Filling a 4000 Gallon Shark Aquarium System, When Disaster Strikes!

[@rluckenbach]

Setbacks are inevitable when dealing with these huge projects. Understand your frustration, but you're doing the right thing by taking your time to address any problems thar arise. Good educational video d thanks for updates.

[@AquariumDomain.]

Thanks! I agree it is important to show that setbacks can happen and they can be dealt with. 🙂

[@Whips_World]

All I can say is, we'll done on dealing with THAT. Had that been me, I'd have likely drove my truck off a cliff! 😂

[@AquariumDomain.]

Thankfully the flaws showed up during the fill test....much easier to deal with them now. Plus that back wall bottom and side seams are a whole hell of lot stronger now than before lol 🙂

[@ultimatefishkeeping]

Ups and Downs, but we always pull through. I recently set up an Aquarium for someone, and after a few weeks, One leak started appearing One after the other. In all the Aquarium installations and Pond Builds only One Aquarium proved to be frustrating, therefor I understand how you must be feeling especially of the Grand scale of that Aquarium, but with perseverance you will fix it! Keep up the good work, Sir. 🤙🏼🙂🤙🏼❤️

[@AquariumDomain.]

Thanks! 🙏 Finding the leaks during the fill test was a blessing, found not only those but a couple of other areas that I have since redone. Week setback, but now the tank is stronger than ever and ready for a couple of decades of Sharks and friends! 😊😊

[@ultimatefishkeeping]

@AquariumDomain. My pleasure, Sir. I'm happy to hear that. Please may I ask, have you ever considered getting a Goliath Tigerfish and an Arapaima❓️ 🤙🏼🙂🤙🏼❤️

[@boognish.]

This video had my anxiety level up. I use to do ridiculous stuff with water in a house with hard wood floors and this brought that anxiety right back.

[@AquariumDomain.]

I feel you...hearing that water running like that inside gives me some flashbacks 😊

[@rustyfan89]

I love the view of the two windows in the three thousand , as that’s what I saw when I first subscribed to your channel years ago when it was a planted tank

[@AquariumDomain.]

I remember how huge those wysteria plants grew in there back then 🙂 Fingers crossed it will be up and running again real soon! 🙂

[@tjautocross]

Frustrating to have these setbacks, but you take it in stride, and persevere. Thanks for sharing the entire story with us!

[@AquariumDomain.]

I was listening to you and the guys on the auction while I was editing this video 😊😊

[@tjautocross]

@ those auctions are really fun. It’s also nice to provide that opportunity for people in our community to buy and sell.

[@FreeSwimmer]

I can feel it man. My 660g system decided to have a trickle at the 1 year old wall I installed to cut the tank volume in half. The rest of tank has 7+ years of trouble free operation. I had to do the emergency drain at 11 pm and move fish to front tub and 300g tank. I lost several of my babies. I have all materials for repair and will get on it in next week or so.

[@AquariumDomain.]

The leaks turned out to be a blessing, did a lot of inspection and probing and found that the core structure has performed perfectly, but did find six different areas in the fiberglass work on the seams that either failed or look to be potential failures in the future. Getting them all corrected now, fixing the existing issues and what most likely would have been future issues 😊

[@ChattanoogaEd]

I your show is becoming my favorite ‼️

[@AquariumDomain.]

Thanks Ed! 😊

[@christineallen9169]

YAY another peaceful sunday morning

[@AquariumDomain.]

😊

[@Hutch011]

I'm glad the leak is small and easy fix for you.

[@AquariumDomain.]

Did the cleaning and inspection today...feeling good about the fix 😊

[@Hutch011]

@AquariumDomain. When will the next video be out?

[@oscardean6351]

I have my own version of the trash pump they make water changes so much easier/quicker worth their weight in gold. My python is only ever used for filling the tanks up.😊

[@AquariumDomain.]

Yeah pythons are fine for smaller tanks, but for the big tanks that is trash pump territory all the way 😊

[@salvadorrodriguez4708]

Step back are just like Ralph Crampton used to say mere bag of shells 😅 looking forward to the next one your pal Sal NYC 🗽🤘😎

[@AquariumDomain.]

Thanks Sal! I expect a much better result in the next video 😊

[@ryry6753]

Small leaks can be a pain, being a plumber i know! Hopefully you do the whole strip at back like you said or even the whole bottom corners might be a good shout. Keep up good work no need to rush we ain't going anywhere 👍

[@AquariumDomain.]

