Solana tank owner thread.

[tgbaby1]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15509794#post15509794 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jackson6745
Thanks for the reply. I am still on the fence between using a 4 bulb fixture and a 6 bulb ???

i went with the 4 bulb fixture. i think it will be plenty of light but im already wishing i had gone with the 6 bulb version for more bulb options.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

. Rich keep in mind the 20" Nova Extreme has very few lighting combo's other than stock bulbs right now

 

[Kanaloa]

Another New Solana

Another New Solana

Here's my new Solana -- my first salt tank ever. It's upgraded with a chiller and a VorTech MP20. I also have a 1w moonlight, which I have yet to install.

I started with 40 pounds of live sand, followed by 30 pounds of LR 2 days later. It's been 7 days, and the cycle seems to have already completed. Still, I'm going to wait another 3-4 weeks before I put anything in it.

I have some room for more LR, but I'm going to wait and see what entices me as I get more into this.

 

[E.intheC]

Kanaloa, that's a good start!

Does anyone have the current nova extreme pro 6 bulb fixture on their solana? And if so, do you have pics?

 

[Gamepro_inc]

Hello all im new to the solana family in fact i am still making payments on my tank so not set up yet. I have a few questions. 1) the 150 W sunpod HQI is no longer made and I didn't want the 250W so I went with the 150 w orb stainless steel fixture, so what can i do for actinic evening lighting that will not look getto? I was hoping to have a system with T5's and MH but now I have this other light. 2) if I can find a 20" light 150W do you think I can sell the orb fixture without losing alot of money on it?
3) has anyone done a screen top instead of the stock glass top or does everyone just take the entire top off?
Sorry for all the questions I just want to do it right the first time and not make any mistakes. Thanks in advance for any answers.

 

[E.intheC]

hey gamepro.. welcome to the "solana world"..

I think they still make the 150 watt sunpod... Or at least the vendors are selling their stock.. I'd check around a bit. You can change the bulb to get a bluer look.

You may also want to consider T-5's.. There are more options that way.

 

[LoneWolf88]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15529429#post15529429 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Gamepro_inc
3) has anyone done a screen top instead of the stock glass top or does everyone just take the entire top off?
Sorry for all the questions I just want to do it right the first time and not make any mistakes. Thanks in advance for any answers.

I made a screen top for my Solana....

if this is what you are looking for let me know and I will tell you what to get....

 

[smkstang1]

Re: Another New Solana

Re: Another New Solana

Very, very nice...

Welcome to the club.

First mod that I did and would suggest anyone to do is tint the front glass, or even frost it.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15525596#post15525596 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Kanaloa
Here's my new Solana -- my first salt tank ever. It's upgraded with a chiller and a VorTech MP20. I also have a 1w moonlight, which I have yet to install.

I started with 40 pounds of live sand, followed by 30 pounds of LR 2 days later. It's been 7 days, and the cycle seems to have already completed. Still, I'm going to wait another 3-4 weeks before I put anything in it.

I have some room for more LR, but I'm going to wait and see what entices me as I get more into this.

 

[pulpol]

Has anyone tried using a overflow box and external sump? I would like to increase my water volume and use a bigger skimmer. TIA

 

[E.intheC]

pulpol, I'm actually working on this as we speak. I'm taking out the back wall though, and I have a custom black acrylic overflow. I'm going to drill the tank.. I think if you read back a few pages (even before the last split) you'll see some more discussion.

 

[dustinc]

I know this was covered before, but I don't have time to read the entire thread... What pump is everyone using for their ato? I'm about to order the JBJ and not sure what pump to get with it. Thanks

Dustin

 

[myreefcentral]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15537922#post15537922 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by E.intheC
pulpol, I'm actually working on this as we speak. I'm taking out the back wall though, and I have a custom black acrylic overflow. I'm going to drill the tank.. I think if you read back a few pages (even before the last split) you'll see some more discussion.

Post pics of the "Back wall removal"...

 

[E.intheC]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15542625#post15542625 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by myreefcentral
Post pics of the "Back wall removal"...

Oh I'll have a full build thread coming shortly. I haven't removed the back wall yet

 

[Gamepro_inc]

Thanks E.intheC and lonewolf88, I will continue to look at this thread for info. lonewolf that is exactly what I plan on doing with the top so if you can tell me what supplies to get or a link to a DIY that would be great.
Thanks in advance

 

[slingham]

Just got my tank a few days ago. Here it is all set up.

 

[LoneWolf88]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15550015#post15550015 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Gamepro_inc
Thanks E.intheC and lonewolf88, I will continue to look at this thread for info. lonewolf that is exactly what I plan on doing with the top so if you can tell me what supplies to get or a link to a DIY that would be great.
Thanks in advance

Paul I have to make another screen top as I just bought another Solana yes the tank bug has bitten but I got this Solana for a great price... I will let you know the price of supplies and when I am cutting the material I can make another one if you are interested in paying for supplies and shipping you will have to assemble but it is easy... I even rattle canned the netting with krylon black and it has worked great...

Watch my page for updates to see the new tank...

 

[cornjax]

medrad:
i read your posts on using the chemi pure on top of the sponge in chamber two. just wanting some clarification so you actually have a chemi pure bag that sits on top of your blue sponge in chamber two with rock ruble in the bottom?

 

[MedRed]

Hey cornjax... I just switched everything up. I'm not using live rock rubble or bio balls at all. I'm using a zip tie around the neck of the chemipure bag secured to the underside of the plastic shelf. The chemipure is suspended in chamber two underneath the shelf. I then have a Marineland Rite Size A filter pad on top of the shelf, and a bag of purigen on top of the filter pad.

 

[Gamepro_inc]

Thanks lonewolf I PM'd you about the screentop. You should put a DIY on your website.

 

[cornjax]

thanks medrad. im new to the hobby so every little bit helps. is there a reason you took the rock rubble and bio balls out? would it hurt to leave that in? also does anybody have trouble with the skimmer not producing much skim?