The new fish room (Just doing ok)

[djlamonica]

Ok well tonight I finally took some measurements and dry some plans out unfortunately I drew them on smart draw and it wont let me share to non members.  Anyways this is what I have to work with and it is much smaller then I would like and also trashed right now.

http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/b538/Fhfire/81EAF356-8173-4280-BC3A-8DCC659FDAE8-6298-0000033BED20B282_zpsb102c030.jpg

http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/b538/Fhfire/B8D58393-B25F-4E19-9001-6B8E6C743620-6298-0000033BE31865A5_zpsf4816581.jpg

The room is 9x8  I was actually rather surprised as  I thought it looked much larger, but it kind of puts a damper on my plans, no 6' tanks in this room unfortunately.

Ive done the simple lay out of how the tanks are going to be laid out and now I have a list of things to purchase and set up before I can even think about moving tanks or installing racks.

Here is the general idea though it may be tough to picture.


A picture of the lay out I took with my phone of the computer haha the green is the main rack the red is 2x55 the blue 4'x18' double rack, the yellow 3'x1' double rack, and the purple the sink.

http://i1290.photobucket.com/albums/b538/Fhfire/4D45796C-AC94-4327-8F79-0F966F8D7089-6298-0000033CBB630E6C_zps87f9dacc.jpg

The main rack in the room will be 3'x8 the bottom will hold 4-5 30/40B, the middle will hold 7 29G tanks, and the top will hold a mix of 20 and 10's some where are 7 or so mixed and matched.  These will all be run off of 1 air pump. To the right 2x double 55's and in the corner  a 4'x18" double rack (still need this), and to the right of the sink a 3'x1'.  That is the plan any way so when its all said and done it should be about 27 or so tanks.  (maybe pipe dreams)

1.  clean junk out and remove cabinets
2.  Figure out electricity (I may or may not do these myself)
 -add more outlets
 -install vent fan
3. insulate
 -This room is so cold right now it's crazy I believe it may just be that the 2 windows and doors are very drafty so thats where I'm going to start by sealing those completely off.  these will no longer be in use.  and will seal with great stuff.
 -I then plan to install styro installation board to the entire room prime and paint
4.Set up filtration
 -purchase an air pump that will run the tank load or atleast the majority of the tank load
 -run pvs above main rack and maybe to the double 55's as well
 - acquire enough sponges/boxes/ugs to handle all the tanks
5.rack
 -build the main rack
 -run air line
 -figure out lighting of some sort really dont have any ideas for this as of yet


I think Im going to start with those five steps and go from there.  This will not be a quick process but I will update when progress is made.

Sorry for the long/tough read this was kind of for myself but feel free to follow along on this slow process.

[JeffroM]

Well your starting out right by planning!!!  My initial concern by looking at your diagram is isle space between tanks.  You might want to try and keep at least 24" to 30" isle space between tanks.  Looks good.

[djlamonica]

I doubt anyone will care about this part but Im going to do a rough list of things I need to still obtain.  Will start with the fish stuff.  This is not a WTB as I'm not looking to buy right this second.

fish related:

air pump-$200 (if I buy new should run almost all 27 tanks if I go diaphragm and more if linear still looking into this and would love some input.

2x10g-$20
2x20g-$40
1x55g-$40
3x40B-$120
1x4'x18"-$30

misc-filter, lids heaters-$200

630 for the fish stuff I dont have

build mats-

insulation-$100
utlity sink-$65
ceiling fan-$85 (this is if I install myself)
pvc and valves-$25
lighting-???
rack-$50

Total-955

Well I'm sure Im forgetting something but that puts me around $1000 bucks to get this thing to its full potential. But no lighting.  I want to set this thing up to work for as many tanks as it can hold so I don't have to go back and redo things with tanks in place.

I think that's all for now.

Please let me know if you think I'm skipping a step or over looking something.

Thanks!

[djlamonica]

Well your starting out right by planning!!!  My initial concern by looking at your diagram is isle space between tanks.  You might want to try and keep at least 24" to 30" isle space between tanks.  Looks good.

Yeah I did think of that and the second 55 wasn't originally there but I really need it I thought I would try and squeeze it in.  But with the insulation going over the dry wall plus the 2x4 rack I don't believe there is going to be anyway I can do that.  Only leaves about 12" in between and well I'm not a small guy.

