Carving Cliffs and Finding Leaks in PALAU REEF!!!!

[@jamesbryan1285]

Big thank you for including all the mishaps in your videos. You are helping all of us.

[@australianaquarist]

Yeah it crossed my mind to just release a complete video on just the rock islands landscaping, and quietly fix the leak. But this is the lows of plywood aquarium construction, so figured I’d show it

[@nicocrinkleburg]

Love your work, mate! You’ve change the way I think about plywood tanks. Keep up the great work!

[@australianaquarist]

That’s the go. We’re starting a plywood revolution….

[@nicocrinkleburg]

@@australianaquarist I’ve been planing on building an outdoor pond in “old style” plywood construction, but you’ve definitely opened my eyes to some new techniques! 🍻

[@australianaquarist]

@nicocrinkleburg It’s just that I couldn’t afford to buy glass tanks that size, but new I didn’t want big ugly wooden boxes in my home. Necessity becomes the mother of invention

[@nicocrinkleburg]

@@australianaquarist I love that! A question I have (being an Aussie myself in BNE and knowing the price of plate glass) - have you calculated the safe load for balustrade glass @ 12mm thick? I’d be assuming from the volume/height of your builds it would be around the 4-5K litre mark @ 1m high? I’m going to be building around the 2500L mark so I’m definitely on “the safe side”, but still interested in your opinion. Really appreciate you sharing your knowledge, mate!

[@australianaquarist]

The Palau tank probably holds about 3000 litres on account of the volume of the dry island, whereas the turtle tank of the same dimensions holds closer to 4000 litres. I haven’t calculated safety factors. I’ve always gone by the old school rule of thumb for braced glass tanks. 10mm to 600mm high and 12 mm to around 750mm , though some tank manufacturers go to 900mm (fully glass braced), in 12mm. My experiences with the two tanks - both 12mm tempered, both two panes of 970mm high. The turtle tank uses 3 mm aluminium angle bracing and 3 mm flat bar cross braces. There is a slight ( mm’s) bow looking down the line and the cross braces are working. The Palau Reef uses 6mm aluminium bracing, and has no bowing and the cross braces look to be almost hanging

[@onebluemonster239]

Loving this innovative project, setbacks are inevitable, persevere and see your vision through..love to watch it all. Thx for sharing everything, going to make result that much sweeter.

[@australianaquarist]

That’s the go! Onwards and upwards.

[@jules2545]

Leaks are a real sphincter , especially trying to locate the buggers, I feel your pain!

[@australianaquarist]

It’s really hard to find out it’s locating at the moment. The leak has dramatically reduced since I swapped out the taller standpipes, but the moisture in the timber remains. It’s winter , so things drying out is sluggish

[@jules2545]

@@australianaquarist Winter wow, whats the average temperature where you live?

[@australianaquarist]

I’m drinking my morning coffee right now. Suns out , 9am, last month of winter, probably 19 Celsius. Overnight down to 7 Celsius

[@australianaquarist]

Summer average 30 Celsius day, 19 Celsius night, Winter day 20 Celsius, nights 7 Celsius

[@jules2545]

@@australianaquarist 19 degress C we would be lucky to get that in summer here in the UK. In fact its bloody raining!

[@Vroomy1986]

Good morning, Buddy. I'm sorry that this has happened to you. Fingers crossed for ya. The thing that I love about your work is that you always look for a different way to do things. Keep on keeping on mate.

[@australianaquarist]

Thanks mate. As we say down here….. onwards and upwards!

[@lorenzospina3174]

Amazing work 👏👏👏👏

[@australianaquarist]

Thanks Lorenzo!

[@owencasey6444]

Fingers crossed mate, leaks are always heart breaking, hopefully your right and has come over the top, the fact your not seeing it continuing to leak makes me think you might be right 🤞🏻

[@australianbiotopes4563]

Mate I hope you can find that leak, you've done a pretty good job I'm hopping it's just a bit of seepage from the surface, I'd leave it open for awhile and keep an eye on it, it may dry back up, I've really been waiting for updates as it's a really cool project, I just hope you get it sorted the easy way, maybe run some silicone as a barrier around the top incase it's capillary action from the outside rocks, I also thought when I saw you were using the aerated concrete I think it has Aluminium in it, I have wanted to use it in the past but was a bit worried about any reaction, just a thought, I know it's above water but salt gets everywhere with marine tanks I'd hate to see it poison your fish, but I'm assuming you've looked into it, it will be interesting to see how it works for you, I love the idea of the stuff but I have always been to scared to use it.

