Basement waterproofing

[WvAquatics]

I am planning a large Fowler in my basement. Issue is it's only 7ft to the support beams for the 1st floor. Should I do something to keep moisture from collecting on the wood or will a humidifier solve the problem. Ps I'm in the 700-1000 gallon depends on what footprint I decide on

 

[blaxsun]

A dehumidifier will help, yes - but I don't know if that would be sufficient given the size of the tank you're planning. An air exchange (if you have one) will also help. I have both in my fish room, but it's only a 200-gallon system.

 

[amoore311]

Height of the tank to floor joists above will be the measurement you need.

dehumidifier will help, but isn’t doing anything for salt mist coming in contact with formerly dry joists. They will suck that water up like a sponge.

personally, I would not be putting that much water volume in the basement without dehumidification, an air exchanger (HRV), AND vapor barrier at least directly above the tank(s).

 

[WvAquatics]

The floor joists will be about two feet above water level. So def a humidifier. I will look into air exchanger. I was thinking some frp on ceiling to block the moisture. But I appreciate the answers so I can plan for this before the tank build starts

 

[AlexG]

I used plastic to protect my ceiling in the basement and FRP boards on the walls. The main concern is moisture absorbing into the wood of the floor above. A vent fan and dehumidifier can help but its important to keep the moisture contained and mitigated before it can absorb into your home.

 

[Yodeling]

Is the basement finished or unfinished? If unfinished, is there a vapor barrier on th exterior walls?

 

[Freenow54]

I am planning a large Fowler in my basement. Issue is it's only 7ft to the support beams for the 1st floor. Should I do something to keep moisture from collecting on the wood or will a humidifier solve the problem. Ps I'm in the 700-1000 gallon depends on what footprint I decide on

One thing Your main concern is mold. Air movement over tank would be an idea plastic will create a rainforest maybe. If unfinished ceiling would vapor barrier it, and finish ceiling maybe green drywall, and walls will do. Cheap and is made for shower installs. Along with dehumidifier, and HRV as suggested. You can finish drywall with unsandable drywall compound.

 

[Fishnut]

Will you be using a tank canopy? That will definitely help. Is there a forced air furnace close by? I haven’t had issues since cutting an intake vent into the ductwork. Winter heat season dries the air and the air conditioning works like a dehumidifier during the summer. Winter humidity stays around 35. Summer ~65

 

[WvAquatics]

It is unfinished. I'm not sure if there is a vapor barrier.

 

[WvAquatics]

One thing Your main concern is mold. Air movement over tank would be an idea plastic will create a rainforest maybe. If unfinished ceiling would vapor barrier it, and finish ceiling maybe green drywall, and walls will do. Cheap and is made for shower installs. Along with dehumidifier, and HRV as suggested. You can finish drywall with unsandable drywall compound.

Sorry last one didn't quote. It's unfinished so no vapor barrier on the concrete walls.

 

[WvAquatics]

Will you be using a tank canopy? That will definitely help. Is there a forced air furnace close by? I haven’t had issues since cutting an intake vent into the ductwork. Winter heat season dries the air and the air conditioning works like a dehumidifier during the summer. Winter humidity stays around 35. Summer ~65

Well my plan is to do a 12inch stand. Then 48" plywood. But only have water at 36". So I could build a canopy on top. But my worry would be mounting lights in the canopy. Yes the gas furnace will be about 10 ft away.

 

[WvAquatics]

I used plastic to protect my ceiling in the basement and FRP boards on the walls. The main concern is moisture absorbing into the wood of the floor above. A vent fan and dehumidifier can help but its important to keep the moisture contained and mitigated before it can absorb into your home.

I thought about plastic on the floor joist. And also thinking frp on ceiling. I'm following your build as this will be a plywood build also. I'm thinking 10'x4'x3'. Plenty of room for big predators. Tangs,triggers,wrasses,angels, butterfly and Maroon clown pair. I'd love a group of clowns but not worth the chances of fighting.

 

[workhz]

You’re going to be spending a fair bit of money on that size of tank. I’d do whatever I could to protect the joists directly above and in general to control humidity in the entire area.

 

[WvAquatics]

Plan is a low maintenance Fowlr. Thinking about roller mat, lifereef skimmer, and algea scrubber. An mollies in sump for food gut loaded of course

 

[WvAquatics]

You’re going to be spending a fair bit of money on that size of tank. I’d do whatever I could to protect the joists directly above and in general to control humidity in the entire area.

Yes it will be alot of money. Thus why I'm asking now. I also thought about painting floor joist with epoxy also

 

[WvAquatics]

No corals so some cheap shop light t-5 or t-8 just to view the fish.

 

[Brian_68]

A gas furnace only 10 feet away from that much saltwater will be destroyed in short order, dehumidifier or not.

 

[WvAquatics]

A gas furnace only 10 feet away from that much saltwater will be destroyed in short order, dehumidifier or not.

Well that complicate things. Thoughts on rectifying this problem?
First thought enclose the furnace into it own room. This involves framing that section. Thus blocking the furnace from any direct drafts.

 

[WvAquatics]

There is a window so I can try to get the air exchanger or a fan to push moister out the window. Then the humidifier will be in corner with sump and water mixing station. Since this will be the humid area from the heaters. Onto research.

 

[WvAquatics]

https://www.acinfinity.com/hvac-hom...-exhaust-ventilation-fan-14-speed-controller/ something like this should be mountable in the window to pull humidity out.