Rebuilding my entire fishroom


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Hey, I've been wondering about something. I know that tanks bulge a little under the pressure of the water inside them. My instinct has been to leave gaps between tanks to give them "elbow room" so to speak. I'm guessing from your photos that this isn't necessary...?
 
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  • #54
I haven't noticed any bowing on my tanks. The trim looks like it is completely touching in the photos, but in many cases it isn't (just very close). The only tanks that I turn sideways like that are 10's, 20 highs, and 5.5's (although no sideways 5.5's planned for this build). Anything larger is turned the usual direction with one to a shelf.
 
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  • #55
New pics:

8 more 20 gal's added today. Toward the fish kite on the wall.
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Then 2 more 20 gal's on the other side of that rack (will eventually be another 8 20's).
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I've been running airline tubing to sponge filters all night.
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I moved my African cichlids to their new 55's last night with media transfers on each tank. I lost the female Paralabidochromis chromogenos out of my pair, and I'm really disappointed. But at this point, keeping them where they were was not an option. Still, really disappointed.
 
LOL since you seem to casually pick up some 20 gallons, couldn't you send one over to me? You know, nothin fancy..
hehe, well it looks good, you know what'd be really cool but impossible? A birds eye view of the inside of your fishroom! I say impossible becauss there's a roof and you'd have to get higher than that to get a full shot, but just saying.

Man you seem to be putting ALOT of work into it XD
 

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I so wish to have a fish room like that one-day. The wife would string me up lol.
 
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  • #58
LOL since you seem to casually pick up some 20 gallons, couldn't you send one over to me? You know, nothin fancy..
hehe, well it looks good, you know what'd be really cool but impossible? A birds eye view of the inside of your fishroom! I say impossible becauss there's a roof and you'd have to get higher than that to get a full shot, but just saying.

Man you seem to be putting ALOT of work into it XD
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I actually need to get rid of a bunch of 20 gallons because they are drilled... either that, or patch the holes... hmmmm!

Well, I could go up on the attic stairs and shoot a pic, lol. But there's stuff in the way and I probably can't even get the dang ladder down from the door right now.

And yeah, it's a lot of work, but I don't have a job so I have lots of time.

I so wish to have a fish room like that one-day. The wife would string me up lol.
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Yeah, I just happened to meet someone that is just as nutty about fishkeeping as I am. Talk about a couple of enablers.
 
How are you dealing with the humidity that will be generated from all the tanks? I have noticed that with the cooler weather and that my three tanks in the bedroom are warmer than ambient air of the room that they are loosing more water than during the summer.
 
I would guess a dehumidifier, not sure if that'd be enough though
 
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  • #61
How are you dealing with the humidity that will be generated from all the tanks? I have noticed that with the cooler weather and that my three tanks in the bedroom are warmer than ambient air of the room that they are loosing more water than during the summer.
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We have been pricing dehumidifiers and will be buying one shortly when we can find one to meet our needs. Humidity is definitely a problem.
 

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Any plans for plants in your collection? I still have the ones that I got from you.
 
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  • #64
Any plans for plants in your collection? I still have the ones that I got from you.
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Of course! It's just taking us some time to figure out the lighting situation.

What's your air source for the sponge filters? Are you running individual pumps or one big ol' unit?
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It's a regenerative blower, Sweetwater Aquatics S-11 iirc. That's why it sounds like there is a jet in the background when I post vids. LOL
 
How do you suggest I build a stand for a 55? How long does it take you to build yours and what kind of wood is best? I don't know of I seen the answer to this, bit how does the floor hold all tHat weight? If it's in the basement then of course it does lol.
 
"The more I learn the less I know".

I like that, Harpua. That's what humble experts say.
 