[@Ravan_Caw]

Good luck on sorting out the leak 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@australianaquarist]

Thanks mate. My fingers are crossed for an easy fix

[@Karebear9001]

Oh damn man! You were on a roll too. Glad you caught it now at least. Id be thinking the leak originates from further up as well, especially with that stuff not curing properly. I think you've got the right idea, opening that seam. Maybe getting a heat lamp or dehumidifier enclosed in there could help find the origin. That post seems proper soaked which makes me think of a pinhole leak that's been there from the beginning. Idk though, it'll be neat to see what's under there. At least if you've gotta drain the tank for a week or so you've got room in the shop for an above ground pool 😂

[@australianaquarist]

If it’s a high leak, I could drain the tank down low and leave the fish in there. I’m not loving the idea of trying to dig out all that epoxy, spray foam and rock, which I’ve fixed around the waterline

[@Karebear9001]

@@australianaquarist I hope it's something easy 🤞🤞

[@dazsboxofwater]

Good luck, hopefully it’s an easy resolve for you 🙏🏼👍🏻

[@australianaquarist]

🤞

[@nicholaskemp2246]

Ah sh*t. I'm feeling for ya. But water will find the tiniest place to escape from. You're probably correct in saying that the tidal flow system is at fault. It only takes half a pint of water to do the damage. I hope you get it sorted and don't have to take the whole thing to bits to find it. Keep your chin up, and keep the vids coming. We're all rooting for ya. BTW. The new parrot is awesome, even if he is an a-hole! Lol. 😂

[@australianaquarist]

It’s tough at the moment with winter not drying things out all that quickly. Still, it’ll be right, where there’s a will , there’s a way! Reggie is my 3.5 year old, Redtailed Black Cockatoo-a beautiful bird, destroyer of furniture and all things plastic, occasionally affectionate, but always an a-hole!

[@addygomez123ify]

amazing work brother

[@australianaquarist]

Thanks mate. Fingers crossed for me

[@MoldyBones27]

Holy crap! That’s some skill! Fantastic work brotherman!

[@australianaquarist]

Thanks MoldyBones! That’s a cool KZbin handle! Fingers crossed for me🤞

[@tx_dingo]

Sorry that you're having issues! In my experience with water leaks (career gc): water follows the path of least resistance, & water migrate to the lowest point. If you can find either of those items in the flow of the leak, you can usually find the source. I think you're correct in thinking you will need to keep going up in small increments until you find the ply is no longer wet. Then you know you're close. You should live stream your investigation so we can help. I'll certainly help if I'm awake when you're investigating (in the States)!

[@australianaquarist]

I’m glad you concur with my investigation plan. I think the next step is to access the very top of the plywood, behind the rock overhang. Maybe carve out the foam alongside the post, as far down as a torch will illuminate. Nice idea about the livestream, though I’m not sure the space or my mindset woukd be conducive!

[@Budoodoodle]

Great vid🎉

[@ParadigmMine]

Agree with the surge device… if this is the first time the leak appeared, the surge device is the only logical change that could impact such an outcome. Otherwise, love the tank and the concept. Down the road of time, I will have to show you how I implement your passed-on knowledge into my current build. It’s shaping up to be 1/100 the size. However simple, I am experimenting with length to make up for volume

[@australianaquarist]

Sounds very intriguing! A shallow raceway? Keep in touch - when the time comes I’ll get you to send some images through

[@queencityreefs]

Damn. Good luck my friend 🤞

[@australianaquarist]

Playing with fibreglass, ply and epoxy right now. Leak sorted!

[@queencityreefs]

@@australianaquarist good news! Yes!!

[@glub9075]

Could you do a full tour of the shed sometime with everything including the birds?

[@australianaquarist]

Yes definitely. I’ve got plans to build another tank , probably a 3 m x 1.2m x 1m display, replicating a Breakwall. Maybe a Gold Coast seaway tank, and transfer my estuary fish across, install an incoming and outgoing tide system etc Then renovate the existing 12 ft shallow estuary into a freshwater lily and flooded grass tank for my Saratoga. Somewhere amongst all that I was going to do a tour. I just figured that people would prefer to see completed tanks, rather than a “ this is what I plan to do” video (does that make sense?)

