225g Journal, mostly DIY rock (also 55g current tank pics)

[argan]

Long time since i updated, mostly because I was waiting for my bro to move out, and now he has.

So now i have all the DIY rock freshwater cured and saltwater alive. I would guess I made about 150-200 lbs. never bothered to weigh it. 2 big pieces went into my friends tank, but im happy with the amount i have for now.

For the auqascaping i'm toying with a few Ideas:

1) pvc arches and supports like Superfudge's and Niloc's tanks

2) Glass bottles and maybe a rock structure that looks like a Ship's bow coming out of the sandbed, for a shipwreck look.
(anyone ever seen a tank like that?) ***Dec. 11, This Idea Dismissed***

3) pondfoam on the back wall, but only on the upper half of it? so i can see behind the rocks

[Parker]

I've debated back and forth on going with pond foam myself, I still haven't made up my mind.

[argan]

For those people who have built walls and/or knocked them down for their Fish rooms, Do we have to worry about building codes or permits?

My brother-inlaw is a drywaller so he knows a bit about framing, should we be able to get by? or should i get a contractor?

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by argan

For those people who have built walls and/or knocked them down for their Fish rooms, Do we have to worry about building codes or permits?

My brother-inlaw is a drywaller so he knows a bit about framing, should we be able to get by? or should i get a contractor?

if you are not touching electrical, plumbing or structure than no. But if you just do it who will know. If you are compentent in doing the electrical and plumbing yourself and you know its not a loadbearing wall, you should be able to get a homeowners permit for cheep, but they will want to see drawings of what you intend on doing and may or may not require an inspection. Just go to the city hall and with out givething your name explain what you are planning to do and ask if you need a permit or not.

Steve

[brizzo]

Originally Posted by argan

For those people who have built walls and/or knocked them down for their Fish rooms, Do we have to worry about building codes or permits?

Nope, no permit required.

ie; Removing a wall to make 2 small rooms into 1 large room, removing a portion of a wall to create an entry way, adding or relocating wall(s) to create new room space

But of course, unless you come across plumbing or electrical, that is something that someone qualified should handle.

[argan]

The wall to be knocked down has one electrical outlet, but my bro is certified electrician so i'll be ok there.

The one to be built will just be a blank wall basically, maybe with some built-in shelves.

So far for tanks i have the 225g display, 90g sump, 55g refugium, and 33g QT/frag tank. I always wonder if people have their QT tanks plumbed into their main systems, or on its own?
What are the schools of thought on this?

[mark]

Technically changes that effect heating or ventilation as well require a permit