Sump in Crawl Space

vetdog · 08/22/2010, 08:38 PM

Hello all,

Not sure if this is the right place to post but here we go. I am getting ready to perform an upgrade to a 300 from a 150 and want the sump and other equipment out of the room where the display is located. I have a decent size crawl space directly under the tank that is easy to access. It stays around 65 degrees years round in the crawl space.
Has anyone here turned their crawl space into a sump room? Is this a bad idea? If anybody has please post pics as I think this would be a great. If you've done it, how have you made it work?

Thanks!!

Runfrumu · 08/22/2010, 09:04 PM

Crawl spaces are pretty dirty, plus with things like insulation hanging about the sump I wouldn't do it.

bad santa · 08/22/2010, 10:16 PM

I dont think it would be convienent to have your sump in the crawl space even if your entry point is nearby. You would have to deal with the "dirt" issue too.

mike_cmu04 · 08/22/2010, 10:33 PM

I would try to get it into the garage if you can crawlspace will be hard to work in and you dont want moisture issues under the floor.

jjk_reef00 · 08/22/2010, 10:51 PM

I wouldn't want to have to be bent over crawling on hands an knees to work in the sump.

vetdog · 08/23/2010, 06:32 AM

I was def concerned about possible moisture issues as I don't want to create a mold problem. The height of the crawl space where the sump would be is about 4 foot so I wouldn't have to crawl just crouch down. I was thinking garage but am worried about heat issues in the summer as the garage gets pretty warm. Any thoughts on whether the garage heat would be an issue or on how to control it besides using a chiller?

vetdog · 08/23/2010, 05:07 PM

bump

vetdog · 08/23/2010, 05:08 PM

Anybody keep their sump in the garage? If so how do you control the heat besides using a chiller?

cfd3lsd · 11/30/2015, 10:10 AM

Did you ever use the crawl space? I'm thinking to do the same. I have a crawl space (4ft height) plus a root cellar that connects at a about 6 ft. I'm thinking to use the root cellar area as the area to stand with equipment sitting in the crawl area (no bending over). The house is in Florida and is about 5k sq ft, with this area more than 25 ft away from the brick skirting (so temps stay moderate all year). Plastic is down and no insulation to worry with but I would to cover all equipment anyway.

slief · 11/30/2015, 10:25 AM

I think you would be fine if you can vent it out some how. The space doesn't sound much different than the space below a tank. In fact, it sounds bigger. If it were me, I would cover the walls and ceiling with FRP. If you can add some moisture resistant drywall under the FRP, that would a smart thing to do. I'd also suggest adding a pond liner to the floor and having it run a few inches up the walls. That way if you have a leak, it would be contained. Then add a hole to wall some place with a small fan so that you don't trap humidity. If the crawl apace backs up to an exterior wall, you could vent the space to the outside using the fan to remove the humidity.

BlackTip · 11/30/2015, 11:45 AM

Things I'd be concerned about are: mold, dust, temp fluctuation, sprayed chemicals for termite/etc, cost of replacing lost heat, access and convenience.

cfd3lsd · 12/13/2015, 08:44 AM

all good tips, I'll post pics soon.

ca1ore · 12/13/2015, 11:18 AM

As long as the crawl space is adequately ventilated and access really is easy, then I see no reason not to do it. Garage sump is fine too. Ran one for years and I simply insulated the sides and bottom really well. Didn't seem to lose/gain all that much heat frankly.

heathlindner25 · 12/13/2015, 02:00 PM

I knew a guy who ran one in his crawl space until the moisture ate his house apart.. needless to say it's not there anymore

cfd3lsd · 12/14/2015, 05:50 PM

the crawl space is 4' high in most areas for about 5000 sq ft. but it has a cellar section (cinder blocks) that is 8'x8' with 8' between floor to ceiling. It is the cellar section that I will focus. A brick skirt surround the entire bottom of the house but it has screen vents every 10'. I plan to finish enclosing the cellar section run a vent to one of the screen vent section (w/ a fan). I figure the total space under the house (which is very opened) is larger than most houses.

cfd3lsd · 12/14/2015, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slief

I think you would be fine if you can vent it out some how. The space doesn't sound much different than the space below a tank. In fact, it sounds bigger. If it were me, I would cover the walls and ceiling with FRP. If you can add some moisture resistant drywall under the FRP, that would a smart thing to do. I'd also suggest adding a pond liner to the floor and having it run a few inches up the walls. That way if you have a leak, it would be contained. Then add a hole to wall some place with a small fan so that you don't trap humidity. If the crawl apace backs up to an exterior wall, you could vent the space to the outside using the fan to remove the humidity.

This sound like a plan to work on!

