Humidity from tanks can lead to bad things - Page 2

mcrist · 05/07/2010, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rholguin

What is the safe percentage of humidity a house should have?

Mold is supposed to grow above 65% humidity so anything below 60 should be good. Personally I shoot for 50 and under.

nmhs2 · 05/07/2010, 09:33 PM

this site has some good insight and information on humidity, very helpful http://www.blueflame.org/datasheets/humidity.html

AngelAddict · 05/08/2010, 10:39 AM

I think I am just going to get a 70 pint dehumidifier and a hygrometer to monitor my humidity levels. Seems 40 is the Max you want it? If I can't keep the humidity levels down, I'll have to look into some sort of fan ventilation system.

MarineGirl411 · 05/08/2010, 11:53 AM

i use a GE dehumidifier. Works awesome and very inexpensive!

AngelAddict · 05/08/2010, 01:49 PM

I found a frigidair 70 pint for about $210 at best buy. Don't know how that compares to others. From what I found, it seemed to be the best bang for the buck given its size.

dmack · 05/08/2010, 09:35 PM

Due to the humidity, is it necessary to block off the section in the basement where the sump is to isolate the humid air? (a dedicated sump room)? Or are you guys just dehumidifying the whole basement?

AngelAddict · 05/12/2010, 07:44 AM

Want to bump this thread again. I'm still worried about setting up my 220g in a sealed basement where the finished room is roughly 14x16. I bought a big dehumidifier but I'm worried about having an expensive LED TV with other audio equipment getting ruined from this. I'm going to try my best to seal the tank with lids and the stand as well. Thoughts? I might sell everything if it's too much of a risk.

mcrist · 05/12/2010, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmack

Due to the humidity, is it necessary to block off the section in the basement where the sump is to isolate the humid air? (a dedicated sump room)? Or are you guys just dehumidifying the whole basement?

You can do it either way since they both have their own advantages. If you seal of the sump room you can limit the destructive nature of moisture to one room but I didn’t go that route. I choose to dehumidify the entire house since my sump is in the basement and my display is on the first floor.

AngelAddict · 05/12/2010, 08:56 AM

How did you dehumidify your entire house?

mcrist · 05/12/2010, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngelAddict

How did you dehumidify your entire house?

I purchased a whole house dehumidifier and I have it connected to my HVAC. A whole house dehumidifier costs more than a standalone unit but they use less electricity.

I recently found out that they make dehumidifiers that use natural gas but they are very expensive. Maybe one day I will switch over to natural gas.

AngelAddict · 05/12/2010, 09:30 AM

Where do you buy a whole house dehumidifier? I've heard of then but never seen one for sale or the costs. I have gas heat and a big standalone dehumidifier in my basement room. I paid $230 for that one, how much more would a house unit cost if you don't kind me asking? Something you can install or remove yourself? Any negative effects or reasons not to do this? Do you not need to ventilate the house then by doing this? Sorry for all the questions, I just need to find a solution to my problem.

mcrist · 05/12/2010, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngelAddict

Where do you buy a whole house dehumidifier? I've heard of then but never seen one for sale or the costs. I have gas heat and a big standalone dehumidifier in my basement room. I paid $230 for that one, how much more would a house unit cost if you don't kind me asking? Something you can install or remove yourself? Any negative effects or reasons not to do this? Do you not need to ventilate the house then by doing this? Sorry for all the questions, I just need to find a solution to my problem.

I purchased mine from a local company that does air quality testing and restoration services but you can purchase the units separately if you’re comfortable hooking them up yourself. I think I paid about $1500-1800 but that also includes installation. The dehumidifier was manufactured by Therma-Stor and it works very well but I am sure there are more companies out there. The only negative I can see is the upfront costs and maybe connecting it to your HVAC. No additional ventilation needed but the newer model allow for outside venting if you wish to pull in outside air.

AngelAddict · 05/12/2010, 10:11 AM

Thanks for the help, I think I will consider that as a last option. With my basement being hooked up to the intake/exhaust of the central AC/heat system and having a large dehumidifier going, I'm hoping to be OK. If not I will install a small ventilation fan in the one window of my basement vented directly to the tank stand/canopy. If all else fails I'll try the house dehumidifier.

05/08/2010, 11:53 AM	#29
MarineGirl411 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 2,583	i use a GE dehumidifier. Works awesome and very inexpensive! __________________ I am a reefaholic and there is no cure. =) Current Tank Info: 90 gallon reef, Cardiff Nano Seahorse tank.

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05/07/2010, 09:33 PM	#27
nmhs2 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Boston Posts: 224	this site has some good insight and information on humidity, very helpful http://www.blueflame.org/datasheets/humidity.html

05/08/2010, 10:39 AM	#28
AngelAddict Moved On Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 455	I think I am just going to get a 70 pint dehumidifier and a hygrometer to monitor my humidity levels. Seems 40 is the Max you want it? If I can't keep the humidity levels down, I'll have to look into some sort of fan ventilation system.

05/08/2010, 01:49 PM	#30
AngelAddict Moved On Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 455	I found a frigidair 70 pint for about $210 at best buy. Don't know how that compares to others. From what I found, it seemed to be the best bang for the buck given its size.

05/08/2010, 09:35 PM	#31
dmack Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Baltimore Posts: 464	Due to the humidity, is it necessary to block off the section in the basement where the sump is to isolate the humid air? (a dedicated sump room)? Or are you guys just dehumidifying the whole basement?

05/12/2010, 07:44 AM	#32
AngelAddict Moved On Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 455	Want to bump this thread again. I'm still worried about setting up my 220g in a sealed basement where the finished room is roughly 14x16. I bought a big dehumidifier but I'm worried about having an expensive LED TV with other audio equipment getting ruined from this. I'm going to try my best to seal the tank with lids and the stand as well. Thoughts? I might sell everything if it's too much of a risk.

05/12/2010, 08:56 AM	#34
AngelAddict Moved On Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 455	How did you dehumidify your entire house?

05/12/2010, 09:30 AM	#36
AngelAddict Moved On Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 455	Where do you buy a whole house dehumidifier? I've heard of then but never seen one for sale or the costs. I have gas heat and a big standalone dehumidifier in my basement room. I paid $230 for that one, how much more would a house unit cost if you don't kind me asking? Something you can install or remove yourself? Any negative effects or reasons not to do this? Do you not need to ventilate the house then by doing this? Sorry for all the questions, I just need to find a solution to my problem.

05/12/2010, 10:11 AM	#38
AngelAddict Moved On Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 455	Thanks for the help, I think I will consider that as a last option. With my basement being hooked up to the intake/exhaust of the central AC/heat system and having a large dehumidifier going, I'm hoping to be OK. If not I will install a small ventilation fan in the one window of my basement vented directly to the tank stand/canopy. If all else fails I'll try the house dehumidifier.