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  • #67
How do you suggest I build a stand for a 55? How long does it take you to build yours and what kind of wood is best? I don't know of I seen the answer to this, bit how does the floor hold all tHat weight? If it's in the basement then of course it does lol.
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Hubs actually does all the building. I'm responsible for most of the feeding and day to day upkeep, as well as the majority of water changes. (Hubs has a regular job so isn't nearly as available as I am during the week.) This is a converted garage, and our home is one story on a slab foundation so the weight is not an issue for us. Hubs uses pressure treated 2x4's for building the stands. It's fairly cheap to build these if you have the tools already. We did months of research on YouTube, visiting friends' fishrooms, etc. before deciding on the design of the stands. Hubs also came up with the measurements and arrangements of stands, because he's really just a lot better at that stuff than I am.

"The more I learn the less I know".

I like that, Harpua. That's what humble experts say.
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It is so, so true.
I'm more of a jack of all trades and master of none. I just try to learn all I can and I really do not consider myself an expert on anything, except maybe writing lengthy forum posts.

I have a quick fishroom tour to share for anyone who is interested. A lot of the tanks are empty and it's still very much a work in progress. You'll probably want to turn your speakers down- the jet engine noise is the regenerative blower. It's loud, but very powerful and can run many tanks.
 
Nice video. I am afraid me and that regenerative blower would have issues. I would build a noise insulated box/cabinet for it to be housed in or build a small shed outside the garage to house it. If worried if it is running you could install in the main duct line a pressure switch that keeps a light on (Or turns on the light if the pressure in the duct drops) while the unit is running.
 
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  • #69
Nice video. I am afraid me and that regenerative blower would have issues. I would build a noise insulated box/cabinet for it to be housed in or build a small shed outside the garage to house it. If worried if it is running you could install in the main duct line a pressure switch that keeps a light on (Or turns on the light if the pressure in the duct drops) while the unit is running.
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We've thought putting it in an insulated box. but decided that this would probably be a really bad idea due to heat/exhaust issues that it would likely cause.

Building a shed outside the garage is a cool idea, but in reality there is absolutely no way it's going to happen. My solution was to buy a soundbar and subwoofer and just drown it out while I'm working in there. You get used to it.
 
How about in the attic above the fish room? Maybe a little enclosure that can sound deaden a bit up there and vent it to one of the gable vents? That way it can breath and exhaust the heat but drop the noise level in the room.
 
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  • #71
It really isn't feasible for us based on how the attic is set up. We'd also have to re-do all the air, which is not happening. It really doesn't bother me that much. I like having everything there where I can keep an eye on it. I like my tunes loud anyway.
 

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lol, prepare for takeoff!

Holy tanks! Maybe I'm not as jealous now cause I'd be looking at, tweaking, cleaning them ALL the time. My wife would NOT be a fan. I didn't count, so how many tanks do you have?
 
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  • #73
Right now, I think we have 45 tanks. I did 45 water changes the other day. lol. There are several tanks that are on my daily water change list, and a bunch of cycling tanks as well, so needless to say I'm spending A LOT of time out there right now.

I got a Repashy order today (a club friend arranged a group buy) and decided to try it out. My crystal red shrimp approve!
You'll want to turn your volume down, lol.

Also: I did 45 water changes yesterday in just under 4 hours LIKE A BOSS. Just had to throw that in there, it's a personal record. ;D

I found baby plecos in my ABN tank on Nov. 7. This is a pic from today- they are growing fast.

 
Awww...how cute. They look like otos at a quick glance.
 
I really like seeing your fish and fish tank photos.

I would like to get more tanks but 45 might never happen for me. Great job with all of their upkeep.
 
Wow, this is just soooo cool! I've been in fish for about a month and am working on tank #4. I'm a definite case of MTS lol but you've got me beat! I'd looooove a setup like that, but as I live with my parents...... maybe one day I can get them to let me take over the basement......
If you ever happen to have spare fry from those purple fire guppies, I'd be glad to take them off your hands
 
That is just fantastic-each and every bit of your fish room! I love, love, love it. Your videos are fantastic and I am in awe of your converted garage! This set up is amazing and I cannot wait to see this progress and the finished (at least as finished as any fish room ever is) product.
I am new to fish keeping and I have so much to learn, I welcome your knowledge and hope at some point, I will be a better fish keeper as I suck as much knowledge from as many as I can!
LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
I found baby plecos in my ABN tank on Nov. 7. This is a pic from today- they are growing fast.
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I think I just died from a cuteness overdose. *squeaks* soooooo tiny!!!!
 