[@kevinle1140]

Hopefully you are able to fix this leak!

[@australianaquarist]

I’m pleased to say that I’ve just now , found and fixed, the 3 leaks!

[@saf1671]

I was going to ask about the bird at a later time so funny that you mentioned it. Looked like this particular Palau reef is outside or covered area so guessing the bird has access? Pretty neat. With regards to the leak, sorry to hear about that. Is there any possibility of you maybe mounting a GoPro or similar camera inside that area and video for a couple hours and review? It may take a couple batteries and/or charges but maybe it would help show if it is under at the base or over the top and down the seam like you mentioned. In any case that is a bit of a bummer but you had a pretty positive attitude instead of despair. Stay amazing.

[@australianaquarist]

I’ve found the point of the leak now. It’s about 2/3 the way up the tank, and directly in front of one of the timber studs. But I should be able to tackle it this weekend I think

[@CoralReefkid]

Hey AA, I am mid experiment with the corals in the great salt lake water. I did have to dilute it to ocean salinity and add some magnesium… but the results so far are actually very surprising.

[@australianaquarist]

Cool Have you thought of sending some water away for icp testing. This would give you an idea of contaminants and also any trace element adjustments you may need to make

[@Gilsfishroom]

The Hebel looks great Adam. Can you get the area dry enough to dust some talcum powder to find the origin of the leak?

[@australianaquarist]

That’s a good idea. I think I’ve found the location about 2/3 the way up. I’ll need to brace the island internally and cut out a section of stud to get to it. The talc may come in handy then

[@devachapman6315]

OH NO! I am sure you will figure it out. hopefully you dont have to drain the tank and re build the support for the rock island. fingers cross mate. always nice to see your tank. I thought you where a veterinarian for work? I thought you said that in one of your vids?

[@australianaquarist]

Yep. Very educated, very in-debt, flower grower. I got out of vet, much quicker than it took to get in!

[@devachapman6315]

@@australianaquarist my lady in a vet been doing it 20 years she is sooo over it. waiting for the next update. hoping its a good one.

[@Rosscobi]

Hi, love your videos. I was a Waterproofer and leak detector for many years and unfortunately looking at how wet that timber is, it didn't just come over the top just a couple of times. I would say its penetrated through at about the same height your sealant came off, tracking down the front of the timber and on to the floor, unfortunately I don't think you will fix this from the outside. I assume there is a joint in the ply at this point a little tiny bit of flex in epoxy might do it, or a pin size hole. Water leaks can be a bastard!

[@australianaquarist]

I’ve done a couple of window cuts through the rear ply, and removed the spray foam to get a visual on the rear face of the front ply. I found a spot , about 2/3 the way up where the darkened ply is more rounded, and tapers abruptly upwards, but gradually downwards. It is also directly next to the timber stud/post. I believe the penetration is occurring at the ply butt join, in front of the stud, and is like you said, soaking straight into the stud and adjacent ply. It’s clearly a very small leak, as over the last few days of having the area opened, the ply has dried and there is no excess water puddling. My plan is to drain the tank down to this point, cut the section of stud out to access the penetration from behind. I can’t access it from inside the tank, due to the epoxy glued rock and foam. Hopefully if I pinpoint the spot, I can pare away at the ply, expose the rear of the epoxy membrane, and apply thickened epoxy to the spot and ply end grain. What do you think?

[@Rosscobi]

@@australianaquarist...Humm basically it going to be a ch!t time. timber is a good medium to work with until its wet. The other problem you will have if you don't access it from the front is you will nearly always have a pathway through to the timber. I know it will suck but if you want a long-term solution here you will need to break through your rock and seal from the front maybe reenforce this join to the floor. I can't really remember what you did at this point in your build. I would suspect that there is a weakness in the system as your ply on both sides finishes and starts at the front. It would not take much movement to split the poly and epoxy. I feel for you I have done projects in the past with different types of systems both aquarium and work related and pinpoint leaks suck! feel free PM me (if that a thing on here) to discuss just don't really want to put my email or phone number out to the whole world :)

[@Rosscobi]

Also keep in mind, poly bonds to epoxy and not the other way around, and if you need to coat the poly again, you will need to scuff uo the poly and re activate. I would talk to boat coat about this if it comes to it.

