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Thanks for the feedback @Zebra. I guess i could have done a few simple calculations to work out the flow capacity through the bulkheads but honestly i didn't even think it would be an issue. I have had it running constantly now for a few days and the tank is stable but like you mentioned it wouldn't take much, a plant to come loose, to block off some of the flow and disaster would strike. The only way i can see around this is to extend the overflow box, or build a new one, and add another hole or two in the tank. Not an impossibility but it would be pretty hard to move the tank around now with the scape in there. Also i kind of liked the way the water level came up to just under the bracing as this gives it a better look. Something for me to think about and look into. Just thinking on the run i could go for an upturned elbow with an open top as an emergency overflow inside the tank that would only activate if the guards get partially blocked and the water level rises. While i'm at it i would like to say a big THANK YOU to @Zebra and @Kaylenna for their great ideas and inspiration on this build. It's people like you that make a forum worth visiting. Cheers

Here is 3 of my cool males showing off there impressive weapons. they are a very interesting shrimp to study yes they have some issues with personal space but seem to become more tolerant with each generation bred in the tank. I have a few more I still want to add but there is enough variety now to move to the next stage of research. Australiense Bullatum Jardini

So here is some Pics of this build finished, has been up and running about a week now im just lazy lol. Was nice sitting back with a beer after this one. :) I'll probably go back over the thread and summarise what I didn't in a post at the end for anyone interested in the build info. Enjoy

Final installment for this build. First up i was given some stainless steel mesh so sticking with DIY, made up some filter guards. My wife crafts a bit so got hold of her hot glue gun and kind of followed a DIY tip on here to hot glue them together. Used zip ties to hold them in shape and just cut them off and glued over the gaps. Fitted the tank overflow glands and screwed them on as they were that snug a fit. Freaked out a bit when i realized the overflow holes were now smaller and had the restriction of guards, so the tank now fills up more. The sump emptied more and i thought it might suck dry. The other problem i thought i might have is that if i fill up the sump more i would not have the capacity to hold all the water if the power goes off. No problem in the end when everything settled and i could check the volumes. Turned everything off and let the tank fully drain, topped the sump up to max and switched it all back on. When everything settled again i now have a max running water level. The tank came with a 3000l/h pump and i also installed a 700l/h that was sitting in the shed. Bit of redundancy if the main pump dies so i have time to source a new one and 3700l/h is a good flow. Next was fix the drain tap. Another bunnings trip and a new tap with a 19mm spigot is now installed. 10m of 19mm flexi hose to water the garden with and to decrease my water change times. The lids of this tank did not have any easy way to lift them so knocked up some handles out of the spare glass (cause i'm such a glass cutting guru now). Finally add some plants. All photo's had to be taken at night as the reflection was terrible during the day, so i grabbed 2 30cm led's off my other tanks and positioned them, or held them, for the shots. The filters. Lid handles. Sump setup. Rocks holding the wood down. The white rock on the top was proving difficult to tie so i just put it on the small bit of wood that i needed down. And finally a FTS.

Nice touch. Leave the tannins! It looks really ... nature!

Work is really getting in the way of progress here but hey, That is life. A couple of quick photo's of what is going on. Sticking with the DIY theme i'm going with a DIY planted sub. First up a layer of propagating sand with ferts and marble chips. Top that with some washed pool sand. I didnt have enough so went and got a second bag and of course it was a different supplier and a different colour white. Not to worry as it will all blend eventually. Had a touch of leveling to do and i needed some help with this..Lol And finally add the scape. Grabbed a portable work light for this as a day time shot just gets a stack of reflection. Also the wood is leaching tannins and floating so i weighed it down with some rocks, that will be removed later.

I'm ugggghhhh..... The one with the last name Stark. But seriously, it's just my name. I've gotten used to the comments ?

Yellow shrimp , red and black crystals and blue bolts.

Greetings fellow shrimpers. Glad to be here.

Hey Guys, I came across I great DIY Video so thought I would share how I make my own filter guards...These can be made to fit any size tubing at the fraction of the cost of what is sold and is so very easy to make. So lets get started! Note: It is recommended that you use protective goggles and gloves, as frayed mesh wires can get pretty sharp. Here is what you will need to make the filter guard: *Stainless Steel Mesh sheet hole size #30 (can be purchased at the mesh company online, I got the A3 size sheet which is enough for a lot of guards!) *Tin snips *Heat Shrink (depending on the size of your tube get the heat shrink at least 5mm bigger, can be purchased eBay) *Heat source (Lighter, hair dryer, heat gun, etc) *A tube of the size required *Pencil, marker *Ruler *Cable ties *Craft knife Steps Prepare cable ties as you will need both hands free Cut mesh sheet to size depending on how long you want the guard and how thin the tube is (I cut mine 10cmx10cm) and wrap tightly around the tube, secure tightly with cable ties Cut another piece of mesh depending on the width of the mesh wrapped around tube (mine was 18mm), cut a square piece (18x18mm), place on end of mesh and bend corners over Cut a bit of heat shrink (mine was 2cm) and place over the mesh making sure the piece of mesh covering the end stays in place, leave about 0.5cm above. Using the heat source you are using (I just used a lighter) and heat the heat shrink until it shrinks tightly around the mesh (make sure you don't heat the same place for too long as it will melt! Just quickly run the flame over the shrink) and then quickly push the end down on a flat surface for a minute. The outcome should be something like this (you can use the craft knife to make the opening bigger if you wish) Now for the other end, repeat the steps above but shove the tube in instead. Leave for a minute or so. Remove the tube and cut the cable ties, cut a thin bit of heat shrink to place in middle of guard for extra support, heat it until tight. And there you have it, your DIY filter guard. For a fraction of the cost you can make all the filter guards needed, can be HOB, canister, overflow pipe, etc. for your 20 shrimp tanks!:encouragement: If you like this then please thank or like the post! Cheers Chi.