Fill rate? Fill pace?

[Andyroo]

In filling a tank, particualrly first-fill:
is it best to fill a portion (50%), wait 48hrs(?), fill to 80%, wait 48hrs(?) then to top,
or does it not matter - just fill it & be done.

... damage per gallon notwithstanding, that is.

In this would there be differences with glass, silicone and different structural framing - steel vs wood vs fibreglass, for example?

 

[Jexnell]

Brand new tank, fill er up all the way.

Second hand used tank that you have not seen it hold water. I would set it up in the garage, driveway for a water test at least to see if it leaks. That way if it does leak it won't do it all over your house.

 

[Andyroo]

Thanks Jex. Is there a pace or timeline on a fill that maybe allows the structure (glass?) to rest or tighten or spring or something? Maybe minimizes the likelihood of drama in the short or longer-term? Firehose or trickle or piece-piece with a day's rest in between?
Or does it just not matter?

 

[Jexnell]

My new tanks, I filled them at the normal rate water flows from the faucet. So long as your tanks are level, I see no issues.

 

[Jexnell]

When they redid my bathroom two years ago they changed out all the 60's era plumbing to modern low flow stuff. So now I get a gallon per min rate if that helps any.

 

[Andyroo]

Ok, Q #2: Sand, non-water habitat & decor.
Does sand & habitat reduce the water-weight on the glass & seams?
Or is it simply about height to the water's surface?

IE: do I add sand etc at 85% then fill, or finish the test fill to-top & then remove water for the sand? Planted tank, lots of sand.

Yes, I'm terrified (read: paranoid... hopefully) and looking for every trivial little advantage

 

[Jexnell]

If doing a test on a used tank no need to put sand and decor in. Just make sure its level, fill it up and leave it for a few days/ week to verify integrity.
When setting it up for good put in the sand first. When filling aim the incoming water into a bowl/ splashing off a big rock/piece of decor. The stream right from the hose will erode the sand if aimed right at it. Add in the decor plants etc as its filling.

 

[Jexnell]

When using bigger rocks, ones that need both hands to get into the tank are best put in first then sand filled around them. Especially with digger fish. Would not want a rock structure to collapse due to fish digging out the sand foundation.


You can see here that he has moved all the sand from the back of the tank to the front. So to prevent his cave from falling down I have to put the big rocks on the bottom glass.

 

[TwoHedWlf]

Unless you have a firehose or similar that you're filling the tank up with, I'm not sure what you're worried about filling it up as fast as your hose will allow? The spray of the water isn't going to be a significant amount more pressure than when it's full. And if its that weak you need to worry about it you'd be negligent using the tank.

 

[Andyroo]

Thanks everybody - "Fill-speed doesn't matter" seems to be the consensus & was my expectation.
I don't expect it to be "that weak", but it is a home-build and, even after a fair few such builds over many years, I'm always terrified.
I'm expecting it's me rather than the build, even if this is my biggest to date and my first in-wall, hanging above my wife's vintage hardwood floors