Blog Comments

I will definitely get some pics up soon of the new space and an inventory of my unused 5-7 year old equipment.

Welcome back to the site. Looking forward to seeing your blogs documenting the new setup.

Those were engineered before engineered lumber. I bet that floor is solid! You can always put some extra bracing in as well, and that bracing works great as a wall base for the equipment room.

@Plantguy- It certainly is the shizznizzlebangbang.

I can tell I am addicted cause it is 1 AM after my adult hockey game and I am checking this! Yeah the pile is building I have a skimmer rated at 250 gallons which I dunno what I am going to use on plus to overflow kits with drill bits for 700 and 300 gph. Both will probably go on my freshwater tanks that are in need of redoing before I start a reef tank.

I'm in Indy and I make sure to stop by there every time I have to do some work in Terre Haute.

Maybe its just me, but I wouldnt think twice about putting a fish tank on top of those trees in your upstairs.

Looks like a nice fun pile of equipment your putting together.

We did get railroaded a bit!

There's a lot more than corn in Indiana.

Morgan's place is the shizznizzlebangbang.
One of the few places you can see Algal Turf Scrubbers in action!

www.inlandaquatics.com

Any chance of seeing some pics of your house?It sounds really unusual.

Does the cellar smell of the oil? Is it really pungent? You might try a test tank with some simple livestock to see how it fares for a bit before committing to the big one. It would be sacrificial unfortunately, not unlike the canary in the coal mine.

Originally Posted by Trido

For me, the negatives would outweigh the bonuses. I prefer to have my tank in my living space that I spend the majority of my time.
IME spiders arent a worry, likely due to salt creep everywhere. I'd be real suprised if the snake were a problem other than seeking the warmth of the hood. An out of level floor can always be death with no matter what size of tank. The furnace shouldnt be a problem provided its working like its supposed to and vented properly. People put large tanks in their up stairs all the time, you would likely just have to support the floor by doing the structural post and beam work in the cellar. Depending on how its laid out, you might be able to just add a couple additional floor joists to support a large tank upstairs. I would recommend calling your local contractor if thats the route you want to go.

Spider crickets are actually crickets, but probably nothing. I do spend 5-7 days a week working out so there would be no problem there with getting to spend time seeing my tank and enjoying it. I would also be likely to put a couch down there near it. I don't think my wife will ever let me put a tank larger then a 125 on any of the other floors in our house. I have read the older houses can support more but she is worried by the creaks and moans the floors already have. The joists above the cellar holding the next floor up are actually tree logs. about 10 inch diameter and I am pretty sure they are close to 100 years old. They just kind of scare me a little bit.

For me, the negatives would outweigh the bonuses. I prefer to have my tank in my living space that I spend the majority of my time.
IME spiders arent a worry, likely due to salt creep everywhere. I'd be real suprised if the snake were a problem other than seeking the warmth of the hood. An out of level floor can always be dealth with no matter what size of tank. The furnace shouldnt be a problem provided its working like its supposed to and vented properly. People put large tanks in their up stairs all the time, you would likely just have to support the floor by doing the structural post and beam work in the cellar. Depending on how its laid out, you might be able to just add a couple additional floor joists to support a large tank upstairs. I would recommend calling your local contractor if thats the route you want to go.

I love having excuses to buy new tools! Every time I get one I think of a reef related use down the road. I don't know how many tools I have gotten with an eye on acrylic or other DIY, and I have never even touched an acrylic project.

Hmmm, a 33 long built into a bookshelf.....testing sump building skills with acrylic.....drilling glass tanks.......Looks to me like you are well on you way to a very large built in reef. Kind of like mine or Melev's. YOu dont even have a reef yet and already exhibit all the signs of an addict.

Important, post lots o' pics :-)

I tihink it's cool that your going to do a test run on your fresh water tank. Upgrade but drilling for the overflow etc. That will definitely give you some hands on before trying to tackle something large (125g). Also I would check if there are any local reef clubs in your area, reef clubs are great for those taking the plunge for the first time. In our local reef club it's a great opportunity to get rid of stuff to those that can use it.

My first salt tank was a 27g with Remora HOB skimmer. Ran PC lighting on that tank. Loved that tank. It doesn't hurt to start small! You don't need fancy plumbing or equipment to get a feel for Reefin'

We've all been there, buying stuff twice or three times trying to get it right. Keep reading what others are doing and ask questions. That helps avoid unnecessary expenditures.

A 200g-rated skimmer on a 125g tanks sounds like something I would do.

That makes sense now. I will prob get one rated for 100 gallons instead and save the 200 for my 125 gallon when I decide to set it up. This is all new to me and I am still learning though.

It just won't make the foam, usually. More dirty water is what a bigger skimmer needs, which is why you want to match the skimmer somewhat. If you had spent thousands on a huge Deltec rated for 500g, I would have told you the same.

Try it out for yourself and let us know how it goes for you. I don't mean to be negative at all - forewarning you allows you to know what to look for.