[linuxrulesusa]

Well your starting out right by planning!!!  My initial concern by looking at your diagram is isle space between tanks.  You might want to try and keep at least 24" to 30" isle space between tanks.  Looks good.

Yeah I did think of that and the second 55 wasn't originally there but I really need it I thought I would try and squeeze it in.  But with the insulation going over the dry wall plus the 2x4 rack I don't believe there is going to be anyway I can do that.  Only leaves about 12" in between and well I'm not a small guy.

So, to make sure I'm following, it was going to be 4 55s in the middle?  2 stacks of 2?   Depending on your ceiling height if you can get a 40 long and a couple 50s instead of 55s you should be able to do a triple stack instead of a double and still get 3 tanks (still 1 less than your planned 4, but better than just 2).

[djlamonica]

Yeah that would be possible but I think I want to use just the double metal racks as I have thme on hand plus I'm not a huge fan of bigger tanks on the third row.

[linuxrulesusa]

Yeah that would be possible but I think I want to use just the double metal racks as I have thme on hand plus I'm not a huge fan of bigger tanks on the third row.

I hear you.  Could be tight depending on your ceiling height and/or a pain for doing WCs.  I echo what Jeffro said though - leave plenty of room. I  had a double row of 55s by my furnace but then with a file cabinet parallel...about 18" of space...major pain to get back there to do tank maintenance, let alone look at the fish. 

[Regalblue]

Looking good Dan

[jcunningham0295]

As far as a pump goes, I would chose a linear.  I have one from Ken's Fish that is running almost 70 outlets and actually looking at getting a second one the same size to run another 40+ outlets.  Nice planning, it is always good to take your time with a project like this.

[Ron]

I'll third(?) keeping a decent aisle space. Have you ever been to a fishroom with tight aisles? It's hard to bend down and access lower tanks easily IMO. I've often thought about putting a rack for 48"x12" or 18" footprint tanks in the center of my fishroom, but it'd make it a pain to snake around it for water changes and future removal of the larger tanks would be impossible.

I'll also second the linear piston air pump. They cost a bit more, but the maintenance is minimal, they are quiet, and they move a large volume of air. Their downfall is pressure, but IME it's only an issue once the tank is over 24" deep. That problem can be alleviated by putting the sponge filter on something so it doesn't sit as deep in the tank.

[djlamonica]

Since I'm on a budget I don't think I'll be able to purchase jehmco air pump so I am looking for an alternative here is what I've found so far. http://www.theheckler.com/2013/03/03/kane-arrested-for-indecent-exposure-after-misinterpreting-medias-streak-question/

I'm looking for something to run 50 outlets.  From jehmco rating the above pump should do that. 

Actually I found the al-40 or maybe al-60 they are cheaper and stronger.

Just found another Air force pro 60 anyone have exp. with these?

[jcunningham0295]

Since I'm on a budget I don't think I'll be able to purchase jehmco air pump so I am looking for an alternative here is what I've found so far. http://www.theheckler.com/2013/03/03/kane-arrested-for-indecent-exposure-after-misinterpreting-medias-streak-question/

I'm looking for something to run 50 outlets.  From jehmco rating the above pump should do that. 

Actually I found the al-40 or maybe al-60 they are cheaper and stronger.

Just found another Air force pro 60 anyone have exp. with these?

Check out the pumps at Ken's Fish.  His alita linear pumps are the best for the money.  I have one of these and one from Jemco, same size, and I like my al-80 better.  Getting ready to order a second one soon for more tanks.

[djlamonica]

How many sponges do you run off of that al80?

[jcunningham0295]

How many sponges do you run off of that al80?

Currently I am running 47 sponges and 5 fry savers and a couple airstones.  So all together at the moment I am occupying 54 outlets of the 70+ I tapped.

[djlamonica]

Well I made some small steps towards the fish room.  I scheduled the electrician and also purchased the pump, air supplies, and about 20 sponge filters from lens.  I went with the alta -60 linear as it was in the budget.  Clean out still in progress.  Insulation and some other minor work will be done this week end .  Pics when there is something visual.