My 34g Solana

[Anthrax15]

I'm not sure if Im going to do a build thread but I plan to do some photo updates of this new tank.

Tank was really beat up, sloppy silicon job, leaking, and a broken down stand. I've been touching it up and working hard to fix er' up.

Still need:

Nano Sol Blue

MP10

Tunze 9002 Skimmer

ATO and other random things


Just finished the aquascape. Plent of open space still, coral placement should be a breeze, and its open underneath for good water flow.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/anthrax15/8861424825/" title="IMG_8343 by Anthrax15, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3802/8861424825_e67050f302.jpg" width="324" height="500" alt="IMG_8343"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/anthrax15/8862033242/" title="IMG_8346 by Anthrax15, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2843/8862033242_e4884e45a2.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_8346"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/anthrax15/8861423665/" title="IMG_8347 by Anthrax15, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3669/8861423665_8fbb7285d5.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_8347"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/anthrax15/8862031172/" title="IMG_8348 by Anthrax15, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5443/8862031172_60718f6869.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_8348"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/anthrax15/8862030008/" title="IMG_8351 by Anthrax15, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/8862030008_8d449fce08.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_8351"></a>

 

[bugs713]

Perfect rock work for the space!

 

[Dre59]

Nice rock layout!! Will you be doing SPS?

 

[Anthrax15]

Ahhh, good. I'm glad the rockwork went over well.

Tank will be mainly Leathers, Zoos, LPS, with a few choice SPS. Maybe a strategically placed Tabling Acro, Red Planet, and maybe a Monti or 2.

Fish wise, I know I want a Tailspot Blenny but other than that, Im drawing a blank. I want some unique fish. Not the typically 2 clown special.

 

[macboat]

Darn it, you have more rock than I do! I have a 34 solana as well was debating if I want to put up a slow mo build thread here ...

 

[Anthrax15]

I ended up with about 30lbs of rock in the tank. I intended for less but went with the flow and it turned out really well, IMO. I've never aquascaped for a cube before.

Post your build! We can bounce ideas off each other and if anything goes wrong, I've probably already done the same thing lol

 

[Anthrax15]

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/anthrax15/9080539875/" title="IMG_8524 by Anthrax15, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3796/9080539875_56f4110396_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_8524"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/anthrax15/9080540387/" title="IMG_8522 by Anthrax15, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2883/9080540387_d80ec4d8db_z.jpg" width="441" height="640" alt="IMG_8522"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/anthrax15/9080540905/" title="IMG_8520 by Anthrax15, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3776/9080540905_e50b74d086_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_8520"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/anthrax15/9082763006/" title="IMG_8517 by Anthrax15, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5476/9082763006_9d189ee862_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_8517"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/anthrax15/9082763284/" title="IMG_8516 by Anthrax15, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5496/9082763284_e204c33d84_z.jpg" width="523" height="640" alt="IMG_8516"></a>

 

[dream54ing]

Nice, how do you like the light?

 

[Anthrax15]

In terms of functionality, it's great. Would be hard to use it without the controller unless you want to manually turn on the white, blues, and royal blues. But otherwise, it's a great little light.

No corals so I can't tell how they do under the light. But I've had the Sol Blue before and really liked it. Just super easy to melt coral with LEDs.

 

[zrogst]

Been following this build, really enjoying it! Great scape. I have one of the Solanas without an AIO. Sort of wish it was AIO.

How's the stand working for you? Not much to choose from with that footprint, I heard that Solana stand can be woobly.

Good choice on light & powerhead, I'm running both on different builds. Controllability of the AI units is leagues ahead of the competition.

 

[Pescado Racing]

Nice tank, will follow along.

 

[Anthrax15]

Been following this build, really enjoying it! Great scape. I have one of the Solanas without an AIO. Sort of wish it was AIO.

How's the stand working for you? Not much to choose from with that footprint, I heard that Solana stand can be woobly.

Good choice on light & powerhead, I'm running both on different builds. Controllability of the AI units is leagues ahead of the competition.

Thanks! :wave:

Stand is definitely wobbly until I reinforced it. Just tacked a piece of plywood to the back and it fixed up any shaky issues. Like mentioned in other builds, it's close to Wal-Mart quality but it serves its purpose. I'd love to have drilled it for a sump but I'm trying the KISS method this time around.

I had a great stand Dublo8 built but I sold it with my last build. I regret that -_-

 

[ToddBell]

Tank looks awesome. Can't wait to see your progress.

 

[Anthrax15]

A helpful tip to anyone that has stubborn old coralline algae growing on that back panel, CLR (Calcium, Lime, Rust Remover) does wonders. Of course it won't work on a running tank but if you are in a build and need to remove it, CLR is the way to go. It's safe for human consumption after a clean rinse. My mom cleans her coffee pot with it!

 

[Dangerwill]

Nice rockwork and a good clean setup.

 

[zibba]

Indeed, clean set up. Best of luck!

 

[areucrazy]

Looks great! Nice rock scapes like this always makes me want to re-do mine

 

[WCNanoReefer]

Nice looking build! Can i ask what you used to hang the light? Is that an AI EXT rail mount or something DIY. I just bought a Solana and have an AI Nano too and like how your's looks!

Thanks!

 

[Anthrax15]

I just used square conduit that you can get at Home Depot. Got an L bracket to secure it together and spray painted it black. Honestly, the hardest part was getting the long screws straight so they went in nicely into the AI Nano. I'd also advice getting two L brackets, one for above and one underneath the joints where the two pieces of conduit connect.

 

[Cvarg14]

Are you using dry rock? If so, what kind?