I finally got some time to silicone the grate supports and the gravel retaining edges. This is a rough draft of the tank and I will be editing during this week.
I went to the stream and collected some rocks, pebbles and gravel.
I already realized I do not need to wait for the algae to grow all over the rocks when I can just collect algae covered rocks from the stream and be ready to go.
Filling a the gaps with gravel. I only put a thin layer to keep the weight down. In total I must have used 45-50kg (99-110Lbs) of hardscape materials.
I found some glass load bearing calculators online and between a handful of them I came to the conclusion that 70-80kg (154-176Lbs) was the max I would go.
I also wanted some light to filter through to the false bottom.
After it was set up I did the "earthquake test". That is basically grabbing the tank by the top bracing and shaking it back and forth and side to side to make sure nothing will collapse during a real earthquake.
An better angle to see the whole scape.
Some details
The left "intake" side. Some of the stones overlap just to break up the straight line of the grate edging.
The stones in the top middle make a small cave, the two large stones on the right make a cave that can house a few fish. The bottom stone also provides shelter from current.
The large middle stone and two supporting stones create a nice little eddy for the fish to rest in.
As it started filling it created channels.
Looking for the left side of the tank.
Here you can see the two caves.
Top view of the right "output" side of the tank looking left. Behind the largest rock is a mound of gravel to add another place and different type of area the fish can rest in.
The right side of the tank. The back most rock on the right is also a small cave.
The round stone in the middle is almost completely a cave underneath.
View attachment 1340632
Filling up.
The tank 5 mins after filling. The wood was adding for something a little more organic looking.
I plan to go and get larger rocks covered in algae. I also want to get one or two floating mats of algae to act as "cover" for the fish. It should, if logic prevails, stay on the left side of the tank.
I will look for a few long filaments to drape around the wood making it look like it got snagged in the current.