Solana tank owner thread.

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Solana micro bubbles

Solana micro bubbles

Set up my Solana about a month ago and this past week I started getting micro bubbles in the tank. Was wondering if anyone else had this issue and how did you resolve it.
Thanks
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14369871#post14369871 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Hooked4life
I used a 15 lb bag of Fij Pink live sand and I'm very happy with that amount -- it varies between 1" to 2" depended on where it is in the tank.
Click to expand...

Any special brand to use? is it worth it to buy over the shelf live sand or did you get it from a stablished tank?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14372397#post14372397 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kmu
Any special brand to use? is it worth it to buy over the shelf live sand or did you get it from a stablished tank?
Click to expand...

I used the Carib Sea Arag-Alive and it was actually 20 lbs not 15. I prefer the live bagged sand for starting new tanks--I seem to have less algae problems when I used it, although in larger tanks I only use it to seed dry sand. But for a Solana it only takes one bag at $17.95.
 
Does anyone else have an issue with the lid for their protein being extremely tight? I practically have to pry mine off to empty and clean it.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14370238#post14370238 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lastduke
I saw a used solana 34G on craigslist.com. Without any mod, just add two nano koralia powerheads.
The whole system (disco 150W mh light + tank + stand) is priced for $600 , includes the live stock around 100 bucks, but I don't really need the corals, need to resell them.

Is this a good deal I should jump in?
Click to expand...

Thats a pretty good deal, most places have the NEW tank and stand for about $500, and the lights are $200-$500 depending on what you buy...so $600, if in good shape, is a great deal. IMHO.
 
I just swapped out the stock 150w 14k bulb that comes with the Sunpod for the Phoenix 14k and all I can say is WOW! Tons more light and the perfect color. And I hear it only gets better as it breaks in.
 
Thanks Chris, a lot of users replace the stock MH light. However, I like the shape, just worry about the rang of the lighting. After research, there is some systems that have a lot of good mod at the same price, but this one is closer to me and just 6 month old. Should be in a good shape. I am going to officially join this club after saturday
 
A LFS I frequent uses the Solana fixture and it actually does a good job of lighting the tank. They have swapped the bulb for the 14k Phoenix that I just raved about so I would suggest that upgrade but I wouldn't worry about the fixture itself. It seems to project the light right down on the tank.
 
from the picture, the light is narrow down to the tank, the center area is much much lighter than the sides of the tank.
Anyone has the comparison pictures to show different bulbs on this lighting fixture?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14374029#post14374029 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefinabox
I just swapped out the stock 150w 14k bulb that comes with the Sunpod for the Phoenix 14k and all I can say is WOW! Tons more light and the perfect color. And I hear it only gets better as it breaks in.
Click to expand...

Reefinabox,

Do you have any before and after pics, or just after?
How much is that Phoenix bulb?
I found a great price on the SunPod 150w, $222 shipped!
So I'm wondering how much more to spend on that bulb.

PS.
I joined the club today, my LFS ordered me a tank and stand, will be in the shop tomorrow! So I'm stoked! I feel like we are all family...hehehehe JK.
 
I paid $45 for the bulb today at a LFS but they have very good prices....the same or better than online places. I would say you could find it for around $50 shipped. It is well worth it in my opinion.

I do not have before and after pics that really show the difference accurately. All I can say is that the light output is far superior and you can tell there is more blue but because of the extra light overall it creates a very crisp white light with great color in corals etc.
 
I don't really know what the 20k bulb looks like besides people say it is very blue. When I asked about it I was told it is a difficult buld to fire....actually takes around 160w to fire so some ballasts (including the Sunpod) care hit and miss on firing it.

I will try to get a pic or 2 up for you.
 
I will try to get a good picture tomorrow when the lights are back on. The one I took today is not a very accurate representation of the color.
 
Has anyone here used or seen pictures of the Solana tank setup with a Giesemann Basic HQI hanging light fixture? Or any Giesemann similar to this one?

It's a 24" light fixture, but it can be hung or used with mounting legs...I think if hung above the tank it would look really sweet.
I don't know a lot about these fixtures, or this brand, but this LOOK is something I can envision as being pretty modern and clean, I'm sure they have other options of lights with this look as well?

GL1311_99.jpg
 
Last edited:
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14377363#post14377363 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ChrisMc73
Has anyone here used or seen pictures of the Solana tank setup with a Giesemann Basic HQI hanging light fixture? Or any Giesemann similar to this one?

It's a 24" light fixture, but it can be hung or used with mounting legs...I think if hung above the tank it would look really sweet.
I don't know a lot about these fixtures, or this brand, but this LOOK is something I can envision as being pretty modern and clean, I'm sure they have other options of lights with this look as well?

GL1311_99.jpg
Click to expand...

Here is a pic of mine its simular to that one, but mine is made by hamilton tech.



108404860
http://www.pbase.com/delvisfoto/image/108404860
 
Any one have issues with the auto-top-off bottles?

I kept checking mine and they were still full. Well I actually pulled them out to check the water level and it was down about 1/2 a gallon. My bottles don't drain apparently. Duh.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14377998#post14377998 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Delsfishes
Here is a pic of mine its simular to that one, but mine is made by hamilton tech.
Click to expand...

Sweet, thanks Delsfishes! I'll have to look up that equipment, is it expensive? Looks like you have a light on a fuge maybe in the back middle chamber?

Any other pics of your system?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14378856#post14378856 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ChrisMc73
Sweet, thanks Delsfishes! I'll have to look up that equipment, is it expensive?

Looks like you have a light on a fuge maybe in the back middle chamber?

Any other pics of your system?
Click to expand...

What model is your fixture?
 
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