Picked up a 535

[nzafi]

Looking forward to plumbing of the ultima? That should be fun!

I actually need to call my tank manufacturer and finalize tank design and where I want holes drilled. Struggling to make a final decision. Cannot decide if I got for looks (returns plumbed behind corner filters) or go for functionality (returns come over the bank).

 

[mrrobxc]

If you end up with a leaking bulkhead, try tightening it about 1/8-1/4 and then wait about 10-15 minutes for it to stop leaking. I figured this out when setting up my 220. What happens is that the water gets in between the glass and the bulkhead. Then, once you tighten it, you seal the gasket against the inside of the tank, but the water is still sitting in between. It can take some time after that for the water to completely drain out. Because of this, the bulkhead can look as if it’s still leaking when it really is not.

Thank you for the tip Fish Tank Travis . I’ll keep that in mind. I’m worried where I solvent welded some of the pieces. Not sure the bonds are good on all the joints.

 

[mrrobxc]

Looking forward to plumbing of the ultima? That should be fun!

I actually need to call my tank manufacturer and finalize tank design and where I want holes drilled. Struggling to make a final decision. Cannot decide if I got for looks (returns plumbed behind corner filters) or go for functionality (returns come over the bank).

I chose to do returns over the top but if I were to do it over, I would have drilled holes for bulkheads and installed that way with locline returns.

 

[mrrobxc]

Short update.

Drilled 1 3/4” holes in the back roof so that I can place pothos above the tank. The holes are for the roots. Also drilled two 2.5” holes in the front for feeding holes.

 

[mrrobxc]

After searching far and wide I finally was able to source some Lapis Lustre sand. Had to drive an hour and a half to get it.

400 pounds in my trunk.

 

[Eatsomekiwis]

After searching far and wide I finally was able to source some Lapis Lustre sand. Had to drive an hour and a half to get it.

400 pounds in my trunk.

View attachment 1310249

Wish I could get that stuff on east coast

 

[mrrobxc]

Wish I could get that stuff on east coast

I hear you. Something worth trying is safe t sorb. It’s a baked clay material and not a sand but it looks way natural. Was actually going to go with safe t sorb but wanted eartheaters so I didn’t.

A lot of plan guys use it for the CEC properties. It looks great and would work in a lot of setups. Nice dark brown/grayish tone.

 

[Eatsomekiwis]

I hear you. Something worth trying is safe t sorb. It’s a baked clay material and not a sand but it looks way natural. Was actually going to go with safe t sorb but wanted eartheaters so I didn’t.

A lot of plan guys use it for the CEC properties. It looks great and would work in a lot of setups. Nice dark brown/grayish tone.

I’ve used it in planted tanks before, garbage, too light to keep stems properly rooted and will cloud very easily

 

[mrrobxc]

I’ve used it in planted tanks before, garbage, too light to keep stems properly rooted and will cloud very easily

Never mind then...

I’m glad I didn’t go with it.

 

[mrrobxc]

Finally got some more work done. Primered my stand tonight. Paint goes on tomorrow.