Solana tank owner thread.

[LoneWolf88]

It has been awhile since I provided any updates... the REEF Addiction is in full swing and I no longer have one but TWO Solana's

The Zoa Garden is starting to get coraline algae

FTS Solana Zoa Garden

Solana #2 does not have a designated them yet still battling hair algae as the previous owner neglected it....

Teaser shots from the zoa garden

Check out my livestock page for all the pictures....

 

[herostar]

Does anyone have a good suggestion for an online retailer who does a good job shipping these tanks? I just sent back my third broken tank and am looking for a different store now

 

[MVlk]

It seemed like these were all drop shipped from Current directly. I ordered my from Marine Depot and that was the case at least. Mine is scheduled to be here tomorrow and looks like it is shipped via a frieght service on a pallet so I am hoping I do not have the same issue.

I should have gone with my LFS however. Probably would have had it quicker and less hassle and worry. I may have paid a little more, but probably not too much.

Good luck.

 

[LoneWolf88]

have you tried finding a used one on craigslist or a local store... lots of killer deals out there... been several in my area that have sold for under 500.00 tank stand and lighting

 

[Majority_Rules]

This is true. I found mine on craigslist for $240. Just check everyday.

 

[Gamepro_inc]

Yea, i ordered mine from my LFS here in Gainesville FL and paid just over $700 everything arrived well packed except for the light which i discussed in a previous post on this thread. I havent seen any on craigslist though but Gainesville isn't as big as some of the places you guys are from.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Freight shipping is the only way to be sure you have a 75% chance of arriving with a good tank. Fedex and UPS are the worst.

 

[want2reef]

Just got my second solana delivery.

Can you say smashed again!

I think I am just going to wait for a used one.

 

[MVlk]

My delivery was delayed today... Supposed to be tomorrow. I am hoping the freight company handled it properly.

 

[nirvanaandtool]

Ouch. Sorry that you guys are having such problems getting your Solana's shipped.
Thats why I went through my LFS for mine. Actually got it cheaper than what its listed for on Marinedepot/DrF&S too. Hardest problem I had was fitting everything into my little car. Ended up having to go back with my mom's F150 to take the tank to my apartment.

Just got the various mesh top materials from Lowes today so tomorrow will be the mesh top creation day.
After that I'll probably actually go ahead with taking a bunch of softie frags from my brothers tank and maybe move the firefish I have in QT into the Solana. Its so boring looking at an empty tank with just rock and sand.

 

[herostar]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15671465#post15671465 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nirvanaandtool
Ouch. Sorry that you guys are having such problems getting your Solana's shipped.

Its so boring looking at an empty tank with just rock and sand.

It's even worse when you've been waiting six weeks for a *not broken* tank to show up! The LFS around here want about $100 more than an online vendor including shipping. Might be time to just go some other direction...

 

[TriggerHappyDude]

I updated my tank this weekend, added some frags and took some pics to share, its over on my build thread, just click the little red house to see what I added...

 

[nirvanaandtool]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15671539#post15671539 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by herostar
It's even worse when you've been waiting six weeks for a *not broken* tank to show up! The LFS around here want about $100 more than an online vendor including shipping. Might be time to just go some other direction...

Any other lfs's in the area?
If not check craigslist and local reef forums for a used one

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

I would call and complain that you are ready for your tank but you would like it in one piece, not several thousand.

See if they might refund your shipping for your trouble.

 

[MVlk]

Yippee!!!!!! :bounce1: :bounce2: :bounce3: I am in the club!!!

My tank finally arrived from Current USA and it seems to be in one piece! The packaging on the stand and the Nova Extreme Pro was amazing. The light packaging probably weighed more than the light itself!

Just finished the stand and I am impressed. For a flat pack, it is not too bad. Much better than the numerous Ikea pieces I have assembled.

I will be starting my new build thread tonight as I progress

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

As requested a long time ago a pic from slightly afar of the tank with the dry dock slightly elevated.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15675297#post15675297 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MVlk
Yippee!!!!!! :bounce1: :bounce2: :bounce3: I am in the club!!!

My tank finally arrived from Current USA and it seems to be in one piece! The packaging on the stand and the Nova Extreme Pro was amazing. The light packaging probably weighed more than the light itself!

Just finished the stand and I am impressed. For a flat pack, it is not too bad. Much better than the numerous Ikea pieces I have assembled.

I will be starting my new build thread tonight as I progress

:rollface: :bounce1: :bounce3: :bounce2: :celeb1: :thumbsup:

Welcome to the club!!!

 

[SpankythePyro]

So does anyone know where I can get that leemar stand from?

I like the looks of the solana stand but I've heard horror stories

 

[MVlk]

I do not know if they have updated it, but the one I just got was great. Went together easy and is actually very solid. For the price, I think it is a good deal.

 

[MVlk]

I have read through this thread and looked at others, but can someone comment on how they have theirs modded for a refugium?

I am thinking in the middle tray I will do the following from top to bottom:
- On top of the first plastic tray, a Marineland Rite-size A filter cartridge
- In between the two plastic trays live rock rubble with cheato on top.
- Was not going to put anything under the lower tray as it seem like it would be too difficult to clean.

I picked up some Purigen, should I just lay that on top of the first tray or possibly put that in the opening between the middle and return compartment?