Newbie needs info on "built-in" reef tank

[hoaglanddiver]

Hi,
I am in middle of house remodel and am new to marine tanks (dont even have one yet). As house is currently being remodeled I am taking the opportunity to construct a place for a 120 gallon tank. I am wondering what I will need regarding space, ventilation, electrical requirements, etc.


I would appreciate any information you have to offer.

Thx,
Lee

[thegrun]

We need a little more information if possible. Are you going to build a small equipment room behind the tank, or just thinking of what utilities you want near the tank? Either way, it would be nice to have a dedicated GFI circuit run to your tank, possibly two if you have room in your main electrical panel, one for the chiller, the other for the rest of your equipment. The rest would depend on if you will have a separate room for the equipment.

[drparker]

<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>

Your question is too open ended. The range of answers is almost infinite.

Just for power you can range from multiple 20amp dedicated circuits with an external generator wired to automatically take over in the event of a power failure to a couple of GFCI outlets.

For equipment you can range from space under the tank and fans to a dedicated room behind the tank with space for three additional support tanks, three or more 150 gal water storage tanks, full plumping, floor drain and a humidity controlled air exchanger.

Your best bet is to read through some of the build threads on here and look at several of the Tank of the Month articles in the magazine. You've come to the right place to research your new hobby.

[hoaglanddiver]

Thx for the replies so far... Yeah, it's almost more of a room divider... so really no space ("might" be able to get some space on one side). It's on 1st floor over basement... Was thinking I could house most things in basement (water storage, chiller(?), etc). right now, I'm just trying to figure out what I need that is Different than if I had free standing.. ie: i know that heat build-up will be an issue.. Trying to figure out if two fans (perhaps size of powersupply fan in computer) would be enough to dissipate heat. OR would I need something equiv to an inline bathroom exhaust fan? Electrical requirements - I'm sure I have enough room in breaker panel.. I was wondering do I need to have some outlets ABOVE tank? or can all be off to side or underneath (I would be concerned of water if underneath). I apologize for the vagueness, however, my builder is on my case as he wants to finish this area up and I'm trying to get as much info as I can (all be it, in short amount of time).. Thx again for any and all help

[drparker]

Basement based sump / fuge and chiller are great ideas combined with some fans in the hood you should be fine with temps. As long as the outlets are GFCI and all plugs into them have drip loops and they are off to the side underneath, you will be fine.

I would look to using some Azoo fans or the Icecap temp controlled fans you can find both at Marine Depot.

[Fizz71]

Also make sure your floor will be able to handle the weight. Depending which way the joists are going and how big the tank will be you may want have the builder reinforce the floor while you have one around.

What is your tank length? That can be a factor too as far as where outlets will go. Many ballasts have a limited range to the light without re-wiring so consider where your ballasts will need to be placed to reach your bulbs and where outlets will need to be for the ballast.

And I'll give a +1 to whoever mentioned 2 circuits in your circuit box. Make sure you have water flow devices on different circuits so if something trips one circuit breaker the other will still run and have some water movement in your tank for air exchange.

I have my sump return on one GFI circuit and my koralias on a different circuit.

[stricknine]

I strongly suggest going with a sump/fuge in a dedicated space in the basement.

At the stage you are at, and in construction myself I cant stand when you are trying to do a job and the client doesnt know what he wants (smiley face), so allow for everything! Get 2 circuits, 2 gfi's on each. One below(x2), one above (x2). For now, make sure you will have access to everything. top for lighting, power cords, etc. and bottom for plumbing, components, etc. Also will need access to all parts of the tank.

What stage are you at with construction? How do you plan on finishing around the tank?(wood, cabinetry, drywall?)

It may be a good idea to hire a consultant from a custom aquarium shop or LFS

[hoaglanddiver]

Thanks to everyone for your comments... just prior to reading the most recent replies, I found a place here on reef central which made mention of putting sump in basement and that works SO GOOD for what I am planning. I have 2 55 gal tanks I've "saved" from my freshwater days (one as recent as just a yr ago - hoping silicon hasn't dried out) and I plan to use one of them as my sump/refugium in the basement. That should work out well also regarding an RO/DI unit.. AND... since under construction at moment, I should be able to plumb supply and waste lines for that RO/DI. I'm rather excited. Still awaiting delivery of some books on reefing.. I know I will need to read, read, read, and then read some more as well as prolly drop many questions out here on the forum. Thanks again for all of your informative replies.. perhaps in about a yrs time I will be able to post some decent pics of the tank.

While I think about it...... since it's going to be enclosed in wall... is there need for a top/canopy? OR can I just have lighting suspended above?

Thx again for all the info.
Lee

[thegrun]

Oh, please be sure to use green board drywall (moisture resistant) on both sides of the wall where the tank will be and in the basement if it is going to be drywalled.