Solana tank owner thread.

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What? You surely don't have the ability or knowledge to make something on your own. Do you pay people to service your tank also?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14816026#post14816026 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TriggerHappyDude
So $5 investment with the risk to ruin a $200-$450 Vortech...


Or spend the $32 on the inTank - Media Basket Dry Dock in the 2nd (center) chamber with little to no risk of ruining your VorTech...

Hummm...which one should I go with?

What is your basis for the decision? Just because you paid $32 for one rather than using $5 in material to make your own? Why be condescending about his decision to build his own if it produces the same end result? Are you trying to justify your purchase to yourself? I have noticed throughout this thread that you have dumped tons of money into your setup and if someone suggests something other than what you purchased you treat it as inferior. Your $32 InTank box could leak just as easily as a $5 homebrew. Is InTank going to replace your $400 Vortexh if it should leak? I don't recall seeing that type of warranty anywhere. So you tell me, what exactly are you getting for $32 besides a plastic box that is SUPPOSED to keep water out.

BTW, this is not a knock on Steve's products at all. They all look great and seem to be put together very well. Just pointing out that nothing is perfect and anything can fail, not just DIY projects.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14816071#post14816071 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefinabox
What is your basis for the decision? Just because you paid $32 for one rather than using $5 in material to make your own? Why be condescending about his decision to build his own if it produces the same end result? Are you trying to justify your purchase to yourself? I have noticed throughout this thread that you have dumped tons of money into your setup and if someone suggests something other than what you purchased you treat it as inferior. Your $32 InTank box could leak just as easily as a $5 homebrew. Is InTank going to replace your $400 Vortexh if it should leak? I don't recall seeing that type of warranty anywhere. So you tell me, what exactly are you getting for $32 besides a plastic box that is SUPPOSED to keep water out.

BTW, this is not a knock on Steve's products at all. They all look great and seem to be put together very well. Just pointing out that nothing is perfect and anything can fail, not just DIY projects.

Ya, what he said. :eek2:
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14815506#post14815506 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefinsocal
Thats a pretty blanket statement about the MP20. Have you used the MP10?

You do the comparison...its $100 less than a MP20 and does just as well...and is smaller in size...why would I buy a MP20 over a MP10? Especially for a Nano-Reef aquarium like the Solana?


MP10 Specifications

Flow: 500 to 1575 gph
Wattage: 8 to 18 watts
Maximum Tank Thickness: 3/8″
Appropriate Tank Size Range: 2.5 to 50 gal
Dimensions: Wet Side- 2.5″ diameter by 1.5″ long, Dry Side - 2.5″ diameter by 2″ long
Clearance Needed Behind Aquarium: 2.25″

MP20 Specifications

Flow: 500-2000 gallons per hour
Power Consumption: 6-18 watts
Maximum Motor Temperature: 30-40 degrees Celsius
Aquarium Wall Thickness Range: 3/16”-3/4”
Appropriate Tank Size Range: 30-70 gallons
Dimensions: Wet Side- 3” diameter by 2.25” long; Dry Side- 3” diameter by 2.25” long
Clearance Needed Behind Aquarium: 3”
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14816044#post14816044 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefinsocal
What? You surely don't have the ability or knowledge to make something on your own. Do you pay people to service your tank also?

Why would I reinvent the wheel?
I don't have my tank up and running yet so there is no service needed, but when the time comes, maybe I'll get the butler or maid to do it? We'll just see when its up and running.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14816131#post14816131 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TriggerHappyDude
You do the comparison...its $100 less than a MP20 and does just as well...and is smaller in size...why would I buy a MP20 over a MP10? Especially for a Nano-Reef aquarium like the Solana?