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You all are seriously the best

More updates soon.
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Wow I didn't realize how long you had been away. I see now why! That is going to be a amazing fish room. I just wonder how many tanks you will have total when everything is setup? I am just beginning to plan my fish room which will be roughly 20x20. I am building the racks to house 8 20 gallon longs to start then winging it from there. I am designing how the plumbing will be setup and drainage etc. If my math is right I will be able to have maybe 6 30 gallons and 4 55's which will give me 18 tanks total or I may just do all 20's then I could easily do 20 20 gallon longs and room to spare. Like I say I am in the real early stages of planning. Its my third floor attic but its stationary stairs and floored attic. Huge room non-finished. I will be framing the room out, adding insulation and walls.... pretty big project and I plan to do it by myself because that's how I do everything. I like working on my schedule and at my pace. Nevertheless I didn't mean to get off topic but I want to talk with you more later on how you set yours up - more plumbing questions than anything so that I can make sure I have mine planned most efficiently. Things are really looking good on the pics you have posted so far!
 
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  • #83
Omg so cute! Do you know
what species they are?
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They are albino bristlenose, Ancistrus sp.

Wow I didn't realize how long you had been away. I see now why! That is going to be a amazing fish room. I just wonder how many tanks you will have total when everything is setup? I am just beginning to plan my fish room which will be roughly 20x20. I am building the racks to house 8 20 gallon longs to start then winging it from there. I am designing how the plumbing will be setup and drainage etc. If my math is right I will be able to have maybe 6 30 gallons and 4 55's which will give me 18 tanks total or I may just do all 20's then I could easily do 20 20 gallon longs and room to spare. Like I say I am in the real early stages of planning. Its my third floor attic but its stationary stairs and floored attic. Huge room non-finished. I will be framing the room out, adding insulation and walls.... pretty big project and I plan to do it by myself because that's how I do everything. I like working on my schedule and at my pace. Nevertheless I didn't mean to get off topic but I want to talk with you more later on how you set yours up - more plumbing questions than anything so that I can make sure I have mine planned most efficiently. Things are really looking good on the pics you have posted so far!
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I numbered all the tanks (and empty tanks, and slots where tanks are going) and came up with like 65 in the fishroom. It will be over 1000 gal when it's complete.

We just had a drain added to the room. Considering I was doing 70-80 bucket water changes a week (I have several tanks that get water changes 4-5 times a week), it's really going to make my life easier. I need to get a pic up soon.
 
What a cool undertaking. I am still learning the forum & am glad I stumbled upon this thread! Can't wait to see more & learn more!
 
What a cool undertaking. I am still learning the forum & am glad I stumbled upon this thread! Can't wait to see more & learn more!
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Yeah, if you just decide to pick a random section and go through it to see what's there, you can find a lot of interesting posts and great information that could save you time, trouble, and questions later on. Always check the stickied topics, they're usually important ones that a lot of people ask about.
 
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  • #88
Is your website updated?
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Oh, I wish... The room itself isn't updated yet even! Lol. We are adding another 2 40 breeders and 2 55s...But we aren't quite there yet.

If there is anything you are looking for, pm me and I'll see if I have it.
 
So what fish are you going to be breeding? Lol you certainly have enough room to pick and choose!
 
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  • #90
I have a lot of hopeful breeding projects... lol. Unfortunately, I lost my wild female agassiziI (I'm pretty sure anyway, I can't find her and it's been over a week), my wild female dicrossus, and my Pelvicachromis taeniatus Moliwe pair during the last cold snap... I'm very disappointed about this. We had 2 space heaters running full blast 24/7 and we also have a vent that runs into the room. Being a former garage, it's poorly insulated and the super cold temps were just too much-- the tanks went down to about 71 at certain points. There was nothing I could do, we haven't seen temps like that since well before either of us lived here. I'm kind of surprised I didn't lose more fish, to be honest.

