Hoping to get some advice on an ever cascading list of questions on aquarium/sump placement.
For background anticipating 120gal 48x24 reef tank, LED lighting, sump in basement below tank (40-75 Gal?).
I'll try to summarize issues as cleanly as possible:
Aquarium Placement
In the corner of my den I have a 58"x24" alcove. Would like to center a tank in this as the front would then be flush with adjacent wall. Items of note:
Sump Placement
Basement is great for a fishroom, problem is the HVAC equipment is a few feet in front of where the footprint of the alcove would be. And now the questions:
Lots of cost, work and effort I'm excited to start but still in planning phases. Thx.
For background anticipating 120gal 48x24 reef tank, LED lighting, sump in basement below tank (40-75 Gal?).
I'll try to summarize issues as cleanly as possible:
Aquarium Placement
In the corner of my den I have a 58"x24" alcove. Would like to center a tank in this as the front would then be flush with adjacent wall. Items of note:
- The adjacent wall has a natural fireplace (~4' from edge of alcove). Testing shows minimal temperature change in the alcove during a fire Concerns?
- A header is directly over what would be the front of the tank (flush with the fireplace wall) and drywalled. Effectively this makes a 58"x20"x14(height)" cavity directly over where the tank would be. Concern is moisture buildup. Thought is to place the sump in the basement and cover the aquarium to minimize evaporation in this area. Right to be concerned on moisture buildup?
- Size of tank and space would allow 5" on either side for cleaning. Space concerns?
- Light switch would be within 5" of the tank no plans to get it wet but we all know... I'd have minimal room to repair if it breaks given 5" clearance. Salt creep issues?
Sump Placement
Basement is great for a fishroom, problem is the HVAC equipment is a few feet in front of where the footprint of the alcove would be. And now the questions:
- I assume I'd want some space away from any HVAC equipment for salt creep, so I'd build a room 1' away from HVAC system to enclose a fishroom. Concerns on HVAC proximity?
- Headloss would be about 10-15' depending on how high I mount the return pump, would run everything with 1" or 1.5" flexible PVC tubing. 10-15' height and another 20' of horizontal runs would be ~30' run, any concerns on length of supply/return?
- Finally - since I'm proposing to cover the tank I'd ensure the sump is uncovered & lots of surface area. Since the fish room (15'x10') will be enclosed I'd imagine an exhaust fan would be prudent. Will add a frag tank, QT, RODI system, ATO, and water tanks eventually. Just making sure the fan would be required?
Lots of cost, work and effort I'm excited to start but still in planning phases. Thx.