Solana tank owner thread.

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For those that have temperature issues what are you doing to get your temps down? I haven't been able to get the temp below 81ish. So I ordered a Tunze Aquawind and it came in today finally. So I am hoping it works, cuz I am not getting a chiller for this tank.

On the sand issue, I also agree only 20-25lbs of sand. I currently have about .5-.75" of sand, and I think I am going to add a little more.
 
For me, (I have an Oceanic Cube at the moment) my temps are fine because I have a fan that blows over the MH bulb, and I have a sump which evaps about a liter or 2 per day.

As for the Solana, I think using a (nicer looking in my case) fan to blow over the lighting, replacing the stock return pump (which I heard can add quite a bit of heat), and using a Vortech MP10 should help out quite a bit. If you can, try to keep the glass top off of the tank as well.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15385870#post15385870 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by E.intheC
For me, (I have an Oceanic Cube at the moment) my temps are fine because I have a fan that blows over the MH bulb, and I have a sump which evaps about a liter or 2 per day.

As for the Solana, I think using a (nicer looking in my case) fan to blow over the lighting, replacing the stock return pump (which I heard can add quite a bit of heat), and using a Vortech MP10 should help out quite a bit. If you can, try to keep the glass top off of the tank as well.
Click to expand...

I have 2 out 3 covered. My Solana is already topless, and I have an Vortech MP20 on it. I will look into a different pump, anybody have suggestions on a good replacement?

I do have an ATO running on it. Seems like my evap is about 1 Gallon a day.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15384230#post15384230 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TriggerHappyDude
Yes, sorry, I forgot to mention in my last post to you about the sand thickness, that it was my personal preference, if you like and want and need 3" then 40lbs is good. Like LoneWolf said, depends on your live stock and preference. I didn't want/need it that deep, so I'm ok with 20-25 lbs.
Click to expand...

Gotcha. From the research I've done, it seems pistol shrimps like sand bed ranging from 1" and up. So I think a nice 2" sand bed will do just fine.
I'll pick up 30lbs at the LFS on Thursday when I get the Solana and if I need a little more, I can always throw another 5 lbs into it.
Thanks for the opinions guys. Nice to have this thread to turn to for my various set up ?'s. :thumbsup:
 
anyone using the wood frame glass top?

SolanaFrameKits.jpg


with the way I have my vortech mounted, and how high i have the flow, it kicks a few dribbles of water out when it switches to the high points in reefcrest mode. i'm tired of wiping off the front/side glass, and it's kind of a pain to lift the top off everytime I want to get into the display or the sump. pros/cons?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15400728#post15400728 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MedRed
anyone using the wood frame glass top?

with the way I have my vortech mounted, and how high i have the flow, it kicks a few dribbles of water out when it switches to the high points in reefcrest mode. i'm tired of wiping off the front/side glass, and it's kind of a pain to lift the top off everytime I want to get into the display or the sump. pros/cons?
Click to expand...

Not using it, but thinking about it. so far I have been lucky with the vortech. I also run reefcrest mode, but I must placed it just low enough that it doesnt go over the edge.
 
So I picked up my stand and disco-ball light from my LFS today -but not the tank.
Apparently the Solana tank, stand and light are too big to put in a little Acura... Was hoping the stand box was smaller and i'd be able to fit it but no luck. Have to go back tomorrow and pick the tank back up.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15385870#post15385870 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by E.intheC
replacing the stock return pump (which I heard can add quite a bit of heat), and using a Vortech MP10 should help out quite a bit. If you can, try to keep the glass top off of the tank as well.
Click to expand...



I just received my solana:)

I'm sure the return pump issue has been covered somewhere in this huge thread but I can't seem to find it.


How is the return pump? How much flow does it pump?
If it sucks what is a good replacement? Eheim?

Thanks :D
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15406619#post15406619 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jackson6745
I just received my solana:)

I'm sure the return pump issue has been covered somewhere in this huge thread but I can't seem to find it.


How is the return pump? How much flow does it pump?
If it sucks what is a good replacement? Eheim?

Thanks :D
Click to expand...

I don't know how much flow it pumps, but I know its loud.
I would replace it with a Sapphire Aquatics Skimmer for the Solana.
Very quiet and good skimmate, others can comment if they want.
http://www.shop.sapphireaquatics.com/product.sc?categoryId=4&productId=6

Love mine.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15406823#post15406823 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TriggerHappyDude
I don't know how much flow it pumps, but I know its loud.
I would replace it with a Sapphire Aquatics Skimmer for the Solana.
Very quiet and good skimmate, others can comment if they want.
http://www.shop.sapphireaquatics.com/product.sc?categoryId=4&productId=6

Love mine.
Click to expand...

I was concerned with the return pump. I don't plan to use the stock skimmer. I plan to use a Deltec MCE 600 to skim.

thanks,
Rich
 
btw rich,

how is rockaway beach lately, after the mets invested in the new stadium? worth the trip, or stick to jones???
 
Nerdy Thanks for the info on the pump.
Rockaway Beach is so so. It's convenient for me because I just cross the street. I think Jones is the better beach. Both have their share of eye candy though:)

TriggerHappyDude, no problem. I appreciate the effort anyway :)
 
Let's do a bit of an update: what lighting is everyone using now? I'm thinking about hanging a 250 wtt mh pendant over top.

Opinions on your light scheme?
 
i'm using a 150w sunpod and I hate it except for the moonlights. I'm switching to a 250w MH +T5 Aqua Medic Spacelight EX fixture on Monday.
 
Why don't you like the 150 specifically? Not enough power or is it the lack of light spread?

I have the option of a 250 mh alone, or a 150 mh + 2 pc lights, each in a pendant, for the same cost. I don't know if I want the stronger mh bulb or the same bulb but with supplemental lighting.
 
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