Habitat - Indoor :: Indoor Pond and Humidity!

[CactusJohn5]

Okay so i have an issue, well i think it is an issue.

My old house had a HORRIBLE humidity problem, i thought it was from the fact it was an old house and wasn't very well built or sealed, BUT i recently moved to a temporary house for a couple months while my new home is build and the humidity where my indoor pond is, is ALWAYS in the 80% range. Anyone else have indoor hymidity problems with a pond?

How to i fix this issue? I am thinking about making a cover for 80% of the top, would that help at all?

[Kansasslider]

I have got the same problem with my tank in the basement. I have bare copper water pipes that drip condensation during the winter. Every thing made of steel in the basement tools etc are rusting. I think I need to install an exhaust fan? I'm using damp rid right now but I don't think that's enough.

[Joddog]

Maybe run a dehumidifier?

[Kansasslider]

It would have to be a big one. I'm not sure about cost between the 2? For me a fan would be cheaper but it would force warm air outside? And draw cold air in!!

[CactusJohn5]

I am thinking about the dehumidifier, but it would have to be a pretty big one. I am losing about 10 gallons a week to "evaporation". Thanks Kansasslider, i bet it is an indoor pond problem, now, and nothing that can really be done about it, hopefully a veteran will chime in on this issue.

[Kansasslider]

Problem is not that many people have big tanks. I'm might talk with someone that sets up indoor hot tubs. They must have the same issue.

[Kansasslider]

The more I looked at indoor hot tubs/pools the more I'm leaning to buying a dehumidifier. 70 pint a day size. Going to set me back about $200. But I can't put up with the pipe condensation again this winter. I will post more when I buy one and post results.

[devilduck]

I would be worried that all the moisture will lead to mold. I think the best thing would be to talk to your local HVAC guy.

[Kansasslider]

Its funny you say that Devilduck. I'm a union Brick Mason and have asked several guys on job sites about this. I get answers like just wrap the pipe in insolation. To get an exhaust fan to buy a dehumidifier. I'm going with the dehumidifier.

[CactusJohn5]

So i take it, a dehumidifier is the best answer

[Kansasslider]

That was my conclusion. I will try a store bought portable unit and see if its big enough to do the job. I wonder what RH I should be looking to keep the room 50%? I thought about an exhaust fan but I was reading about people that installed them just to add a dehumidifier later. They also make whole house dehumidifiers. But they can get pricy.
http://www.allergybuyersclub.com/dehumidifierhelp.html

[CactusJohn5]

I have a 350$ portable AC unit that also can be used as a dehumidifier, it just has a REALLY small tank, so i will make a hose and use a 5 gallon bucket, and it should do the trick

[Kansasslider]

I'm going to run a hose to my basement drain. I don't want to mess with emptying the bucket either.

[Kansasslider]

Ok so I bought a large dehumidifier. I only have to run it for 1 hour per day to keep the humidity at 50%. Longer in the summer. One of the best investments I ever made. No more sweating pipes!

[CactusJohn5]

do you mind sharing what brand you bought?