The good news is, we do have a lot of stuff breeding. Off the top of my head, we are currently breeding crystal red shrimp, tangerine tiger shrimp, regular tiger shrimp, blue pearl shrimp, rcs, yellow neo shrimp, CPOs (we have a berried female already), guppies, Xiphophorus malinche (a very rare wild swordtail species), Heterandria elegans, Micropoecilia picta, Otopharynx lithobates, albino bristlenose plecos, and our young pair of Apisto hongloi has spawned once, but I didn't know it until I found 2 fry AFTER I did a water change... I'm thinking I might have accidentally sucked them out! Oh well, they will spawn again.
 
I might be interested in picking up some guppies from you at some point. Ive gotten to the point where I'm afraid to buy from my LPS, I had a severe columnaris outbreak that resulted in me losing 17 fish and breaking down the tank and disinfecting everything. When I set it back up, I went to both my LPS, amd one had active symptoms in their tanks, and despite buying from the one who didn't, I am now treating with tetracycline *sigh*

That cold snap was absolutely brutal, we had a 7 hour power outage, and I was amazed I didn't lose any fry (or any more than I have been....) or anyone from my 55.

I have a baby albino bristlenose, I just love her, she's the funniest little thing! Always scooting around on the side of the tank, sharing a chunk of algae wafer or shrimp pellet with the livebearers, or relaxing on her driftwood. They're just great fish.
 

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Sorry to hear about the insulation problem, but it sounds like you have some great projects happening soon. I'm looking forward to lots of photos!
 
Another "polar vortex" is supposed to hit again. Just a Fair warning to this time maybe you can prepare. I think its supposed to be this weekend
 
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  • #94
Another "polar vortex" is supposed to hit again. Just a Fair warning to this time maybe you can prepare. I think its supposed to be this weekend
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Oh yes, I'm quite aware.... With fingers crossed. I'm doing everything I can do to keep the room warm. Time will tell.... :-\
 
We're having a heat wave here and drought in CA. You're getting all the moisture we need but frozen :b
 
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  • #96
We have actually gotten very little moisture in cold temps here. It's either in the 40s-50s and rainy, or (like now) it is unreasonably cold given our region, and little moisture to speak of.

I saw a few snowflakes a couple of weeks ago. Nothing that would even begin to approximate accumulation.
 
From what I understand, humidity drops with temperature, I've had a hit and miss time keeping my plants happy outside with the weather craziness. We've been working on insulating our garage as well so I feel your pain, it doesn't seem like there is any real cheap or easy way to keep it warm in there.
 
We have actually gotten very little moisture in cold temps here. It's either in the 40s-50s and rainy, or (like now) it is unreasonably cold given our region, and little moisture to speak of.

I saw a few snowflakes a couple of weeks ago. Nothing that would even begin to approximate accumulation.
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I know, what the heck?! It's January in Georgia! I'm supposed to be walking around in short sleeves! Between the nonstop rain this summer and the "polar vortices" or whatever, I'm ready to move.
 
Aylad, just imagine how I feel up here in Ohio. These polar vortices are sure kicking the behinds of people who were going on about global warming..... I think we're entering another ice age.
 
Too cold to snow! I remember how much I hated those words when we lived in the northeast. We lived in an old building with no insulation whatsoever, and we were poor grad students who had to keep the thermostat at 59 degrees. No fish back then for me!

Ravenlady13, some of our friends have been working on global warming theory for decades. Extreme storms, including freezing cold, are among the consequences. It's been very difficult in this field. One of the guys who graduated with my husband has gotten death threats, not only for himself but also for his family. These are brilliant researchers and do not deserve the treatment they have received.
 

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