Solana tank owner thread.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15689324#post15689324 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MVlk
If you have a RKL or RKE, almost no reason not to use it for an ATO. Just toss a float switch or two on it and you are good to go. Assuming you already use and SL1 or SL2 of course. With the RKL or RKE, you can then actually do more complex setups. I plan on using one of my standby settings for maintenance. When I select it, it will turn off all pumps and disable the ATO so I can drop the water down without worry of the ATO dumping top off.
Click to expand...

Yep. Ditto to all that.
I'm running my ATO off an RKL via the SL1. ATO is set to the multi-timer function with an aqualifter running for 10 minutes 4-5 times a day depending on the evaporation. Just in case the pump sticks on and doesnt turn off via the timer, I set up an alarm to turn off the pump which is controlled via the float switch to trigger when the float is activated when the water level rises.
I know people on the DA forum have way more complex setups with multiple float switches in parallel setups but mine gets the job done.

Now I just need to finish making my mesh top for the tank. Went with the Home Depot DIY method with bird netting and aluminum screen pieces. Painted the aluminum with Krylon Fusion black spray paint just to prevent any oxidation from happening. Just waiting on the paint to dry now. I'll throw up some pics soon after I put the firefish into the tank.
 
still trying to figure out a way to hang the pendant in my office. Anyone have any suggestions? I cannot use the stand that came with mine, so trying to figure out how to hang it above the tank.
 
My tank has been up for a few days now and am noticing the temp is a bit higher than I'd expect. I am running with the glass top till I can put together a decent screen, but even with that, it will not drop below 80.

It is not too warm, but am thinking of replacing the return pump with a smaller Maxijet. Any thoughts on which one? The stock pump pushes out a little too much IMO. I'd like a little lower flow with the Vortech handling most of the in tank flow. Would a 900 work best?
 
As for the skimmer: go for the gold. I have a Warner Marine H2. I've also used the Tunze 9002 and liked that as well.
 
My Sapphire has done well so far. Still new, but no complaints. It skimmed pretty much on day one.
 
i thought the return pump flow can be adjusted ?? so you could adjust it down and save on electricity and possibly heat, but I think until you remove that glass cover, you will have heat issues.
 
As soon as my RKE ATO pieces come in, should be Monday, I will remove the glass and do egg crate until I can make something better.
 
Finished my mesh top.
Was pretty easy - just have to watch when you assemble it cause its really easy to bend out of shape by pulling the mesh too tight.
Also added my first coral frags - some purple mushrooms that were trying to take over my brother's 90g. Took a few and left the rest for him to attempt to sell haha.

Here's two quick pics of the top (not the best - had to use flash) ... and yea i really need to clean the disco ball light haha

3929934727_2b84dc019b_o.jpg


3930723132_cefd227ed4_o.jpg


The purple firefish will go into the Solana tomorrow freeing up the QT for something else fun. Time to go check out the LFS again.... haha
 
nirvanaandtool, top looks good. I get my mesh tonight and will hopefully have it built early next week. Are you using the stock glass top holders to keep it in place? How long have you had the tank up?
 
Thanks MVIk. Yea I'm using the stock glass holders in the four corners of the tank to keep the top in place.
Tank has been up and running for like a month and a half month now I think. Was sitting with just sand and rock for awhile since I needed the top for the firefish about to go in it.
 
I'm sure someone has asked this before, but I've googled and searched through this thread and can't find the answer....
I just bought a Tunze 9002 for my solana and can't figure out how to keep it elevated to the water line. Do you have to have the StevieT cup to make this work? It would be great if someone had pictures of how they've set theirs up. I don't want to have to buy a different cup if I don't have to, and I don't care if the stock cup sticks out a bit. Any help would be greatly appreciated. And again sorry if this is a redundant question.
 
So what are the necessary mods to this?

Replacing the return pump with what?

Also what kind of ato and how should I actually hook it up? Never really had one before. I've heard of ppl using MJ400's tho
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15733677#post15733677 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SpankythePyro
So what are the necessary mods to this?

Replacing the return pump with what?

Also what kind of ato and how should I actually hook it up? Never really had one before. I've heard of ppl using MJ400's tho
Click to expand...

these tanks come pretty well ready to run you can upgrade stuff if you like but i am running the stock skimmer and works fine on my 25g solana i opted to use one of my old lights which is a 250W 20K XM in a lumenmax 3 pendant and bluewave ballast i think its a big plus tons of light over a little tank....

deffinately recommend an auto top off i run the JBJ model works great and salinity stays super stable... i did remove all of the prefilter sponges as when these get dirty they hold back water from flowing through the back system making your auto top off turn on prematurely all i have in the back is a 1/2 bag og chemi pure elite that way it cant stop the flow of water either...

works great heres a pic of my tank

updated5.jpg
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15735261#post15735261 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MedRed
anyone else using the bio wheel filter pads yet?
Click to expand...

Which ones do you mean?
 
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