[@stoneysscapes7544]

" out of sight , out of mind " that is mostly true , but not when it comes to you and your channel !!! I'm not here to blow you away with all the euphemisms & platitudes since I have no doubt that whatever you didn't have sealed correctly, UNLESS .... PERHAPS ? I have just came up with a potential break in the case , have you ever any odd behaviors that might be our culprits , someone from GREEN PEACE would have no problem poking their sworn enemies and I will put out some feelers in the area whe..... where'd you say you are , I don't think it's wise to share with the World but give me a land mark.or , doesn't have to be seen from Space but I have been known to be pretty quick when criminals are loose and , your obviously from the great state of Texas , I reckon.... I recognize that accent 🤠Good news Tex !!! I have managed to patch my way into one of the the newest Satellites, ... Okay its gonna have to do , just need to get out some charts and brush up on my North Korean .... It's not that much different than the South but I have been deep under and I will be getting back to you when I see where you live in San Antonio but don't tell me anything other than if you ever get a call from someone demanding $$$ , you hang up right after and start covering windows with Aluminum foil and nothing but a Stetson and a Glock .. kr Ruger yeah James Bond is my deep cover title and you didn't hear that from me L,🥸 L THE END

[@apolloravindran]

read the title and thought OMG the actual tank was leaking...thanks god its inside that section!

[@australianaquarist]

Yeah, it’s better off being in there than the tank itself. Onwards and upwards!

[@fishcollecting9149]

my guess is what you said as looking at the moist timber from the top ..the water has leaked down,,it wont leak up ,,somewhat like a pipe in a shower inside the wall over time..hope its the case and good luck ,,btw love the black cockatoo :)

[@australianaquarist]

Hey mate. I found the location this evening. It’s two thirds the way up the pine stud, on the vertical ply join. I’m going to have to install some temporary bracing, drain the tank down, and cut that section of the stud out, to gain access to the leak. Dry it out, pare away at the ply, fibreglass and epoxy the crap out of it, and install a bridging stud.

[@fishcollecting9149]

@@australianaquarist glad you found it happy days but a lot of muckin around by the sounds of it ..

[@eliasdagher481]

That’s got to hurt champ 😢

[@agathacathartese7041]

does it need to be water tight? I mean, if its going to be filled with planting media, can the wood not be removed and replaced with something waterproof to brace the rockwork and allowed to flood. The planting media could then be put into a water proof tub and submerged in the space in behind. Not ideal but it might save you from having to rip everything out and stating again

[@australianaquarist]

Yeah that’s certainly crossed my mind. Trouble is getting freshwater drainage away from the plants. Still, there’s many ways to tackle a problem. I’ll just have to find the one

[@markfranklin8831]

Oh no i hope you can find the problem and quick

[@australianaquarist]

Hope so Mark. One step at a time. It’ll be OK.

[@alexpellman8637]

Damn that sucks hopefully it was just water that came over the edge instead of getting a little ahead of yourself and having a leak at this point in the build

[@australianaquarist]

I found the leak coming about 2/3 the way up , directly in front of the timber stud. I should be able to brace the curved plywood and then cut the section of stud out, to expose the area. A job to tackle this weekend!

[@alexpellman8637]

@@australianaquarist sounds like a pain! At least you found the leak tho. Good luck

[@MrRazrblade]

You might want to check for aluminium since it will leach off those hebels

[@australianaquarist]

The hebel won’t be in contact with the aquarium water, so I should be ok. Definitely aluminium would be a concern otherwise. Thanks for thinking of me

[@peterveitch3952]

Use a dye to find the leak.

[@australianaquarist]

I’ve found it now. Today I’m going to cut out some of the timber stud to access it, and pare away at the plywood so I can get to the epoxy coating from behind. Thanks for your thoughts. Stay tuned

[@peterveitch3952]

Glad to hear you found it. ​hope you have no trouble replacing the timber. 👍

[@michaeltmhenderson1823]

I’m back again

[@australianaquarist]

Very pleased to see you again! Thanks for the support