I got it all prepped and ready for fiberglass today 😊

[@jeffkane4391]

I'm sorry to hear about the setback. The last couple of weeks seem to have been the time for them.Your system is looking great regardless of them. Thanks for the update Jeremy 😊

[@AquariumDomain.]

Thanks Jeff! This video shows why we do the test fills and running the system with just water before adding in substrate etc.....as things can happen 🙂 I am in the process of building back even stronger as we speak 🙂

[@jeffkane4391]

@AquariumDomain. sweet 😁 and I can definitely agree with that. I should have water tested my floor as well... rectifying that also 😊

[@philcarlino6942]

Thankfully you caught the leak before adding sand and rock and fish. That would have been a lot more work. The setback hurts for sure, but like you said, it will be that much stronger now that you identified the weak point. Looking forward to the next update!

[@AquariumDomain.]

It was a good reminder why we do the fill test 😊 Who would of thought the issue would have been with the existing stacked build tank lol 😊

[@themarkedman72]

Seems like only yesterday we were talking about a magrove reverse gravel set up. You said you were going to do it and here it is. Love your videos, never miss a minute. Cant wait to see the finished product. I hope a sting ray and some small black tip reef sharks make it to the new set up

[@AquariumDomain.]

Thanks! 🙏 As much as I would love some Black Tips (really would love them) but tank just isn't big enough. I do have plans for two very special species of sharks that you don't see too often...if I can source them. 😊

[@reyman7131]

I would definitely go around the whole tank and fiber glass the seams and pond shield all around just to be on the safe side.

[@AquariumDomain.]

Agreed! 🙂🙂

[@coronaaroma1732]

So much progress 🔥👍

[@AquariumDomain.]

🙂

[@SkullAquatics]

Just a minor setback because everything else is spectacular. 👍👍👍

[@AquariumDomain.]

Thanks Curtis! 🙏

[@RogueAquariums]

Fortunately you caught the leak before you actually filled it up all the way and put sand in. You save yourself so much time catching this. The estuary fill went well. 🙌

[@AquariumDomain.]

For sure. Working on the fix right now...going to be stronger than it ever was 😊

[@2Jim2u]

At least the tank told you it needed to be fixed, before you put the sharks in the tank, not after, and trying to grab them, maybe its a good thing. Happy repairing.

[@AquariumDomain.]

That is a really good way of phrasing the test fill...I might have to steal that 😊😊

[@DiscusNT]

Very exciting !

[@AquariumDomain.]

I was hoping for less excitement 🙂 but I will get it all fixed up. 🙂

[@smudaly]

you could keep one of those huge outdoor above ground pools to pump the water into for reuse with that trash can pump. I know its well water but still. i love watching your videos BTW.

[@AquariumDomain.]

Thanks! 🙏 Unfortunately pumping out the tank was an unexpected late night deal (on a work night) so I was just trying to get emptied as fast as possible so I could go to bed 😊

[@reginaldrozier9710]

Unfortunately setbacks are part of the process. Looking forward to the completed aquarium as it is an inspiration for me to try something larger and to see how the estuary supports the system. Love your videos!

[@AquariumDomain.]

Thanks! I went back and looked at some video and photos I took on the original 3k build and I can see that I wasn't as aggressive then when I fiber-glassed as I am now.....that will get fixed lol 🙂🙂

[@ezwaters5847]

That's frustrating. I wonder if cracks in the fiberglass are an indication of a small amount of movement on the bottom of the back wall as the load changes. Inwhich case the fiberglass seam will be under tension when full... If so, maybe it would be worth adding stiffing to the back wall on the outside to ensure no movement under load...

[@AquariumDomain.]

Did the inspection today, fortunately it isn't an issue with the wall structure (which I wouldn't expect as it is a ridiculously over built stacked build lol) but was two bubble issues and one where I am pretty sure I dropped a rock when I was moving out the old hardscape 😊 Going to be built back better than before soon! 😊

[@ezwaters5847]

@AquariumDomain. that's good news. Could almost call it a best case scenario for the situation lol. Enjoying living vicariously through your channel and looking forward to seeing the sharks in there!

