Solana tank owner thread.

DadOfNine said:
Hey all,

I currently have a Finnex 30M, and would like a second tank. I saw a Solana 34 at the LFS they would like to get rid of. It has a small scratch on the side glass, but is new and otherwise undamaged. They are asking $329 for tank and stand without a light fixture (which is great because I have one I am not currently using.) I am having trouble finding a price for tank and stand only. Does this seem to be a reasonable deal? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Dan
Click to expand...

Dan,

I would think that's a pretty good deal. I paid $450 form my tank and stand at the LFS, so I would pull the trigger if that's what you want. Check all the seams though...I have a seam starting to pull away from the glass right now that could be a real problem if if continues. I'm trying to work it out with the LFS and Current at the moment...
 
Convince me to get a Solana 34

Convince me to get a Solana 34

Greetings - I'm seriously on the fence. Seems like a good (but biased) place to ask why I should buy a Solana 34 instead of a Nano Cube 28..
 
Gort said:
Greetings - I'm seriously on the fence. Seems like a good (but biased) place to ask why I should buy a Solana 34 instead of a Nano Cube 28..
Click to expand...

With the Solana you will have your own choice of lighting, a skimmer, and the rimless look is always nice. As well as a little more water volume and space. Theres nothing wrong with the nanocube though, they even have an l.e.d model of the 28 now.
 
Gort said:
Greetings - I'm seriously on the fence. Seems like a good (but biased) place to ask why I should buy a Solana 34 instead of a Nano Cube 28..
Click to expand...

I had both Nano Cube 28 and the Solana. I sold the Nano and kept the Solana. I love the rimless look, very sleek and nice. I added a LED lighting to it, and bought the tank and stand for only $125 at a LFS in the used section. The LED cost four times more than the tank itself but very happy with my choice. Good luck with your decision. Although I do love the Nanos, I really like the options of the Solana as Kevan stated. You really can't go wrong with either, it will be personal preference at this point.
 
Gort said:
Greetings - I'm seriously on the fence. Seems like a good (but biased) place to ask why I should buy a Solana 34 instead of a Nano Cube 28..
Click to expand...

As others have said, the Solana offers far more options than the nano cube IMO. The rimless look is really quite nice and with LED, it's very nice. I keep the glass top on mine for 2 reasons. 1 - fish and snails exiting the tank, 2 - evaporation. In the dry winter months here in MI, the tank evaps quite a bit. If you can find a good deal on one use, I don't think you would regret it.
 
Gort said:
Greetings - I'm seriously on the fence. Seems like a good (but biased) place to ask why I should buy a Solana 34 instead of a Nano Cube 28..
Click to expand...

As others have said, the Solana offers far more options than the nano cube IMO. The rimless look is really quite nice and with LED, it's very nice. I keep the glass top on mine for 2 reasons. 1 - fish and snails exiting the tank, 2 - evaporation. In the dry winter months here in MI, the tank evaps quite a bit. If you can find a good deal on one use, I don't think you would regret it.
 
So I finally got water in my solana. Ill post pics when the water clears up. What heaters is everyone running and is it a tight fit. My stealth wont fit in the heater sections with the suctions cups. I know all the the problems with the stealth. I plan on replacing it asap. Just wondering what everyone is using and how it fits. I don't see any heater fitting in the "heater" chamber without touching anything around it.
 
Hello all
I just scored a whole bunch of new corals. I went to a local frag swap with like 5 frags and came back with 5 new SPS frags 1 paly frag, and some other stuff it was great and didnt have to spend a thing. Just thought I would share my excitment. Will post pics soon.:bounce3::bounce2:
 
Thinking out loud:

Would you rather remove the rear chamber of your solana and use one of the higher end hang on the back skimmers

or

Remove the rear chambers and drill the solana for a sump with a in sump skimmer?


I'm thinking about taking one of these routes because my Tunze 9002 skimmer and rear AIO filter just isn't doing it for me. I've got every aspect covered from AI LED's lighting to MP10wES for flow, but can't seem to get decent skimming.

My only hesitance to drill is the lack of space in stand for a sump. I think it's only about 18x18 inside, and the shelf only allows about 12" of height but provides structural integrity to the stand. I thought about just building a new stand for it as an option, but am not sure if I want to go that route either.

Any thoughts? I'm close to just tossing in the towel as I don't have lots of time to dedicate to this any more and the lack of skimming currently is causing more maintenance issues than I want to deal with.
 
txbonds, I'm in the same boat. I tried to find out if the new Hydor or AquaMedic nano skimmers will fit, but neither will. While I like the design, I keep find myself wanting to go to a bigger sump-based system.
 
amheck said:
txbonds, I'm in the same boat. I tried to find out if the new Hydor or AquaMedic nano skimmers will fit, but neither will. While I like the design, I keep find myself wanting to go to a bigger sump-based system.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I just sold my custom stand and oceanic 58 (its pending actually until i can deliver it). Did that simply because I don't have time to finish the stand and have little time for the current solana.

That said, I can't help but think that there has to be a way to improve the current solana without making drastic changes and without incurring weeks of work. While it's not easy by any means, it could probably be accomplished in a weekend to drill the tank and install a small sump underneath the existing stand if I collected up the necessary pieces before hand. That said, I'm not sure how much of an improvement it would offer given the space limits inside the stand.

Really going to have to give this some thought. I really like the size of the current system, but without upgrading the skimmer I think it's a lost cause, as the 9002 just doesn't seem to produce enough skim to be effective.
 
I have been thinking about this too latley. I decided to drill and place a sump underneath. I need to do more research first though on how to do this. I just want room for a skimmer and return pump. sometimes I wonder if it wouldn/t be easier to take out the whole back section and put a in tank filter on there with a hang on the back skimmer at least then I gain some room. (I would never really do this im just frustrated)
 
I'm in the same position as you guys. The AIO setup just isnt enough for my bioload and I'm getting crazy algae outbreaks lately. I have a Tunze 9002, MP10ES, BRS single reactor w/carbon and gfo, chemipure elite and weekly to biweekly WC's.
I'm torn between selling and drilling the tank. My problem with selling is that I'll take a huge loss over what I paid brand new at the LFS. I honestly think I'd rather keep the tank and tear it apart and redo it with a sump rather than take a $400 loss on the deal.

Though I'm kind of puzzled on how to drill or set up the overflow cause I have the Starphire Solana with that cutout on the back glass so that would make an overflow an interesting situation. I've been bouncing ideas off my reef club and the plan we came up with currently is using that cutout as the overflow into an external Beananimal box. Would then screen that cutout with gutterguard to prevent snails and fish from making the trip. I think that would put the water level about an inch from the rim then.

I'm torn on building a custom stand too - I already built a custom stand for my 7.5g cube so its doable but just a hassle. I'll have to figure out what is more of a hassle to build- a custom stand or a custom 16x16 sump.

Glad I'm not the only one considering this drastic step lol
 
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