basement sump question
 

If I drill my main floor, How hard is it to repair the floor come house sale time ?

what type of flooring?

Drill through the wall, much easier to repair.
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I put my hole behind a built in cabinet, once the tank is gone no one will be the wiser :mrgreen:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1..._02_2012_1.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...1/DSC_6510.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...1/DSC_6488.jpg

I could also replace the hardwood if need be.

+1 patching drywall and re-paint of a wall is much easier than replacing flooring. Part of the problem with floor repairs is the fact that new pieces (especially hardwood) are never the same colour. With hardwood, the uv light flooding a home from windows will darken the flooring and not any spare you have tucked away in a box. New pieces will "catch up" in colour but it takes months if not a year before it looks similar to the pieces around it. Cutting into a wall and drilling up from the underneath into the wall cavity is much easier, just take your time locating it from below. I've done it several times now at my place. Even when there's a finished ceiling down stairs :eek:

What to cut into really depends on the individual situation. Wall sounds great unless your display happens to be situated up against an exterior wall with insulation etc. In that case, floor might be a better option despite any hassle about future repairs & colour matching floor material. You should also consider possible leaks & repairs. I would argue that through the floor the plumbing/fittings will be much more accessible & easier to fix in case of a leak.

I plan to set up a room divider tank at some point by replacing part of my kitchen counter which adjoins the dining room. I have no hesitation in tearing out the current counter, replacing it with a nice beefy stand to support a 5 foot display & drilling through the floor for a basement sump. The only wall available in my case is exterior & although I'll be opening it to replace some ancient wiring, I'll still drill through the floor under the counter for the drain & return plumbing. I've already framed a fish room directly under the intended display location to help support the main floor since the tank will run parallel to the joists.

Also must admit that I don't intend to move or sell the house. Only way I'm leaving this old house is feet first in a pine box. The kids will have to deal with selling the place, tank & all, or moving in & renovating.

Simple fix if you go through the floor. Put the hole in a place that a dummy Forced air outlet can be fitted at a later time. Cheap fix to an expensive hole ;)