Starting to plan for my dream build!

Hefromabove

New Member
View Badges
Joined
Sep 21, 2020
Messages
10
Reaction score
12
Location
Bethlehem
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Two years ago me and my girlfriend bought our first house together. When we made our purchase I made it very clear that there were only two things I wanted. First was an external structure I can use as a woodworking shop, and second was space for a massive fish tank. The first was easy, as we have a 2 car detached garage with an upstairs. So i quickly claimed half the downstairs and the upstairs as mine. The second would prove a lot more difficult. Slowly over the years we've been doing remodeling and renovations room by room. Every now and then I would bring up the fish tank and my girlfriend would complain about how it's just a money pit and not worth it, to her credit it is in fact a money pit. Despite that I've been very adamant about still wanting my fish tank. At first I was planning on setting it up in a spare room we were going to use as an office, but the logistics didn't work out and I wasn't about to start suggesting major construction changes to the house when I was already getting opposition. Well fast forward to about a month ago. We have a sun room that was once a deck, the previous owner put a hot tub and enclosed it. We've been using that space as a sort of storage area for construction supplies and trash and haven't used the hot tub since moving in. We had a long discussion and decided neither of us wants to deal with keeping it serviced so we're getting rid of the hot tub. As an almost off hand joke I suggested replacing it with my fish tank, to my surprise my girlfriend wasn't fully against the idea. After a few more discussions, consulting with my lfs and more persuading I've finally got the green light. We started renovations out there this past weekend and are going to start removing the hot tub this up coming weekend. Now that I've gotten a solid yes I can start planning. How big do you think is feasible? I attached a before cleaning, before and after cleaning, what it currently looks like now that we started pulling carpet, and a look at where the water hookup is that used to be for running a hose. There's a lot of work to do but it'll be worth it.

Resized_20240727_131038.jpeg Resized_20240727_130949.jpeg Resized_20240809_181402.jpeg Resized_20240809_181355.jpeg
 
OP
OP
Hefromabove

Hefromabove

New Member
View Badges
Joined
Sep 21, 2020
Messages
10
Reaction score
12
Location
Bethlehem
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Honestly, that's way too many windows to put a tank next to.
My plan for the windows is to first get them all replaced because they're in horrible shape. Then get solar shades to block out the light. Not only will that be good for the tank, but also will help keep the room cooler during the summer. We're also planning on replacing the roof. After that I'm going to see how effective that is at helping to stabilize the temperature out there, and if need be, I'll frame out the room so I can add additional insulation. I know it's not an ideal space as is right now, but I'm willing to put in the work to make it so I can have my dream tank.
 

BZOFIQ

5000 Club Member
View Badges
Joined
Jul 31, 2014
Messages
5,049
Reaction score
4,313
Location
NYC
Rating - 100%
9   0   0
My plan for the windows is to first get them all replaced because they're in horrible shape. Then get solar shades to block out the light. Not only will that be good for the tank, but also will help keep the room cooler during the summer. We're also planning on replacing the roof. After that I'm going to see how effective that is at helping to stabilize the temperature out there, and if need be, I'll frame out the room so I can add additional insulation. I know it's not an ideal space as is right now, but I'm willing to put in the work to make it so I can have my dream tank.

Well, with that in mind you've got yourself plenty of space for a fish room. I always say, bigger is better and you certainly have the space.

Have fun!
 
Back
Top