SuncrestReef Posted January 21, 2020 Share Posted January 21, 2020 One year ago I posted a thread about planning an addition on our house including a fish room and larger new aquarium: It's been a long negotiation process, but I finally convinced my wife to agree to this project! I have made several revisions to my original plans, but here's the latest design. The addition will add a large 35'x20' room (700 sq feet) onto the back of the house with a large triangular multi-level deck, a built-in BBQ, and a hot tub. Inside the addition will be a 6-seat bar, a full 9' pool table, a half bathroom, a dedicated fish room, and a 8'x3' 360 gallon display tank! The fish room will be roughly 70 sq feet. I need to finalize a few design details, then contract with a builder. I have no idea on the timeframe for construction yet, but I hope to have things in place for the next summer BBQ party! Here are some renderings: 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R-3 Posted January 21, 2020 Share Posted January 21, 2020 Congrats! Looks like it will be very impressive. Good luck with everything 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danlu_gt Posted January 21, 2020 Share Posted January 21, 2020 Wow, congratulations! Eager to see your new tank and fish room next summer!Sent from my SM-N975U1 using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manny Tavan Posted January 21, 2020 Share Posted January 21, 2020 If you get rid of the hot tub, pool table and bar you could probably fit a 1000 gallon tank instead...just saying 2 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MERKEY Posted January 21, 2020 Share Posted January 21, 2020 Can't wait to see the end result!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reefnjunkie Posted January 21, 2020 Share Posted January 21, 2020 8 hours ago, Manny Tavan said: If you get rid of the hot tub, pool table and bar you could probably fit a 1000 gallon tank instead...just saying I was thinking near the same, at least the pool table Congrats on the upgrade 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pdxmonkeyboy Posted January 21, 2020 Share Posted January 21, 2020 That is awesome John!! Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albertareef Posted January 21, 2020 Share Posted January 21, 2020 Whoa... that is going to sweet! Not sure I would let a bunch of rambunctious fish geeks in there once it done 😁 Good luck on the execution phase... will no doubt be exciting. Any plans for who will build the tank? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuncrestReef Posted January 21, 2020 Author Share Posted January 21, 2020 5 minutes ago, albertareef said: Whoa... that is going to sweet! Not sure I would let a bunch of rambunctious fish geeks in there once it done 😁 Good luck on the execution phase... will no doubt be exciting. Any plans for who will build the tank? I'll probably look into Custom Aquariums since @Higher Thinking recently got his and it's the same dimensions I want. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreenJeans Posted January 21, 2020 Share Posted January 21, 2020 Wow! I'm sure your guests will be blown away! What'd you use to generate the floor plan and renders? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuncrestReef Posted January 21, 2020 Author Share Posted January 21, 2020 4 minutes ago, GreenJeans said: Wow! I'm sure your guests will be blown away! What'd you use to generate the floor plan and renders? I use Home Designer Pro, by Chief Architect: https://www.homedesignersoftware.com/products/home-designer-pro/ It's pretty impressive software. I reproduced my entire house all the way down to the doorknobs, trim moldings, and tile textures. Did I need to do that? No. 🤓 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albertareef Posted January 21, 2020 Share Posted January 21, 2020 1 minute ago, SuncrestReef said: I reproduced my entire house all the way down to the doorknobs, trim moldings, and tile textures. Why does this not surprise me in the least... 😀 It is really cool BTW. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreenJeans Posted January 21, 2020 Share Posted January 21, 2020 lol, that software is $500...there's gotta be something free that does a passable job... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuncrestReef Posted January 22, 2020 Author Share Posted January 22, 2020 10 hours ago, GreenJeans said: lol, that software is $500...there's gotta be something free that does a passable job... Here's a list of a few free options: https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/renovate/design/a28461218/best-free-home-interior-design-tools-apps-software/ I originally rented Home Designer Pro for a month at $49. After using it for several weeks, I liked it so much that I ended up purchasing it when it was on sale for $250, and they gave me credit for the rental fee on the purchase. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuncrestReef Posted January 22, 2020 Author Share Posted January 22, 2020 I made a few changes to improve the fish room position so it's now directly behind the tank. For those of you wondering why I didn't choose an in-wall aquarium, the reason I settled on my current design was due to negotiations with my wife. Since this is going to be a very expensive project, she is concerned about the resale value of the house and return on investment. After consulting with our realtor we decided to have the aquarium free standing so it could be removed easily without requiring major reconstruction. The small bathroom was also a requirement which is why I reduced the original size of the fish room. Beyond the overall architecture, I haven't yet started the official design process of the fish room. I'm going to leave my mixing station in the garage and run plumbing through the attic into the new fish room for auto water changes and ATO. I also plan to have the sump in the fish room rather than under the tank, along with a frag tank, utility sink, storage cabinets, and a desk for my microscope and where I can do water tests. Of course it will have a floor drain, mildew-resistant drywall, and maybe a dehumidifier. I'll reach out for input once I have a basic plan for the fish room equipment. Here's a walkthrough video: 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeremevans Posted January 22, 2020 Share Posted January 22, 2020 Very cool! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danlu_gt Posted January 22, 2020 Share Posted January 22, 2020 17 hours ago, SuncrestReef said: Here's a list of a few free options: https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/renovate/design/a28461218/best-free-home-interior-design-tools-apps-software/ I originally rented Home Designer Pro for a month at $49. After using it for several weeks, I liked it so much that I ended up purchasing it when it was on sale for $250, and they gave me credit for the rental fee on the purchase. Pretty cool but for that much, I expected animated fishes in the tank. 😉 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pdxmonkeyboy Posted January 22, 2020 Share Posted January 22, 2020 Super cool video... I would add a wrinkle.. have you thought of putting the tank where the TV in the bar is? Right now the tank is in the hallway. No place to.sit and state at the tank. I had a tank in a place like that and never really got to.enjoy it.In terms of tearing an in wall tank out and repairing what was done. That would literally take 4 2x4, a sheet of drywall and some paint. Seriosuly...don't let that influence your design. Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albertareef Posted January 23, 2020 Share Posted January 23, 2020 2 minutes ago, pdxmonkeyboy said: Right now the tank is in the hallway. No place to.sit and state at the tank I was curious about this myself. It's true that there are lots of views of the tank from adjoining rooms so it will certainly be noticeable but the premier front on angle is pretty much only available standing in the hallway. Of course, I know you will still take full advantage 😁 but somewhat limiting for "casual" viewing. Not that I have a better suggestion... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manny Tavan Posted January 23, 2020 Share Posted January 23, 2020 (edited) Seeing the video just reinforces the idea that the fishtank should be where the pool table is. With the same foot print Edited January 23, 2020 by Manny Tavan 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CuttleFishandCoral Posted January 23, 2020 Share Posted January 23, 2020 I’m super excited for u! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuncrestReef Posted January 23, 2020 Author Share Posted January 23, 2020 49 minutes ago, pdxmonkeyboy said: Super cool video... I would add a wrinkle.. have you thought of putting the tank where the TV in the bar is? Right now the tank is in the hallway. No place to.sit and state at the tank. I had a tank in a place like that and never really got to.enjoy it. In terms of tearing an in wall tank out and repairing what was done. That would literally take 4 2x4, a sheet of drywall and some paint. Seriosuly...don't let that influence your design. 43 minutes ago, albertareef said: I was curious about this myself. It's true that there are lots of views of the tank from adjoining rooms so it will certainly be noticeable but the premier front on angle is pretty much only available standing in the hallway. Of course, I know you will still take full advantage 😁 but somewhat limiting for "casual" viewing. Not that I have a better suggestion... 30 minutes ago, Manny Tavan said: Seeing the video just reinforces the idea that the fishtank should be where the pool table is. With the same foot print Thanks to everyone for the comments and opinions. We spend the majority of our time at home in the living room and/or at the round table just off the kitchen. The new bar will only be used primarily when entertaining guests, so placing the tank there would be in the place it will least often be seen. We never just sit on the couch across from our current tank. I like up-close views so I spend tons of time standing right in front of it and looking very closely at everything, or using my camera to shoot macro photos. During the day I spend a lot of time on my laptop sitting at the round table, so from there I'll have a great view of the left side and an angled view of the front, and since it will be 3' on the end that's still a pretty good view. As for repairing after removing an in-wall tank, keep in mind my wife's concern is if something happens to me, then the whole process is on her to resolve. By having a free-standing tank, that's less stress on her. It took a year to get her to buy in to this plan...I'm not about to re-open that can of worms now that I have approval to move forward. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pdxmonkeyboy Posted January 23, 2020 Share Posted January 23, 2020 Step 1. Send wife on "girls week vacationStep 2. Build what you want. Step 3. Damage control Foot note: I'm not the best guy for relationship advice....Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Optimusprime3605 Posted January 24, 2020 Share Posted January 24, 2020 Step 1. Send wife on "girls week vacationStep 2. Build what you want. Step 3. Damage control Foot note: I'm not the best guy for relationship advice....Sent from my SM-G960U using TapatalkAs the saying goes..."It's better to ask for forgiveness than permission"I love this adage! Sent from Atlantis 🤙 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albertareef Posted January 24, 2020 Share Posted January 24, 2020 1 hour ago, pdxmonkeyboy said: Foot note: I'm not the best guy for relationship advice.... Duly noted 😁 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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