+Core

It is an ERV not a HRV.  Basically it doesn't heat as well as an HRV, but is significantly less expensive and has a number of positive reviews.  One concern though is that is intended to be used for a much larger area than my little 400 sq ft fish room.  Also not overly excited about having a vent penetration though the side of my house.  Still considering things.

[Ron]

Josh - I've planned on 2 dehumidifiers that drain into my 2" tank drain line.  The plan was to set 1 up and see how it works and add the 2nd if needed.  However I'm strongly considering getting this air exchanger - http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-FV-04VE1-WhisperComfortTM-Ventilation-Patent-Pending/dp/B000XJNZ1Y/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358409120&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=Panasonic+FV-04VE1+WhisperComfortT%3FM+Spot+ERV+Ceiling+Insert+Ventilator+with+Balanced+Ventilation+and+Patent-Pending+Capillary+Core

It is an ERV not a HRV.  Basically it doesn't heat as well as an HRV, but is significantly less expensive and has a number of positive reviews.  One concern though is that is intended to be used for a much larger area than my little 400 sq ft fish room.  Also not overly excited about having a vent penetration though the side of my house.  Still considering things.

Have you considered what the operating cost is of the ERV vs 1 or 2 dehumidifiers? Lifespan? Since you're on the fence, those might help direct the decision.

[JeffroM]

Have you considered what the operating cost is of the ERV vs 1 or 2 dehumidifiers? Lifespan? Since you're on the fence, those might help direct the decision.

The ERV is significantly less expensive to run than a dehumidifier.  But in the winter it will introduce some cold air into the room causing the heater(s) to have to work a little more.  Still better energy usage from the ERV though.

[Ron]

The vent penetration through the side of the house is probably much easier than running a vertical stack.

IMO the ERV sounds like the best long term solution.

[GrizzlysDad]

Nice transit platform  Is that OSHA approved? Or even a professional Engineering approved method? 

[Marty]

Just wire it with a switch and/or timer.  You shouldn't have to run it constantly anyhow, especially if you have your tanks covered.

[JeffroM]

Nice transit platform  Is that OSHA approved? Or even a professional Engineering approved method? 

We brought in an inspector straight from OSHA who said "**** it.  Looks good to me."

Just wire it with a switch and/or timer.  You shouldn't have to run it constantly anyhow, especially if you have your tanks covered.

You talking about an ERV?

[JeffroM]

BTW to I want to recognize the people who worked on project so far.

Tony G. (Grizzlysdad) - Tony did all the electrical in the room and was invaluable with designing the electrical.  When the room is all done I'll point out more of the little cool features Tony included (or if he feels like commenting he can do that now).  If you plan on building a room I highly encourage you to at least pick Tony's brain for advise.

Scott S - Scott lives north of Grand Rapids and came down here and stayed with me while working on the room.  He has been great to have as a person willing to do everything.  I wouldn't let Scott do a full electrical on a fish room simply because I loved how Tony made sure there are proper amount of circuits as my room should never have a circuit overloaded and / or burn down my house.  However everything else Scott has been amazing.  The room is of my design but Scott has been the one making it come to life with me just being his helper.  He's done a great job on the acoustical ceiling, drywall, painting, you name.  If you live near Grand Rapids and need someone like Scott I would highly recommend him.  (Full disclosure though is like anyone you get to work at your house he is hard to get to show up.  But when he does, he does great work.)

[Marty]

Yes Jeff, I was talking about the air exchanger.  You shouldn't have to run it 24/7.  You could probably just flip the switch on when you're down there doing maintenance or feeding your fish and I would think that would be sufficient.  Especially if it's rated for a space larger than your room.

[Super Turtleman]

Looks great. I'll have to stop by and check it out/lend a hand sometime...

[Nick]

Great looking room. That has got to feel good having it come to life like that. 

[JeffroM]

Looks great. I'll have to stop by and check it out/lend a hand sometime...

Great looking room. That has got to feel good having it come to life like that. 

Thanks guys.   

Before anyone jumps in and starts a room like this I must warn you I have spent WAY more than I planned and in hind sight would not have built this room now that I know the true costs.  Costs to get it to this point (not a single tank in the room) is $8,950 and that does NOT include the $2,500 I put into redoing my houses water system.  OMG wayyyyyyy more than I even thought.  Why did I have to add it all up?  UGH!  While it looks like a big empty white room there is a ton things that just added up.  Even if I did everything myself there was only like $3,000 in labor costs.

Still to go are tanks, racks, and tank lighting.  Tanks are going to cost $5500 to $6000 alone.

Total cost is going to be around $16,500 before fish.  UGH!  Still shaking my head in disbelief.   

(Should have bought a new car)

[danielratti]

Would you get more enjoyment out of watching your new car or fish? It's what makes you happy man.

Still waiting on this guy to get back to me for you. He called me back today and said he would give measurements for me to pass on seeing as he didn't know them

[Steve]

Before anyone jumps in and starts a room like this I must warn you I have spent WAY more than I planned and in hind sight would not have built this room now that I know the true costs.  Costs to get it to this point (not a single tank in the room) is $8,950 and that does NOT include the $2,500 I put into redoing my houses water system.  OMG wayyyyyyy more than I even thought.  Why did I have to add it all up?  UGH!  While it looks like a big empty white room there is a ton things that just added up.  Even if I did everything myself there was only like $3,000 in labor costs.

Still to go are tanks, racks, and tank lighting.  Tanks are going to cost $5500 to $6000 alone.

Total cost is going to be around $16,500 before fish.  UGH!  Still shaking my head in disbelief.

My other passion has always been building cars (muscle cars) and I found out long ago that it is never, I repeat NEVER wise to add up how much you put into a project

It'll be worth it though, sounds & looks like you have one very well thought out fish room there

[JeffroM]

I'm no expert but I think Tony didn't do the electrical right...