plyle02
Active member
I would like to introduce my 5 month old Solana, of course re-booted... My Simple Solana has evolved into more than I originally anticipated, while I still employ "simple" husbandry approach, I upgraded the equipment and have minimalized my aquascape. I moved out nearly 25-30 lbs of rock, leaving me a low rock scape. With a low scape, I had to upgrade the lighting, 150watt halide would not give the intensity I needed, a 250watt would, but heating would certainly become a concern...
Solution:
Innovative Skye 92 watt LED Tablet(14K)
[/IMG]
*side note, I will be adding 4 t5's @ 24 watts a piece to the tank, the lights will extend past the 20" width, but led's alone, at least this unit, I will add actinics and 1 fiji purple. just seems to be missing something in the spectrum, some corals pop, while others look dull*
As far as filtration goes, I was using a Octopus bh100 HOB skimmer, I did not really like the way the skimmer fit on the back, and I was not thrilled with the way the water flowed through the filtration desing in the Solana, I had to nearly fill the back chambers all full, in order for the pump and skimmer to operate, result was lots of detritus build up, this was leading to other issues in the tank, HAIR ALGAE...ugh...
Solution 1:
JNS WS-1 Drop in Skimmer (Sicce Syncra 1.0 powered)
[/IMG]
Soloution 2:
2 Little Fishies PO4 reactor, already employed, but switched media to Brightwells XPORT PO4
[/IMG]
So far so good, I really like the fact that the media is like croutons, looks like them coated with GFO, so far the hair algae is on the retreat, I suspect leaching from my dry rock used during original setup. I also use a top off, the resevoir is 10 gallon tank, I use a simple float switch located in 3rd chamber of the filtration setup. I now have the water flowing exactly like it was designed by the Solana system, I use a passive sock of carbon located in the 3rd chamber, and that is about it for filtration. I will continue to do 5 gallon weekly water changes, using TMPR salts. I also have ordered the Brightwells XPORT NO3, which to my knowledge can be added to the same chamber of the PO4 rx. This should be about it for awhile.
Pic Showing the ATO and side shot of the reef:
[/IMG]
Another Side Angle:
[/IMG]
Front Angle:
[/IMG]
Solution:
Innovative Skye 92 watt LED Tablet(14K)
*side note, I will be adding 4 t5's @ 24 watts a piece to the tank, the lights will extend past the 20" width, but led's alone, at least this unit, I will add actinics and 1 fiji purple. just seems to be missing something in the spectrum, some corals pop, while others look dull*
As far as filtration goes, I was using a Octopus bh100 HOB skimmer, I did not really like the way the skimmer fit on the back, and I was not thrilled with the way the water flowed through the filtration desing in the Solana, I had to nearly fill the back chambers all full, in order for the pump and skimmer to operate, result was lots of detritus build up, this was leading to other issues in the tank, HAIR ALGAE...ugh...
Solution 1:
JNS WS-1 Drop in Skimmer (Sicce Syncra 1.0 powered)
Soloution 2:
2 Little Fishies PO4 reactor, already employed, but switched media to Brightwells XPORT PO4
So far so good, I really like the fact that the media is like croutons, looks like them coated with GFO, so far the hair algae is on the retreat, I suspect leaching from my dry rock used during original setup. I also use a top off, the resevoir is 10 gallon tank, I use a simple float switch located in 3rd chamber of the filtration setup. I now have the water flowing exactly like it was designed by the Solana system, I use a passive sock of carbon located in the 3rd chamber, and that is about it for filtration. I will continue to do 5 gallon weekly water changes, using TMPR salts. I also have ordered the Brightwells XPORT NO3, which to my knowledge can be added to the same chamber of the PO4 rx. This should be about it for awhile.
Pic Showing the ATO and side shot of the reef:
Another Side Angle:
Front Angle:
Are you happy with the choice to go back to halides? I am still on the fence with a purchase of an aquamedic single 250watt hqi pendant, and use the t5's to supplement. I want to try and give the leds a chance. Owell, I may get the light anyway...lol
