Monster Setups in your Garage?

[kageh124]

When I eventually upgrade to something 220g + I'm more than likely going to set it up in my garage. I live in the Central, FL so I don't think weather is a factor.

For those who have their tanks setup in their garage... can you kindly provide some sound advice about anything to keep in mind. Also, can you post pics of your setups in your garage?

Thanks in advance.

 

[spadoc79]

i dont have a pic on this PC but I have my 170g setup in my shop and have had it there for a few months now but i'm not happy with it....theres a couple of reasons its in the shop and not the livingroom..1) I resealed it and it was the first tank I resealed, I completley dismantled it and put it back together so didnt wanna take the chance...2) it is scratched up and isnt really a show piece. I'm getting a really nice 220g this weekend that will go in my living room with all my fish in it....having it in the shop gives me less time to enjoy it...I have to go sit in the shop to see my fish instead of being able to relax inside on the couch with my family to enjoy it...if you can I would place it in the house where its more convinient to view.

 

[isde02]

When I eventually upgrade to something 220g + I'm more than likely going to set it up in my garage. I live in the Central, FL so I don't think weather is a factor.

For those who have their tanks setup in their garage... can you kindly provide some sound advice about anything to keep in mind. Also, can you post pics of your setups in your garage?

Thanks in advance.

In a cf garage wouldn't heat from the weather be a issue? or humidity in the garage? If you do it put a drip system on your tank and run cold water through it to help control the heat in the summer.

 

[JK47]

A couple things to point out as you requested:

1) Garage floors are constructed to not be level (so water from outside can not pool in the garage) so you should take care up front on making sure the tank/stand is level.
2) If you would like to save on energy bill, insulate your garage before setting up your tanks.
3) Paint the walls with a good bathroom paint in case of spills etc.. (also House_64 will flip you crap for unfinished walls trust me)
4) If you plan to still park your car in the garage do the "new driver" trick and hang a tennis ball from the roof so you or your loved ones know when to stop and don't get too close to your tanks.
5) Make sure your on your game with pest control, you don't need rodents chewing on wires and what not.
6) Make sure your plug in's are rated p[roperly for the max amount of power usage.

I have all my tanks in the garage, left to right: 300g, 250g, 120g, 55g, 55g.

 

[kageh124]

In a cf garage wouldn't heat from the weather be a issue? or humidity in the garage? If you do it put a drip system on your tank and run cold water through it to help control the heat in the summer.

I'm honestly not sure? I know of a couple of people here in Central, Fl who have their setups in their garage and some of the fish farms over here in Daytona Beach and Tampa pretty much have those trough-like looking holding containers outside under big tents.

 

[Dan F]

In a cf garage wouldn't heat from the weather be a issue? or humidity in the garage? If you do it put a drip system on your tank and run cold water through it to help control the heat in the summer.

x2

When I visited my Aunt and Uncle in Central Florida in July their garage must have been 100 degrees with 99% humidity - I think it would cook your fish. Like isde02 said, you could cool it with a coldwater drip if your tapwater is cold enough. However, if you have chlorinated water that might be an issue, it would take a fairly high flow rate to keep your tank cooled off, especially if the incoming water is seventy-something degrees.

I have four tanks (135, 75, 65, 55) in my garage, but we don't get but a couple 90 degree days per year and my garage is insulated.

 

[kageh124]

A couple things to point out as you requested:

1) Garage floors are constructed to not be level (so not water from outside can pool in the garage) so you should take care up front on making sure the tank/stand is level.
2) If you would like to save on energy bill, insulate your garage before setting up your tanks.
3) Paint the walls with a good bathroom paint in case of spills etc.. (also House_64 will flip you crap for unfinished walls trust me)
4) If you plan to still park your car in the garage do the "new driver" trick and hang a tennis ball from the roof so you or your loved ones know when to stop and don't get too close to your tanks.
5) Make sure your on your game with pest control, you don't need rodents chewing on wires and what not.
6) Make sure your plug in's are rated p[roperly for the max amount of power usage.

I have all my tanks in the garage, left to right: 300g, 250g, 120g, 55g, 55g.

View attachment 815597

Thanks for the tips! I know one thing I was concerned about was BUGS! There's a lot of them here... during the winter months it's not so bad but between May and September it gets pretty annoying. As far as insulation... are you suggesting this so I can keep the water in the tanks warm? January and February can get pretty nippy here in the evenings but the temperature rises back up to the low 80's even in those winter months.

 

[kageh124]

x2

When I visited my Aunt and Uncle in Central Florida in July their garage must have been 100 degrees with 99% humidity - I think it would cook your fish. Like isde02 said, you could cool it with a coldwater drip if your tapwater is cold enough. However, if you have chlorinated water that might be an issue, it would take a fairly high flow rate to keep your tank cooled off, especially if the incoming water is seventy-something degrees.

I have four tanks (135, 75, 65, 55) in my garage, but we don't get but a couple 90 degree days per year and my garage is insulated.

Thanks, I'll look into that heat and humidity issue... I'm not 100% sure but even if the temperature gets that high... I'm not sure if the water actually reaches that temperature as well? I'll check though.

 

[isde02]

x2

When I visited my Aunt and Uncle in Central Florida in July their garage must have been 100 degrees with 99% humidity - I think it would cook your fish. Like isde02 said, you could cool it with a coldwater drip if your tapwater is cold enough. However, if you have chlorinated water that might be an issue, it would take a fairly high flow rate to keep your tank cooled off, especially if the incoming water is seventy-something degrees.

I have four tanks (135, 75, 65, 55) in my garage, but we don't get but a couple 90 degree days per year and my garage is insulated.

I used to live in Tampa and the garage was hot most of the day.

 

[Dan F]

Thanks, I'll look into that heat and humidity issue... I'm not 100% sure but even if the temperature gets that high... I'm not sure if the water actually reaches that temperature as well? I'll check though.

It takes time for the water temperature to catch up to the air temperature, but with the added heat from lights and pumps the tank will actually get warmer than the air. Having open tops and air movement helps, but as the humidity goes up the evaporative cooling effect diminishes. The main problem would be when the garage is closed and the sun shines in windows and on the door. Put a thermometer in your garage and see what it gets up to on a sunny day around 3:00 PM.