Solana tank owner thread.

[nirvanaandtool]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15625188#post15625188 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aklee987
Also made a mesh lid for the tank. I used 1/2" acrylic, if I had to do it again, I would go with thinner. I was worried about bowing of the frame, but the acrylic is stronger than it looks. Plus, the mesh I used does not pull on it very hard. Here are some pics.

That is a scrap piece of mesh, when I get the time, I'll put one on that is not torn.

It doesn't seem to block much light at all, the clam does not even notice when I take it on and off.

Nice mesh lid. How did you attach the mesh to the acrylic? Is it those little tabs sticking out?

I need to do something like that soon. I picked up a purple firefish and have it in QT as of now so the Solana definitely needs to be covered.

 

[aklee987]

Yeah, I used some small round pieces of acrylic rod and welded them to the inside and outside of the frame. The inside pieces hold the mesh in place. The outside pieces are the pieces that sit on the glass and hold the lid in place.

The mesh I used is a shower loofa (the thing my wife uses in the shower), so it's really thin and doesn't block light.

 

[asl4me76]

Does this mess with the amount of par you're getting from your lighting?

 

[aklee987]

I haven't checked, but I have not noticed any difference in coral growth. Also, when you block light to my clam, it closes up, and it never responds at all when I take the lid on and off.

 

[nirvanaandtool]

Ah nice. Interesting choice for the mesh.

Might have to attempt this when I get the chance. Thanks for the info.

 

[myreefcentral]

You can also use a DIY window screen kit from Home Depot or Lowes...

 

[aklee987]

I thought about that, but this seemed a little more unobtrusive, my wife really likes the look of the rimless tank. She is OK with how this looks, but she did not want the window screen. I'm thinking about making another one, this time with a thinner frame.

 

[myreefcentral]

You can make it small enough to fit inside the tank and have it sit on the clips that came with the tank for the glass top rather than have it sit on top of the rim of the tank...ever thought of that?

 

[aklee987]

Sounds like a good idea. You have pictures?

 

[milkman55]

Here is my window frame from HD covered with bird netting which does not block as much light as the screen material. I prefer the bird netting from Lowes made by Dupont as it was a little heavier and held its shape.

 

[bigchriss04]

skimmer

skimmer

http://www.marinedepot.com/Red_Sea_...0_Gallons-Red_Sea-RS1311-FIPSISVSUH-4-vi.html

Would this skimmer work as a replacement?

 

[MVlk]

I think Current USA may have learned there lesson in shipping. Finally got shipping info for my new Solana 34 after two weeks. They are shipping it via a freight company. Scheduled to arrive on Tuesday.

 

[Gamepro_inc]

E.intheC My LFS acted cool like it was the shipper that messed up and said they would replace it however they did mention that they would lose money on the deal but even if that is the case they make enough of a mark up on everything else that i am not too worried.

Also to whom it may concern I also made a screen top with advice from lonewolf I went to Lowes got a DIY frame, frame corners, spline, spline roller, and bird netting which allows for the best airflow and light penetration. You will also need a hacksaw to cut the metal. I am very pleased with the result and it doesn't take away from the rimless edge at all. Just an FYI

 

[lgnd95]

here is my solana

 

[MVlk]

lgnd95: Looks very nice. What are you using for a dry box for your Vortech? What is the extra filtration seen in the pictures?

 

[lgnd95]

Thanks Michael-I got a local acrylic guy made me the dry box out of acrylic and I have a sump below for my Tunze 9010 skimmer.

 

[mikebehr]

lgnd95: how did you add a sump bellow. Some of us have thought about drilling the tank but have not heard of anyone actually doing it. can you post pics of your sump setup?

 

[lgnd95]

I did not not have a chance to drill the tank so I went with a siphon instead. I will post pic of the sump later tonght.

 

[MVlk]

lgnd95... Sorry for so many questions. I am setting mine up next week and would like to get as much right from the start.

What dimensions did you go with for the dry box? Does it get in the way in the back too much? Looks like a MP10/20 correct? Could you post a picture top down of the Vortech/dry box?

 

[lgnd95]

Michael - If I were to re-do my solana, I would drill the back chamber for my overflow. my dry box is 4x4x6 3/8 with one side of the box with a 5/8" extension. I have a MP40. Here are some pics. Good luckk with your build.
Oh! I drilled a 1/8 dia hole in the overflow and returns just below the waterline just in case I loose power and I won't have a mini flood on my have.
Dry box

Overflow

Returns

Sumps