On the level, that sinking feeling

The fish farm project moved on a stage further today, then took a massive leap back, but undeterred we shall overcome obstacles caused by my ineptitude. The 350 gallon tank, which previously had been a massive disappointment as a duck pond, before that a water tank and before that a receptacle for strawberry jam was put in a good spot, a relatively flat spot, as the level shows, close enough level anyway.

The two 250 gallon tanks, previous use orange juice containers, were then put in place and levels found, all under the careful inspection of Auntie Montana and Chester who were no help whatsoever other than an encouraging wet nose shoved in my ear when least I was least expecting it. The tops of the 250s are to be removed and the fittings for the pipe work cut in at strategic points. This did not happen today for a variety of reasons, one being that the current holes in tank 1 are all 20mm, and yes, all the fittings I bought are 25mm. Given that the calculated flow meant that through the 25mm pipe the water in four tanks (yes only 3 are there but ones a stealth tank, its underground and as the ground is like concrete it can stay there for a while) meant that the water would change twice every 24 hours, the actual flow when connected meant that the water would change completely every two hours. So maybe a 20mm pipe and higher pressure would be good. Jury is out for a day or so.

The tanks were then filled to test for leaks, none, good times, other than from where they should leak, the aforementioned holes, and the 350 tank filled in half an hour, but as it did a problem emerged. I put the tank on a base of soft haylege just in case any unseen spiky bit chose to ruin the party by puncturing the base. This worked well, it cushioned it as intended, but it provided substantially less cushioning one side and a definite tilt appeared meaning that when full the water was six inches lower at the back. This will soon be solved by emptying and repacking the base, meantime in case the fish arrive early they can be stored there while I get the other two sorted. Another plus is that now we know what we are looking for we have found a big fish supplier who has a spare 1000 gallon tank. Negotiations are ongoing, delivery is the sticking point.