Fish room ideas? doing a shed for a fish room.

untamed · #1 10-18-2010, 06:19 PM

I don't think there would be any risk of pipes freezing in normal operation since they would have 80 degree water running through them all the time. The only risk would be a pump failure during very cold weather. Consider running two pumps to minimize that risk. Backup power supply might also be a good idea since power failures always happen when it is cold!

reefwars · #2 10-18-2010, 07:20 PM

Would need to make sure you build on a concrete slab as all that rock and water etc. Istoo heavy for most homemade garage floors. And I would insulate any piping as the warm temp n winter will create condensation. As noted before vapor barrior to keep your shed from rotting from humidity is very important in any Insulation job. If you drywall you can use an aquaboard but I doubt you'll have that much moisture. If you attach the shed to your house I would recommend contacting your city office to find out if a permit is needed which I would say it is, also if you are running any electrical and I'm not sure about aquarium plumbing you would want to check with your home insurance that you would be covered in the case of any fire or flood. Does your house have siding or something else?? If it's siding then lucky for you it's very very very easy to cut holes or remove a section if needed if it's stucco or stone/ brick etc you would want to ask ourself is it cost effective to do so as it's hard to replace and take out...but def not impossible, it's too bad your all the wY in Vancouver I love theses kind if projects and always love a good challenge. If you need any building advice when the time comes pls don't hesitate to ask before paying someone to do it.. If again that's he route your planning

Milad · #3 10-18-2010, 07:47 PM

the buddy that made my the stand is going to help with the shed.

If I tell the city im going to attach it to the house, what will they ask for? drawings? etc? can they refuse it?

Also I dont get why I need extra heater, you guys probably know better than me but if the tank water is always 80degrees and its constantly going through the sump, etc and the shed is sealed, why would I need to add a external heater? If anything wouldnt I want to have more internal heaters?

Lance · #4 10-18-2010, 07:55 PM

Good idea. I have an outside sump for my 90g and I love it. The sump is enclosed in an insulated box with a lid and a front door for access. This box is on the sundeck right outside from the tank. Sliding glass door to deck is three feet from the tank. Plumbing goes through the exterior wall. I have never had a problem with heat or cold since I set this tank up. (3 years this November) Powell River climate is no different than Vancouver. Go for it, I'm sure you'll be happy with it.

rjengen · #5 10-18-2010, 08:06 PM

Up here, if we pour a slab foundation for a shed, we need permits from the city and taxes go up. If you float the shed on a couple of 4x4's or 8x8's though you're golden, cause it's not considered a permanent structure. It a great idea, but I would did a little deeper before you break ground to make sure you`re on the up and up. God forbid something ever happens, and you have to put in an insurance claim, and they deny it cause everything wasn`t permitted and inspected.

If you can get the city on board though...oh the options are almost endless

reefwars · #6 10-18-2010, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lance

Good idea. I have an outside sump for my 90g and I love it. The sump is enclosed in an insulated box with a lid and a front door for access. This box is on the sundeck right outside from the tank. Sliding glass door to deck is three feet from the tank. Plumbing goes through the exterior wall. I have never had a problem with heat or cold since I set this tank up. (3 years this November) Powell River climate is no different than Vancouver. Go for it, I'm sure you'll be happy with it.

Now I like lances ideas of an insulated box as opposed to a whole shed .... Alot cheaper , doesn't take up land or require anything and like lance said you. Can have it right on your deck

Hummmmm maybe I'll go that route you all got me thinking now lol

Milad · #7 10-18-2010, 08:16 PM

well i was going to put the shed is all concrete. So thats all there. I was thinking the small box idea but then I want my tall skimmer in it, and my reactors and this and that and this, etc.

Lance · #8 10-18-2010, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefwars

Now I like lances ideas of an insulated box as opposed to a whole shed .... Alot cheaper , doesn't take up land or require anything and like lance said you. Can have it right on your deck

And the best part is no worries with spills etc. Just hose it away down the deck drain.

Milad · #9 10-18-2010, 09:26 PM

what does your box look like lance?

reefwars · #10 10-18-2010, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Milad

the buddy that made my the stand is going to help with the shed.

If I tell the city im going to attach it to the house, what will they ask for? drawings? etc? can they refuse it?

Also I dont get why I need extra heater, you guys probably know better than me but if the tank water is always 80degrees and its constantly going through the sump, etc and the shed is sealed, why would I need to add a external heater? If anything wouldnt I want to have more internal heaters?

They could refuse it , it depends for evry city if you call them just tell them your inquiring ...not in the process of building.you will need to have drawings made by an draftsman/engineer if only they ask for it. Reason being is they don't want people digging adding their own electrcal or interfering with neighbors etc. Best to find out it's completely free to call

I build house dcks and renos for a living and I've built small sheds wthout permits but I've also done o es where permits are required especially if your onthe city. I'm not sure about the heater that was referenced but I imagine you would want your shed to be heated for a million reasons like comfort to work in, less work on the heaters in your tank, keeping condensation from freezing.... Nothing to do with the structure as alot of people have non heated garages . It's actually alot simpler than were all making it out to be but it's good to know all the possible problems before building. First step find a general contractor who can get permits and do all the work including the slab ask around for more quotes and most will give free estimates, then make a budget and plan in writing for the contractor to follow. Once you contact the city or the contractor does you'll know all the building requirments that you need to meet. And don't forget to check with your insurance company on what they will require to keep insuring you