New Member looking for advice on first fish room build

[gregf]

I have been surfing the net for the last couple weeks trying to get ideas on how to set up my fish room and came across several articals from members of this site and had to join it myself. I have some ideas on how I would like to set up the room, but still stuck in the planning phase and would like input from more experienced fish keepers. I am from Ocean Springs,MS and I have been keeping fish for almost 8 years now since i rescued my first 55G from a friend that lost her house during hurricane Katrina. Since then I have purchased another 55G, 29G, 20G, and 10G tanks. Just recently I purchased alot of tanks and equipment from a local fish store that went out of business. I will list the items later in this posting. My plans on the fish room are to breed and raise SA Cichlids from lakes Malawi and Tang. The tanks I purchased are 44G long and 33G long and are all predrilled, but I am very interested in the air driven filteration using a linear pump and sponge filters.

The equipment that I purchased was:
9x 33G long
16x 40G long
40x HOB filters(Several brands)
13x 48in hood lights
20x heaters(Different brands and sizes)
5x canister filters(All Fluval 4x305 and 1x405)
2x sumps(not sure sizes but are plastic and were in display tank racks)
2x Fluval Nano(still in boxes)
1x Fluval Shrimp Habitat(still in box)
2x 5G bucket of deco rocks
3x Metal display racks 3 tier high(Mars brand)

With this equipment I have a good start on some of the items for my fish room, but still can decide what way to go. The fish room is a closed in part of my garage that is 24ftLX6ftWx8ftH. There is no central AC, but I have a window unit that will run the room along with a dehumidifier. The room already has a utility sink with access to water pipes. I am currently looking for a local welder to refurbish my 3 metal racks and to quote me prices on a couple new ones to be made or I will just make the racks out of wood.

Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated and I will most defiantly start a thread of my build once the plan is put together.

 

[Fish on Fire]

A filtration system driven by a central air pump would definitely be the cheapest and easiest way to go. Sponge filters are also very good mechanical and biological filters overall. To make water changes easier, you can try to plumb the tanks for an automatic water change system. I'd insulate the room really well and find some way to heat the room instead of each tank individually with that many aquariums to keep warm. Good luck with the project and look forward to a set-up thread with pictures.

 

[gregf]

Thanks for responding. Have been looking at some DIY water change ideas. Room will be insulated very well and not planning on heating each tank individually. Cleaning alot of the filters, heaters, and light hoods hoping to sell them on craigslist to help fund my build.

 

[robmcd]

Hey greg welcome to MFK. Thanks again for the help in finding a LFS in your area. You live in a cool little town and I really enjoy visiting there. Looking forward to seeing your fishroom build. Good luck man !!!

 

[gregf]

Thanks. Ocean Springs is a nice town to live in. Getting closer to starting the build, just need to tie up a few more things and then I will get started.

 

[Pharaoh]

Welcome. I plan on posting a thread on the rebuild of my fish room. Completely run on air driven sponge filters. You might find it helpful. Keep an eye out. Otherwise, I'll be watching to see how your room progresses.