MP10 Specifications

Flow: 500 to 1575 gph
Wattage: 8 to 18 watts
Maximum Tank Thickness: 3/8″
Appropriate Tank Size Range: 2.5 to 50 gal
Dimensions: Wet Side- 2.5″ diameter by 1.5″ long, Dry Side - 2.5″ diameter by 2″ long
Clearance Needed Behind Aquarium: 2.25″

MP20 Specifications

Flow: 500-2000 gallons per hour
Power Consumption: 6-18 watts
Maximum Motor Temperature: 30-40 degrees Celsius
Aquarium Wall Thickness Range: 3/16”-3/4”
Appropriate Tank Size Range: 30-70 gallons
Dimensions: Wet Side- 3” diameter by 2.25” long; Dry Side- 3” diameter by 2.25” long
Clearance Needed Behind Aquarium: 3”

You are defying your own logic here. You purchased an MP40w. Why would you do that when an MP20 costs $100 less and does the same job as the MP40? Is it for the wireless functionality? Do you have more than one pump? If you don't the wireless bit is worthless. The MP20 does pump almost 500 gph more than the MP10 so maybe someone would want the overhead. Maybe he also has plans to upgrade to a larger tank one day but doesn't feel he needs the wireless capability of the MP40. Or maybe he feels like if he finds he needs it he will just pay for the upgrade at that time (Which is only slightly more than buying the MP40 up front so it isn't a huge cost savings) There are many reasons why the MP20 could make sense, its just not what YOU did.
O
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14816071#post14816071 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefinabox
What is your basis for the decision? Just because you paid $32 for one rather than using $5 in material to make your own? Why be condescending about his decision to build his own if it produces the same end result? Are you trying to justify your purchase to yourself? I have noticed throughout this thread that you have dumped tons of money into your setup and if someone suggests something other than what you purchased you treat it as inferior. Your $32 InTank box could leak just as easily as a $5 homebrew. Is InTank going to replace your $400 Vortexh if it should leak? I don't recall seeing that type of warranty anywhere. So you tell me, what exactly are you getting for $32 besides a plastic box that is SUPPOSED to keep water out.

BTW, this is not a knock on Steve's products at all. They all look great and seem to be put together very well. Just pointing out that nothing is perfect and anything can fail, not just DIY projects.

Why would I have to justify my purchase? I have no reason, was just pointing out that there was something already available that didn't have any "risks" noted in the design, so no there is no warranty on something designed not to ruin your equipment. From the description of the previous poster it sounded like it ran a risk of overflowing and thats no the case with the inTank one, no warnings, no needed guarantees...thats all I was pointing out. I think the way the 2nd chamber is designed vs. the 3rd chamber makes it very less likey to overflow where putting one of these $5 DIY jobs in the 3rd chamber does...maybe he just needs to move it to the 2nd chamber or design on for the 2nd chamber that doesn't pose any risks...no need to get all defensive. I have no problem with all you DIY jobs, some turn out good, some don't.

Glad you've noticed me throughout the thread, its nice to have fans...I didn't dump tons of money into this tank, not by comparison to some tanks on Reef Central, but I do buy quality products that last. I'm a firm believer in "you pay for what you get"...
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14816202#post14816202 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TriggerHappyDude
Why would I have to justify my purchase? I have no reason, was just pointing out that there was something already available that didn't have any "risks" noted in the design, so no there is no warranty on something designed not to ruin your equipment. From the description of the previous poster it sounded like it ran a risk of overflowing and thats no the case with the inTank one, no warnings, no needed guarantees...thats all I was pointing out. I think the way the 2nd chamber is designed vs. the 3rd chamber makes it very less likey to overflow where putting one of these $5 DIY jobs in the 3rd chamber does...maybe he just needs to move it to the 2nd chamber or design on for the 2nd chamber that doesn't pose any risks...no need to get all defensive. I have no problem with all you DIY jobs, some turn out good, some don't.

Glad you've noticed me throughout the thread, its nice to have fans...I didn't dump tons of money into this tank, not by comparison to some tanks on Reef Central, but I do buy quality products that last. I'm a firm believer in "you pay for what you get"...

