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Just a quick update, ill be test filling the tank this weekend. had a couple of setbacks (mostly a back injury) that has made this whole process take much much longer than anticipated. ill update this thread with the results of the leak test over the next couple of weeks!

Thanks for the update and feel better! I know back pain is just the worst...

Had a few small pinhole leaks from the window, wasn't quick enough caulking all six tubes of silicone and it formed a skin leaving some tiny air bubbles in the seam. got an electric caulking gun and reinstalled the window so feeling much more confident this go round. going to let it cure for about 2 weeks then test fill again.

Can't wait to see...

need more picsss !!!!!!!!!

well the tank is holding water, have about 500 gallons in it. will have it completely filled tomorrow hopefully.



one of the problems i had with my last tank was anaerobic gas pockets building up in the sand. i put together a pvc grid with some holes drilled in it that im going to plumb up to a large air pump that will run twice a day for a few minutes to help move the sand around.



Sump plumbing is almost complete. drains into a 50 gallon rubbermade trashcan that is going to be filled with some sort of bio media topped with filter floss or some type of mechanical filter material. also plan on having a dedicated carbon reactor and purigen reactor in the sump as well. just waiting on pumps to finish off the plumbing.



there will be a 2 x 8 structure that will be attached to the tank functioning as a basking/land area which im hoping to incorporate a waterfall/stream into the main tank as well.



going to start working a 3d background as well. might try to diy something but not sure yet. any suggestions on background choices that dont break the bank?

It's been a while since I've read your last update. Very happy to see things are going well! Your tank is so impressive!

For your background, I highly recommend watching some videos of SerpaDesign on Youtube. He knows his animals and plants, and he makes amazing, natural looking, 3D background.

Very cool! How will you keep the sand from clogging the PVC?

I'd suggest you skip filter floss and get some coarse sponge from the craft store as mech filter media. Floss does a great job catching stuff but it clogs so darn quickly that it's really only useful as a polishing media.

the air pressure will be enough to blow the sand back out. im debating on using air or water to push though it though now though as water might be more efficient.

got the canopy framed out. will probably do some sort of diy backgound for the basking/land area. probably something similar to sherpadesigns. not sure how long the coco fiber will last though. im thinking im going to have a waterfall and a small stream flow through the land area and into the tank.

That looks amazing!

Thats gunna be turtle looooveee !!! keep us updated !!!

Impressive work! Now that spring has finally come I'm starting to get the urge to expand my set up also

getting close

Looking good!