Zacktosterone · 12/16/2015, 09:03 AM

i would say 100% crawl space is a bad idea. not only for your tank inhabitants because of issues already said. but for your home as well with the built up moisture

vetdog · 06/11/2017, 06:11 PM

Sorry I never replied. Was looking through old posts tonight. The sump in the crawl space was definitely awesome. Worked out so well and easy to work with. We have moved since and I built a fish room with built in wall tank and the moisture is a nightmare. Trying to figure it out

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

kalare · 06/11/2017, 06:36 PM

I believe Richard Ross of Steinhart Aquarium has a crawl space sump in his home reef. I'd link it, but not sure if that's allowed. His blog is easily googled and an article can be found under his "home reef" tab. I see no issues besides ease of access, so long as you actively (fan) vent the area. Note that crawl space in older homes are more times than not, not properly vented so you may have to add some.

Vinny Kreyling · 06/11/2017, 06:57 PM

Room unit AC in the fish room

08/22/2010, 08:38 PM	#1
vetdog Space cadet Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Huntingtown, MD Posts: 1,400	Sump in Crawl Space Hello all, Not sure if this is the right place to post but here we go. I am getting ready to perform an upgrade to a 300 from a 150 and want the sump and other equipment out of the room where the display is located. I have a decent size crawl space directly under the tank that is easy to access. It stays around 65 degrees years round in the crawl space. Has anyone here turned their crawl space into a sump room? Is this a bad idea? If anybody has please post pics as I think this would be a great. If you've done it, how have you made it work? Thanks!! __________________ Any emotion, if it is sincere, is involuntary. ~Mark Twain Current Tank Info: 300 gallon DD reef tank, RedSea MaxE260

08/22/2010, 09:04 PM	#2
Runfrumu Hi Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NC Posts: 1,014	Crawl spaces are pretty dirty, plus with things like insulation hanging about the sump I wouldn't do it. __________________ Red Sea Max 130d and 125 gallon mixed reef. Current Tank Info: 125 gallon oceanic tank, Lighthouse Pro XLS, 72" outer orbit fixture, H&S 150-F2000/1 skimmer, H&S 110 Calcium Reactor, Tunze 7096, 2 Tunze 6105's , Tunze Osmolator, Prime 1/4hp drop-in chiller. 5 years running. Red Sea Max, 3 years.

08/22/2010, 10:16 PM	#3
bad santa SCRK member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Whittier, CA Posts: 1,444	I dont think it would be convienent to have your sump in the crawl space even if your entry point is nearby. You would have to deal with the "dirt" issue too. __________________ Ed "Get Busy Living Or Get Busy Dying" "Were discussing man,...you have your wrong opinion i have my right one. Its called communication." Mac Inger Current Tank Info: working on establishing a 32 Gal. Nano-Cube

08/22/2010, 10:51 PM	#5
jjk_reef00 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 3,476	I wouldn't want to have to be bent over crawling on hands an knees to work in the sump. __________________ I need more fish tank appliances! --Ed Current Tank Info: 375 FOWLR

08/23/2010, 06:32 AM	#6
vetdog Space cadet Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Huntingtown, MD Posts: 1,400	I was def concerned about possible moisture issues as I don't want to create a mold problem. The height of the crawl space where the sump would be is about 4 foot so I wouldn't have to crawl just crouch down. I was thinking garage but am worried about heat issues in the summer as the garage gets pretty warm. Any thoughts on whether the garage heat would be an issue or on how to control it besides using a chiller? __________________ Any emotion, if it is sincere, is involuntary. ~Mark Twain Current Tank Info: 300 gallon DD reef tank, RedSea MaxE260

08/22/2010, 10:33 PM	#4
mike_cmu04 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Shepherd, Mi Posts: 2,348	I would try to get it into the garage if you can crawlspace will be hard to work in and you dont want moisture issues under the floor.

08/23/2010, 05:07 PM	#7
vetdog Space cadet Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Huntingtown, MD Posts: 1,400	bump __________________ Any emotion, if it is sincere, is involuntary. ~Mark Twain Current Tank Info: 300 gallon DD reef tank, RedSea MaxE260

08/23/2010, 05:08 PM	#8
vetdog Space cadet Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Huntingtown, MD Posts: 1,400	Anybody keep their sump in the garage? If so how do you control the heat besides using a chiller? __________________ Any emotion, if it is sincere, is involuntary. ~Mark Twain Current Tank Info: 300 gallon DD reef tank, RedSea MaxE260

11/30/2015, 10:10 AM	#9
cfd3lsd Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 160	Did you ever use the crawl space? I'm thinking to do the same. I have a crawl space (4ft height) plus a root cellar that connects at a about 6 ft. I'm thinking to use the root cellar area as the area to stand with equipment sitting in the crawl area (no bending over). The house is in Florida and is about 5k sq ft, with this area more than 25 ft away from the brick skirting (so temps stay moderate all year). Plastic is down and no insulation to worry with but I would to cover all equipment anyway.

