Fishroom v2.0: concrete foundation walls

User

2500 Club Member
View Badges
Joined
Aug 15, 2017
Messages
4,523
Reaction score
7,476
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Hi guys

Im currently starting my fishroom v2.0 build- I moved into a new house and have a 14x20 basement space that has concrete foundation walls on two sides

question: should I coat the concrete with drylok, or leave it uncovered and rely on ventilation and moisture management to prevent condensation and damage?

Obviously I’ll have the moisture management in place regardless, but should I coat the walls first?

I only ask because I’ve had cinder blocks as tank stands in my old fishroom for 4 years and there is zero sign of any issues, despite the occasional spill. Can concrete stand up to saltwater air as long as I keep the humidity down?
Thanks

8DCB2860-FD4A-4AA3-9F25-BC9154E86BDC.jpeg
DDE8CB5A-1CC8-4AAA-BB0A-BDF78D6028F7.jpeg


Old fishroom with block stands
9D1B11C0-7F0A-42EF-A393-01B7C95C3AE1.jpeg
 

lapin

10K Club member
View Badges
Joined
Dec 16, 2017
Messages
10,572
Reaction score
17,709
Location
Austin
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Yes it can up to a degree. If you want piece of mind coat the walls. It is an easy job with a roller
 

Billdogg

Valuable Member
View Badges
Joined
Jun 3, 2017
Messages
2,091
Reaction score
3,108
Location
Grove City, Ohio
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I'm a big fan of Dryloc. I'd suggest at least 2 coats. Great stuff! I'd also make sure you cover the ceiling with something to keep the moisture away from all that insulation
 
OP
OP
User

User

2500 Club Member
View Badges
Joined
Aug 15, 2017
Messages
4,523
Reaction score
7,476
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I'm a big fan of Dryloc. I'd suggest at least 2 coats. Great stuff! I'd also make sure you cover the ceiling with something to keep the moisture away from all that insulation
Yep- going with green board, 2 coats of killz2 and then a bathroom latex paint.
I used the same combo on my plywood walls in my first fishroom- which I am
Having to demolish because the realtor thinks it’ll affect sales price. Anyway. I pulled a panel and the wall behind it had zero indication of moisture after 3.5 years
 
OP
OP
User

User

2500 Club Member
View Badges
Joined
Aug 15, 2017
Messages
4,523
Reaction score
7,476
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Holy cow- I just found out you can tint drylok, and one of the colors is very close to UNC Tar Heels blue.

done!
 

Jekyl

GSP is the devil and clowns are bad pets
View Badges
Joined
Jan 15, 2019
Messages
11,271
Reaction score
15,492
Location
Michigan
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Dehumidifier is about the same price as a 5gal bucket of drylok.
 

Billdogg

Valuable Member
View Badges
Joined
Jun 3, 2017
Messages
2,091
Reaction score
3,108
Location
Grove City, Ohio
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Dehumidifier is about the same price as a 5gal bucket of drylok.
Yes it is. And IMHO, you need both. Or a vent with humidistat to get rid of the moisture. The dryloc will prevent the wicking of moisture in to the room through the cement.
 
OP
OP
User

User

2500 Club Member
View Badges
Joined
Aug 15, 2017
Messages
4,523
Reaction score
7,476
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Yes it is. And IMHO, you need both. Or a vent with humidistat to get rid of the moisture. The dryloc will prevent the wicking of moisture in to the room through the cement.
Ventilation is already planned. 6” in line blower controlled with a humidistat.

the drylok was for spalling, effervescence and dust control. I had my wood workshop in my old basement and I would have to vacuum up fine concrete dust pretty much weekly.

My fishroom that I built out in that house had ventilation and never got above 60% humidity. I didn’t run a dehumidifyer and the walls never had any moisture condense on them. They were insulated however.
 

Mastering the art of locking and unlocking water pathways: What type of valves do you have on your aquarium plumbing?

  • Ball valves.

    Votes: 58 49.6%
  • Gate valves.

    Votes: 64 54.7%
  • Check valves.

    Votes: 28 23.9%
  • None.

    Votes: 28 23.9%
  • Other.

    Votes: 9 7.7%

New Posts

Back
Top