[@vinceolshove1499]

SOOO much better it leaked now rather than in 3 weeks/months from now. Truth is this is a blessing when you think about what a catastrophe it would have been. Still living my life vicariously through you and loving all your progress. PS. I have considered making an investment in fibreglass, resin and pond shield companies...but it would feel like insider trading LOL. Good luck Jeremy...in the end, this will be just a little better than awesome. I look forward to seeing those sharks in the front view panels of the 3,000. See you in a week.

[@AquariumDomain.]

100% now is the time to find the problem areas. I am currently in the process of turning the weak points into the most reinforced/strongest parts of the tank 😊😊

[@millerjohnson4232]

Better to catch the leaks now than when all the sharks are in. At least it's not a major leak and can be fixed easily.

[@AquariumDomain.]

Yeah this video shows why the test fill and running the system empty with just water is so important. 🙂

[@brady4416]

I've enjoyed watching your channel for a while now, I'm embarking on my own plywood aquarium with the inspiration you and others have given me. This is absolutely frustrating, I can only imagine what it'll feel like if the 750 gallon I'm building leaks during testing. But seeing you continue to persevere honestly makes me feel better about any possible issues that could pop up. It sucks but you're absolutely doing the right thing! One thought I had on the lagoon system while watching the last video and this one. How would you feel about gravity feeding that entire system instead of using a pump? My thought is that you could put another 2" drain at the far end of the tank (closest to the wall), then plumb that 2" line across the wall to the lagoon system. It would come in where the filter is so you'd need to get it to the opposite end where the current pump inputs water. I think you could snake it along the back wall of the lagoon tank, resting it on the 2x4 wall and painting it grey to match the foundation wall. I would then suggest adding a gate valve to the overflow drain that feeds the lagoon for easy flow adjustment so it doesn't overfeed/underfeed the lagoon tank. In my opinion it will feel less prone to possible issues using gravity vs having to rely on a mechanical pump. Just a thought, and I hope my explanation makes sense!

[@AquariumDomain.]

I am almost kind of glad that it happened. I got in there yesterday, cleaned the area and started probing and sanding and found not only the 3 problem spots, but also a couple of other areas that I believe would have been future problem spots. Needless to say I am going to get them all fixed up and essentially turn the weakest spots of the tank into the strongest 😊 What you mentioned about gravity feeding the estuary is a good thought, and something I did consider, but when I weighed out all the pros/cons went with what I have. One step I have taken to eliminate any potential issues is to run all the return pumps off the same power strip...so either they all run or non of them. Also there are two return pumps to the tank from the sump, so unlikely both would fail at the same time.

[@brady4416]

@AquariumDomain. O man, I'm glad to hear that you even found a few other weak spots that could have been issues down the road. It's frustrating in the moment but it sounds like it was worth figuring at this point in the end. How many layers of fiberglass did you originally do on that bottom seam? Ahhh I see, each setup is different and it's sometimes hard to tell what is best without being in person. I think what I originally saw as my biggest worry was if the pump to the estuary system went out there wouldn't be any flow or redundancy to keep the temp and oxygen levels up in that tank. You've definitely thought it through and I'm glad you found what works best for you!

[@AquariumDomain.]

@@brady4416 Once I got the tank fully cleaned and inspected I took the sander to it and the metal paint scraper to any area that didn't look up to par, so it will get fixed correctly 😊

[@amx1820]

I know the 3000 will be back stronger. That albino arowana and the albino thread fin acara look beautiful together 😅

[@AquariumDomain.]

The 3000 is being "improved" as we speak. 😊

[@Bloodsweatandfins]

Subscribed

[@AquariumDomain.]

🙏

[@Mrlaughingforme]

The year allowed the pond shield to dry out and lose its elasticity. I’d be redo fibreglass at least all the corners and Then pond-shield the entire tank.

[@AquariumDomain.]

Fully cured pond shield shouldn't have any elasticity, will be solid. But I agree 100% about just strengthening all the seams...now is the time to do it for sure 🙂

[@jameskett5241]

That tank is built like a, well "tank" but having all of that pressure on it for that long, then depressurizing, and filling it again is going to get some movement.

[@jameskett5241]

Aaaaaaaand you just said that. lol

[@AquariumDomain.]

I cleaned and inspected it today and found 3 problem areas, 1 of them I am pretty sure is from when I might have dropped a giant rock when I was clearing all the hardscape out from the previous setup 😊😊

[@jameskett5241]

@AquariumDomain. HAHAHA! Yeah... that'll do it.

