Building codes for aquarium in mechanical room

[toxic111]

of the top of my head I don't know of any code that would prevent you from putting a tank in the mech room in a single family dwelling.

HTH.

[lastlight]

I don't even have a drain on my fishroom side of the basement. I sure hope the city won't even comment or care about the tank stuff.

[Delphinus]

My guess is they won't. The only thing the electrical inspector said to me when we talked about the tank room was "make sure you use CSL approved ballasts." The only thing about the floor drain for me was that I was draining the laundry sink into it and apparently this is a huge no-no. My advice is if you intend upon having a laundry sink make sure it's either: 1) drain is hard-plumbed and vented properly, or 2) not there on inspection day.

[lastlight]

Yeah Tony and I have had that conversation. My tub won't be there!

[sphelps]

I can seal off the mechanical room without any issues, the tank will be sealed air tight to the wall with no access to room except the door. I don't think it has to be that tight though since the requirements for the door do not have to be air tight so the tank shouldn't have to be either but my plan is to have it tight anyway.

I know you're not allowed a cold air return in the mechanical room for CO2 reasons but I do want to put an exhaust vent in the room to control humidity. I'm not sure if that is allowed either and if it is I would assume there will be a limit on the cfm and duty cycle unless it's interlocked with the furnace to replace exhausted air with make up.

Good news so far though, obviously my plan is plausible.

[sphelps]

I'm also guessing the actual size of the tank doesn't really matter, small or big same deal? No offense guys but my tank is going to be way bigger than yours

[MitchM]

If you're concerned about everything being legit for resale, I would pay extra attention to moisture control and ventilation.
I had 4 or 500 gallons in my last house basement with an HRV. When we went to move I found that there was a salt residue on all the light fixtures and corrosion had started to show up on the brass components of some light fixtures, plus on some copper sculptures.

It was a house built in the 1960's, and you're in a new house, but still something to watch out for.

[lastlight]

I'm not sure about the CFM issue. I'm doing ALL the tank related stuff (tub and venting) after my basement is 'done' and approved by the city.

Makes me wonder...if I add this stuff on later and there was a fire...they find abs drain pipe, laundry tun and a venting fan not in my plans...am i no further ahead with the insurance company? maybe i still would not be covered?

How many gallons are you planning on?