My new Solana XL 60g cube nem tank!

davocean

davocean

Active member
Woo Hoo!
Just got my new Solana XL 60g cube to be used specifically for my nems and picassos.
Tank will be for various colors of LTA's only for nems, some hearty corals on rocks to be added later.
Tank is only partially scaped so far, I will be adding panels of LR w/ shelves to cover back.
So far I have a pink, purple, and blue LTA, and all have set feet down in sand pretty well, and seem healthy.
My Picassos(thanks Donisreef) are just loving their new home(so is owner)
Here's what I have so far.
Setup(hose is not from tap, freshly made mix w/ RO/DI)

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It looks good, however, IMO/IME freshly set up tanks and anemones do not mix. I wouldn't want something to happen to your gorgeous anemones, they look awesome! As tempting as it may be I strongly suggest waiting a bit before you put your clowns and anemone in there. At least give the tank a chance to cycle and get established. Once again, awesome tank and setup but it will be even better and your anemones will thank you if you'd wait until the tank is cycled before you put them in there :)
 
I understand the cycle process w/ nems.
This is established rock, LS, and water from another system that housed the pink and purple LTA, so basically same as a swap up, which I've done many times w/ nems.
 
Oh, sorry! I read this: Setup(hose is not from tap, freshly made mix w/ RO/DI) and thought you filled the entire tank with brand spanking new water. Swapping over usually isn't a big deal. Congrats again on the awesome tank! :)
 
LOL, I did a thread locally and someone freaked thinking hose was straight tap, reason for excluding that.
Sand was a mix of new and established, same as water, but main thing was established LR.
I've had SW aquariums for about 25 years now, and have always had nems.
My 180g housed a Sebae(H.crispa) and green LTA(M.doreensis) that I kept for 5.5 years w/ sebae maxed at 24" and LTA about 20"(pics of those in gallery)
After wrestling those from touching sps, I decided to go w/ a nem specific(I also have to admit some motivation came from Moberts tank)
I decided LTA's would be best for me as they seem easy to manipulate w/ light and flow to keep from wandering compared to others.
 
Thanks, just starting to add some more stuff to rocks, simple/easy corals just for some color.
I can't wait for these to grow out, and take over the bottom of tank!
I'll also add nem critters, porcelain crabs, sexy shrimp, nem shrimp.
Maybe I'll let some bangaiis share tank w/ my picassos.
 
Davocean...congrats,

I am new to the hobby and I am considering the solana xl 60.

I am trying to get a handle on what I will need to purchase in addition to what comes with this setup. Did you add a chiller and protein skimmer? Was anything else added that you would recommend? How is the plumbing setup? More pics would be great.

Best
 
Tfiska
[welcome]

The tank seems to run pretty cool right now, so no chiller yet, though there is room in the cabinet for one.
I'm working on skimmer right now, most likely an octo extreme 160, same as my 67g solana.
Plumbing is fine as is, and super simple, but of course we all usually modify our sumps/fuges to fit our needs.
My 67 I modded for large fuge for pods/mandarins, but this being for nems will probably stay stock.

ALEX, my lights are a new LED fixture I was given an opportunity to beta test.
I was asked not to print photos till july when they hit market, but pics will surely come when I have OK to do so.
I will say they are spectacular!
 
I wouldn't add any other fish...just leave it as it is with the picassos and the nems and whatever corals you decide to add in there but I'd keep it to a minimal otherwise it'd turn right into another SPS/LPS tank with nems & picassos...can't wait to see more pics of it...
 
I kinda agree, real easy to become mixed reef again.
I put a small green birdsnest frag in just to see how it does under these lights, but it may get put back in other tank later.
I do want a few more fish though, since clowns pretty much hang just in nems.
Bangaiis might be cool, and I've seen them breed easy, and hang in nems as well as out and about, so maybe a pair of them.
I also love clown gobies, but they are sps nippers, so not for my other tank, but maybe one in here.
 
Thanks for the info and the pic of the sump.

It appears that the sump does not have separate compartments...I have seen this on other setups. Should this be a concern. I am planning for a mixed reef. Also, does the setup come with a heater? does it need one?

Please post a pic of the skimmer when its installed.

Best
 
The stock sump has a chamber at drain to help eliminate microbubbles.
Everyone has a different space requirement for skimmer, and fuge if desired, so adding baffles would be up to you.
A heater really should be used to help keep temp stabe, but again people have their own preferences, and they are cheap.
I'll post pic of skimmer when I get that.
You may want to contact current yourself for exact info.
 
I have the "Solana" 25gal from F&S. My plan is exactly as yours, only I decided I will have RBTAs instead of LTAs. I think the Solana cubes are perfect for species tanks. My grade B picassos are on order from Doni and should be here next week !

I have had anemones in larger tanks, but never in smaller ones. Any special considerations for a 25gal nem tank?
 
The only thing I've heard from others is that the overflow could be blocked easily if a nem travels into it.
A friend mentioned drilling another safety drain of some sort(cause if overflow gets blocked it could flood) but I'm not super familiar w/ those setups enough to say how.
I like BTA's for color, and the fact they can split, but LTA's were my choice because I have more exp w/ them, and know how to use light or flow to keep them in place, and they stay low at sand bed.(overflow not really an issue)
Show pics of donis picassos when you get em.
 
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