11/30/2015, 10:25 AM	#10
slief RC Sponsor Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 14,173	I think you would be fine if you can vent it out some how. The space doesn't sound much different than the space below a tank. In fact, it sounds bigger. If it were me, I would cover the walls and ceiling with FRP. If you can add some moisture resistant drywall under the FRP, that would a smart thing to do. I'd also suggest adding a pond liner to the floor and having it run a few inches up the walls. That way if you have a leak, it would be contained. Then add a hole to wall some place with a small fan so that you don't trap humidity. If the crawl apace backs up to an exterior wall, you could vent the space to the outside using the fan to remove the humidity. __________________ Director Customer Support Royal Exclusiv USA For All Royal Exclusiv & Bubble King questions please refer to our Sponsor forum: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/fo...play.php?f=745 Current Tank Info: 480G display mixed reef, 90G sump, 90G refugium, 60G display refugium. Check out my build thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1783476

11/30/2015, 11:45 AM	#11
BlackTip Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 1,598	Things I'd be concerned about are: mold, dust, temp fluctuation, sprayed chemicals for termite/etc, cost of replacing lost heat, access and convenience. __________________ 325G DT. 100G sump. In-sump refugium. SRO-5000SSS. 2 Gyres 150. 2 Water Blaster HY-5000. 2 Razor 320W. Apex Gold. MR2 GFO. 2 800W Heaters. Tunze Osmolater. 2 20g-long QT tanks. Geo 624 CA. 80W UV

12/13/2015, 08:44 AM	#12
cfd3lsd Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 160	all good tips, I'll post pics soon.

12/13/2015, 11:18 AM	#13
ca1ore Grizzled & Cynical Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 17,319	As long as the crawl space is adequately ventilated and access really is easy, then I see no reason not to do it. Garage sump is fine too. Ran one for years and I simply insulated the sides and bottom really well. Didn't seem to lose/gain all that much heat frankly. __________________ Simon Got back into the hobby ..... planned to keep it simple ..... yeah, right ..... clearly I need a new plan! Pet peeve: anemones host clowns; clowns do not host anemones! Current Tank Info: 450 Reef; 120 refugium; 60 Frag Tank, 30 Introduction tank; multiple QTs

12/13/2015, 02:00 PM	#14
heathlindner25 Moved On Join Date: May 2012 Location: flowery branch georgia Posts: 3,644	I knew a guy who ran one in his crawl space until the moisture ate his house apart.. needless to say it's not there anymore

12/14/2015, 05:50 PM	#15
cfd3lsd Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 160	the crawl space is 4' high in most areas for about 5000 sq ft. but it has a cellar section (cinder blocks) that is 8'x8' with 8' between floor to ceiling. It is the cellar section that I will focus. A brick skirt surround the entire bottom of the house but it has screen vents every 10'. I plan to finish enclosing the cellar section run a vent to one of the screen vent section (w/ a fan). I figure the total space under the house (which is very opened) is larger than most houses.

12/16/2015, 09:03 AM	#17
Zacktosterone Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Sault Ste Marie Ont Posts: 2,475	i would say 100% crawl space is a bad idea. not only for your tank inhabitants because of issues already said. but for your home as well with the built up moisture

06/11/2017, 06:11 PM	#18
vetdog Space cadet Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Huntingtown, MD Posts: 1,400	Sorry I never replied. Was looking through old posts tonight. The sump in the crawl space was definitely awesome. Worked out so well and easy to work with. We have moved since and I built a fish room with built in wall tank and the moisture is a nightmare. Trying to figure it out Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Any emotion, if it is sincere, is involuntary. ~Mark Twain Current Tank Info: 300 gallon DD reef tank, RedSea MaxE260

06/11/2017, 06:36 PM	#19
kalare Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 399	I believe Richard Ross of Steinhart Aquarium has a crawl space sump in his home reef. I'd link it, but not sure if that's allowed. His blog is easily googled and an article can be found under his "home reef" tab. I see no issues besides ease of access, so long as you actively (fan) vent the area. Note that crawl space in older homes are more times than not, not properly vented so you may have to add some.

06/11/2017, 06:57 PM	#20
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	Room unit AC in the fish room __________________ 250 gallon mixed reef, 2 Reefbreeder's Photon V 2, Deepwater BLDC 12, DAS EX-3 Skimmer, MTC mini cal, 2-3/4" Sea Swirls, Aquacontroller & 6 Tunze pumps.

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