Bloke's 210g

Drywall installed and the mason scheduled. As you can see in the picture, down the hall there is a small wall with an arched recess. The plan is to have the mason brick an arch over the tank to compliment that arch and others throughout the house.

 

Mud and tape completed along with knockdown on the ceiling. The masonry should take about two or three days to complete. I'm looking forward to seeing how this arch is going to turn out. Fingers crossed!

 

Large tanks seem out of place and kind of "stuck" in the room when the room isn't designed or modified to house it. Large tanks require a lot of planning and while some are happy to just have the tank and have it work, part of the enjoyment for me is to see how well the system is integrated into the house. Overall aesthetic in how EVERYTHING fits is a big deal (at least for me). Projects like this are great examples of how it should be done.

 

I totally agree. I know not everyone has the ability, space and/or knowledge, but you're right in that in some instances a large system seems imposing in living rooms, etc. I am lucky that I have the space to start a system and build the plans into this basement project.

The second mistake, in my opinion, hundreds/thousands of reefers make is their pace in setup. Everyone wants to get water in their system as soon as possible, but taking the time to make sure that everything is setup properly and that you have a plan that you're working towards slowly saves a ton of time and avoids errors down the road.

I appreciate the props on the project. It is coming together nicely and I bet you're going to love the brickwork!

 

I can't lie....having an empty tank and a bunch of aquarium stuff laying around gives me the itch something terrible.

Can't wait to see the brick work. Are you doing the cutting and laying yourself?

 

Oh, you and me both! The positive side of things is that looking at all the equipment and empty tank pushes me to get the rest of the work done. Moreover, the other work provides me the time to setup trashcans and cycle rock, prep water, aquascape, etc. So, it forces me to set things up slowly but continuously while working in the basement.

LOL - are you kidding?! No way! I know my limits and masonry is definitely an art and can look and be tragic if not done properly. I've done everything on this project myself with the exception of the Sheetrock and brickwork. I will lay ledgestone over the fireplace and bar myself since it will be a simple dry stack, but the work on the tank wall and arch is best left to the professionals!!

 

We won't think less of you...I wouldn't tackle that either!

 

Bloke, looking great! Brings me back when I built my fish room in my walkout basement. Hey a word of advise, the exposed conrete you want to seal or the salt will eat at it. I used a epoxy garage sealer & exterior paint in the room.. Look at my 90gal build thread, it is VERY detailed & may give you some ideas.. I'm following this thread..

http://www.3reef.com/forums/show-off-your-fish-tanks/cjs-new-90gal-setup-57820.html

 

I agree about the fan.. I have been running my setup for over a year & I'm looking into either a fan or tapping my central AC into it. Room gets very warm. I only have 2 BoostLEDs for my 29gal frag tank, light for my refuge, 2 heaters (40gal sump & 29gal frag), external pump... You'll have your DT lighting in there too...

Hey here's a though, I'd install a duct above your DT lighting to eliminate the heat from there.. That will help bring your water temp down. If you are running MH, I'd install another duct on the sides at the top of your tank.. It's easier now than later my friend.

 

Awesome build. Subscribed.