[@MoondyneJoe]

I subscribed to your channel just as you where empting the tank and all the sand months ago, I have watched with interest several makers building their own tanks and one thing notice is it is far better to find the leaks now at initial refill and test than once you have it Aquascaped and bought all your fish and put them in. I just have 2x5 foot fish tanks in my bedroom a 4 foot popped a seam and about 200 litres ended up giving my carpet a bit of a wash then I replaced it with a 5 foot given to me just after the carpet nicely dried out and after filling that and it was sitting full over night I was feeding the fish in the other 5 foot tank and I hear a loud crack and the replacement 5 foot cracked from the middle back right upto the top left corner and 310 Litres of water again washed out in a tidal wave over the carpet! Let's just say 3rd times a charm! Touch wood Good luck with your leaks I hope this preventative maintenance gives you decades of trouble free enjoyment Tony from Rural Western Australia 🇦🇺 🦘

[@AquariumDomain.]

Thanks Tony! Absolutely the test fill and running the system with just freshwater for a week or so is critical to ferret out any problems while they are still easy to fix. I am part way through the fix right now and feel good that I have identified all the problem areas and they will be the strongest areas when I am done with them 😊

[@MoondyneJoe]

@AquariumDomain. Here's hoping. My biggest concern as an animal lover is are my fish OK and how do I look after them in an emergency, to which I have bought several 100 litre white translucent containers to have on hand (also handy for transporting fish home from the pet store, I also have a portable air pump (solar battery and usb charging) I have spare heaters around, pumps, filters etc so as I live a minimum of a 90 minute drive to a pet store for emergencies I don't have to panic apart from it ALWAYS happens after midnight when things go wrong A huge good luck with the repairs I can't wait to see them evolving into something really impressive. Tony from Rural Western Australia 🇦🇺 🦘

[@Branden.K]

Here is my thought , this is a huge tank and with wood and any tank for that matter expands and contracts the tank structures over time fiberglass will brittle and crack so theses things at this size not going to hold up draining and filling so whenever you do take a tank like this down by removing thousands of pounds pressure just plan on doing a fresh fiberglass reinforcement on all! Of your seams

[@AquariumDomain.]

Certainly not a bad idea and a very safe way to manage a tank like this. I did my inspection the other day and did find an obvious flaw/reason for each of the leaks and even found a couple of areas that weren't leaking but were not up to my standard so I am going to fix those as well before they have a chance to be an issue. I was happy to see that there hasn't been any flexing or movement, just areas of flawed fiberglass work on the original build.

[@rossdingle6236]

How frustrating. Take your time, find the problem, fix it properly. Hopefully u will get a few more years without any problems.

[@AquariumDomain.]

100% Fix is taking place as we speak 😊

[@stringer1818]

only one brace is going to hold that?

[@AquariumDomain.]

According to the math it is sufficient, but you never know I may add another brace or two...never hurts 😊

[@treeehrhardt4509]

Any luck with the Postal Inspectors and your disappearing shark eggs?

[@AquariumDomain.]

I haven't even reengaged with them...just so soul sucking dealing with those people😊

[@cichlidman559]

Better that you caught it now then when the sharks where in.

[@AquariumDomain.]

100% 😊

[@beaverc2884]

I still don't understand a tank built where the inhabitants really can't be enjoyed. 🤔

[@AquariumDomain.]

It is actually part of the filter system and a place for grow outs, the windows are so I can enjoy it 😊

[@beaverc2884]

@AquariumDomain. Thank you. Looks like I missed an important part of a past video. Now the tank makes so much sense.

[@hadrian2505]

Why did you try and fill it all at once

[@AquariumDomain.]

The fill process for the 3k takes over 5 hours, so pretty gradual. Even if the fill exposed weak spots / leaks I would rather that to happen so that I can greatly strengthen those areas, then have potential weak spots that might leak down the road. 😊

[@JustAnotherAsianGuy2]

i don't know but why do i know this was going to happen ..... weird .... just had a feeling

[@AquariumDomain.]

You jinxed me! 😊😊

[@rickymurray]

Fiberglass if the whole pond saves you creating a new video in maybe six months or a year “pond is leaking”

[@AquariumDomain.]

100% 😊

[@mexicalifishkeeper]

No build would be successful with minor tweaks along the way

[@AquariumDomain.]

I definitely wouldn't mind getting right the first time 😊

[@michelrood2966]

Unwatchable , its too dark

[@AquariumDomain.]

Noted