Solana tank owner thread.

Just thought I'd post and introduce myself. I've been in the hobby for 9 yrs. I started out with a 46g bow front, but I moved after 2 yrs and have been running a 10g reef since due to space constraints. I recently decided a cube may fit my space well and ordered a Solana (sans light - looking forward to an LED DIY soon) online. I wish I had read other's experience with shipping via UPS. The tank showed up last Wednesday, and I was psyched up to move into the larger tank over the weekend. That excitement was dashed when I opened the box and found the front of the tank cracked and collapsed into the rest of the tank.

Fortunately, the company I ordered from, petsupplies dot com, was very good about sending out a new tank and filing a claim with UPS. UPS asked for some pictures and that was that. The problem I didn't forsee was how to dispose of 60lbs of a partially broken fish tank. I scavenged what I could, return pump, filter media, jets, skimmer and skimmer pump, but I knew the trash company wouldn't take the tank as is. Enter the 10lb sledge! A few swift blows to various sides of the box and I was able to cut the box down and stuff the whole thing into a lawn and leaf bag. My wife reports that the trash company took the whole thing this morning. As fun as that was, I really hope that the tank arriving today is in one piece.

I've used upgrading to a larger tank as an excuse to get a few other goodies, namely an RO/DI 5 stage from bulk reef supply and an MP10 from saltwatercritters (nice sale there, by the way). Anyway, more to come I'm sure, but I've enjoyed reading through this thread and seeing some great nano reefs. I'll share some pictures once I have something in one piece to share.

Shaun
 
Updated pic
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Couple top downs
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So I am actually impressed with how fragile these tanks actually are. I guess I never really thought they could be broken so easily. I have now had 2 of them delivered to me in pieces and I am starting to wonder if I will ever get one in one piece. I ordered from petsupplies.com and they claim that the packaging is done by Current and the tank is drop shipped from them to me via UPS ground and UPS ground only. Funny thing is, I contacted Current and they said they do not do direct delivery and only ship to their vendors who are then responsible for making sure its packaged correctly for shipping to the customer. Very annoying problem to have.
 
angelo184 said:
So I am actually impressed with how fragile these tanks actually are. I guess I never really thought they could be broken so easily. I have now had 2 of them delivered to me in pieces and I am starting to wonder if I will ever get one in one piece. I ordered from petsupplies.com and they claim that the packaging is done by Current and the tank is drop shipped from them to me via UPS ground and UPS ground only. Funny thing is, I contacted Current and they said they do not do direct delivery and only ship to their vendors who are then responsible for making sure its packaged correctly for shipping to the customer. Very annoying problem to have.
Click to expand...

I know what you mean but let me say (after stripping and drilling this tank) that they are built like a tank (for lack of a better word). Most parcel carriers s.u.c.k at handling. The Solana cardiff is actually packed inside the stand (weird) but this allows for extra protection. When you open the box you see only the stand and you are like ***? then you remove the back panel and the tank is inside.
 
The tanks are well made, the shippers such. I was lucky and mine was sent via a real freight carrier who new how to handle cargo. If you have not already done so, see if your LFS can get them and let them handle the shipping issues.
 
I'll be seeking one out locally today. The second tank arrived last night with a crack on the top back corner. The shipper filled the tank with packing peanuts and put the box inside another box. Unfortunately, I think they need more than just another layer of cardboard to survive UPS.

So now I have another tank to smash to bits to get it out in the trash, and a second set of pumps, extras, and another protein skimmer. Yay. I'd much rather have a new tank in one piece.
 
If the third one arrives in pieces I will be getting a refund and trying with someone else. The problem is that no one locally carries them and would have to order one. Plus I would then end up paying their markup as well. But if that is what it takes to get one that so be it! lol
 
All of the stores near me can order them, which is fine I guess, I've waited this long... You're right though, it will be a little more $$. It looks like about $30 once you figure tax in. I think I'm okay with that. I keep going back and looking at the biocube, nanocube, and RSM. All three are nice and I could go pick right up, but the thing I liked about the solana was the open top and choice of lighting...
 
Well I have already gotten my 17" Ecoxotic LED fixture for my Solana so even if i choose a different brand of tank it would have to be open top so that I can use it.
 
I recently picked up a used Solana. It is missing the skimmer, top glass and return pump. I currently have an MJ900 running as a return pump to cycle the tank. I filled the tank with water from another reef system in the house and added LS & LR. I am hoping to keep the cycle very short.

My question is... How many gph is the stock return pump? What would be a good return pump to purchase? I could put an MJ 1200 in there. As for a skimmer. I will try running it with Chemi-pure, Kents carbon in a media bag, the sponge and possibly setup a Fuge in one chamber. If I decided togo with a Skimmer I'll give the Euro-Reef Nano a shot!

For livestock, it will mainly be LPS, shrooms & Zoas.

I have a Tunze 6055 with controller but this will probably be to much flow. I was thinking of using a Vortech mp10. But I will give the new 6055 a try and sell it if I have to.
 
MJ 900 is a great size for return. Some have gone with a 1200 but a 900 will be just fine. I plan on replacing my stock with a 900 one of these days.

The glass is not great to use anyhow so no prob there.

The Vortech MP10 rocks as a flow source. You will not regret it if your current is too much.

Good luck!
 
I'm beginning to think the universe is trying to tell me to go another route. The solana stand arrived today with.... you guessed it, broken glass for the door. That and the fact the LFS has yet to call me back to take my order for the tank has me thinking it might be time to think about other options.
 
You could always have a piece of glass cut to fit the door. The tabs just push up against the glass to hold it in the stand door. It would be a simple fix. Most hardware stores are capable of cutting glass or possibly a Home Depot or Lowe's.
 
ragnas said:
I'm beginning to think the universe is trying to tell me to go another route. The solana stand arrived today with.... you guessed it, broken glass for the door. That and the fact the LFS has yet to call me back to take my order for the tank has me thinking it might be time to think about other options.
Click to expand...

You can also get some frosted acrylic and replace, easy and cheap and it looks better
 
sal9012 said:
You can also get some frosted acrylic and replace, easy and cheap and it looks better
Click to expand...

That's a good idea. I called Foster and Smith Aquatics last night to report the damage. I just called back this morning to see if I could negotiate a discount to cover replacing the glass, but a new stand has already been shipped. Fingers crossed this one makes it okay.
 
Has anyone else got a microbubble problem with the stock skimmer? would mesh modding fix that?

My solana's coming along well. but i want to pick up an mp10 before i post any pics. I'm dying to get my hands on one of those.
 
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