Reef Room Build Out: Infrastructure

Building out a new reef room is a project in and of itself.  Without a single tank in the room, there is lots to do.  Unfortunately, I have two tanks, a sump, 2 Brute trash cans and a couple of shelving units in my way.  So, its not a pretty room right now.  And, its barely functional.

As I mentioned, the room was built with the following features:

  • Dedicated sink
  • 2 20amp dedicated circuits in a breaker panel supported by a 10,000w generator
  • sloping floor to a center drain, just in case
  • half wall for where the tank will be located (more on that later)

Otherwise, the room is empty.  First things first.  Since I was bringing livestock  into the room in a hurry, I needed RO/DI.  So, the first task was to set-up a permanent connection.  Check.  I really like the PEX plumbing and it was super eay to work with.  I now have a dedicated full time line to my RO/DI system.  And, I added a shut off valve as well, just in case.

Now, on to the construction.

I realized first that I needed more power.  So, I ran two more dedicated 20 amp circuits into the room.  You will notice that all of the outlets in the room are at head height.  I did that on purpose.  Electricity and water don’t mix, yet we are forced to run them together in a fish tank.  By putting all of the electricity UP, I plan to have the power above the water line at all times.  So, if something ever goes wrong, its just water, not electrical that gets impacted.  I plan to add shelves around the entire room and they will act as the conduits for the power and hold any ballasts or power bricks that are necessary.

The ceiling isn’t done yet, but I knew I needed more than just one light so I added a second switch and a second light, this one over the sink area where I will also have a workbench.  I also ran power for a bathroom exhaust fan that I plan to have running 24/7.

The walls were just framed.  That made it nice to run my extra power, but the outside walls are Superior walls and have metal studs and I don’t want to run the risk of anything rusting or corroding.  So, I have started drywalling the entire room using green board.  Green board is mold resistant and what they use in bathrooms.  I was happy with that and figured a few coats of spackle and paint and it would be perfect, right?

No of course not.  Drywall is not water proof.  Wait.  Ful Stop.  Before I go further, you should hop on over to ReefCentral and take a look at this fish room.  http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1482007

This is bookmarked (for me) as the BEST FISH ROOM.  His attention to detail is phenomenal.  So, that is my goal.  If my room can be as half as neat and clean and well thought out, then I am in good shape.

So, back to our topic at hand.  You will notice that Tom used something called FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) on the walls.  That is a great idea.  It is completely waterproof and it eliminates the need for lots of spackling and painting.  So, back to Lowes and Home Depot I went and got me some (expensive) FRP board.

The room is not complete yet.  But, I got started.  So, here are some pictures!!

Two Months Later. The room now has a 75g temporary tank and a 90g frag tank, holding all my coral and fish from the old house. All of this was at a friend's house for 9 months while the new house was built. Spent the last 2 weeks drywalling the room and adding FRP board (waterproof) to the walls. Not done yet, but here are the in process shots.

 

Two Months Later. The room now has a 75g temporary tank and a 90g frag tank, holding all my coral and fish from the old house. All of this was at a friend's house for 9 months while the new house was built. Spent the last 2 weeks drywalling the room and adding FRP board (waterproof) to the walls. Not done yet, but here are the in process shots.

 

Two Months Later. The room now has a 75g temporary tank and a 90g frag tank, holding all my coral and fish from the old house. All of this was at a friend's house for 9 months while the new house was built. Spent the last 2 weeks drywalling the room and adding FRP board (waterproof) to the walls. Not done yet, but here are the in process shots.

 

Two Months Later. The room now has a 75g temporary tank and a 90g frag tank, holding all my coral and fish from the old house. All of this was at a friend's house for 9 months while the new house was built. Spent the last 2 weeks drywalling the room and adding FRP board (waterproof) to the walls. Not done yet, but here are the in process shots.

 

Two Months Later. The room now has a 75g temporary tank and a 90g frag tank, holding all my coral and fish from the old house. All of this was at a friend's house for 9 months while the new house was built. Spent the last 2 weeks drywalling the room and adding FRP board (waterproof) to the walls. Not done yet, but here are the in process shots.

 

Started to spackle and then rethought the plan. Skipped the finish coat when I decided to go with FRP board

see how bad my spackle job was?

Two Months Later. The room now has a 75g temporary tank and a 90g frag tank, holding all my coral and fish from the old house. All of this was at a friend's house for 9 months while the new house was built. Spent the last 2 weeks drywalling the room and adding FRP board (waterproof) to the walls. Not done yet, but here are the in process shots.

 

This FRP board is awesome. Easy to install and waterproof. But, its a bear to cut and the dust is not goof for you. FRP = Fiberglass reinforced plastic.

 

And I will post more pictures when the walls are all finished.

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