Turn off your pumps and see what happens in ALL the chambers. You haven't even setup your system yet and your making comments. "you pay for what you get" is a stupid comment. You probably bought a big Canon Camera and now your a good photographer. Lame excuse.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14816202#post14816202 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TriggerHappyDude
Why would I have to justify my purchase? I have no reason, was just pointing out that there was something already available that didn't have any "risks" noted in the design, so no there is no warranty on something designed not to ruin your equipment. From the description of the previous poster it sounded like it ran a risk of overflowing and thats no the case with the inTank one, no warnings, no needed guarantees...thats all I was pointing out. I think the way the 2nd chamber is designed vs. the 3rd chamber makes it very less likey to overflow where putting one of these $5 DIY jobs in the 3rd chamber does...maybe he just needs to move it to the 2nd chamber or design on for the 2nd chamber that doesn't pose any risks...no need to get all defensive. I have no problem with all you DIY jobs, some turn out good, some don't.

Glad you've noticed me throughout the thread, its nice to have fans...I didn't dump tons of money into this tank, not by comparison to some tanks on Reef Central, but I do buy quality products that last. I'm a firm believer in "you pay for what you get"...

And this is where you should just stop offering advice until you get your tank setup and running. See you have ZERO experience with this particular tanks and from your profile it looks like you have ZERO hands on experience in general. When the pumps go off all 3 rear chambers fill to the same height which is also the same height as the water level in the display portion. Are you familiar with physics specifically pertaining to water pressure? The ONLY reason the water in the rear chambers is lower when the pumps are on is because of those very pumps. So in a power failure the back is filling up period. Please try to speak from experience rather than the worm fuzzy feeling you feel from spending money on something that you have no experience with in the real world.

And as for your cute "fan" comment. Please don't flatter yourself. I would just put you on ignore, but I hold a small glimmer of hope that once you get your tank up and running you might have something productive and informed to add to this thread.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14816187#post14816187 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefinabox
You are defying your own logic here. You purchased an MP40w. Why would you do that when an MP20 costs $100 less and does the same job as the MP40? Is it for the wireless functionality? Do you have more than one pump? If you don't the wireless bit is worthless. The MP20 does pump almost 500 gph more than the MP10 so maybe someone would want the overhead. Maybe he also has plans to upgrade to a larger tank one day but doesn't feel he needs the wireless capability of the MP40. Or maybe he feels like if he finds he needs it he will just pay for the upgrade at that time (Which is only slightly more than buying the MP40 up front so it isn't a huge cost savings) There are many reasons why the MP20 could make sense, its just not what YOU did.
O

You really think the MP20 does the same job as an MP40w?

And you obviously didn't read that I plan to upgrade to a 100 + gallon tank and will probably buy another MP40w to go along with what I purchased, as a future investment. Planning ahead with my MP40w purchase. If I wasn't going to upgrade one day, the MP10 is what I would consider for all the basic logical reasons.

You still haven't convinced me the MP20 is the right purchase, but the MP10 is too new to get any feedback from tank owners.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14816228#post14816228 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefinsocal
Turn off your pumps and see what happens in ALL the chambers. You haven't even setup your system yet and your making comments. "you pay for what you get" is a stupid comment. You probably bought a big Canon Camera and now your a good photographer. Lame excuse.

Just because I haven't set up my Solana tank yet doesn't mean I have no experience and haven't setup tanks before, wow an now I'm not allowed to make comments? Funny how defensive you are getting, over a few suggestions. I have done lots of research over the past year on this tank, not an expert but I know pretty much how they work by now, which is why I purchased the equipment I decided to purchase.

I do understand how turning off the pumps will make the water rise in all the chambers, what do you think happens to the inTank Dry Dock when you do this? And what happens with yours?

I'm just going to ignore your photography comment. Its not worth even responding to.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14816240#post14816240 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefinabox
And this is where you should just stop offering advice until you get your tank setup and running. See you have ZERO experience with this particular tanks and from your profile it looks like you have ZERO hands on experience in general. When the pumps go off all 3 rear chambers fill to the same height which is also the same height as the water level in the display portion. Are you familiar with physics specifically pertaining to water pressure? The ONLY reason the water in the rear chambers is lower when the pumps are on is because of those very pumps. So in a power failure the back is filling up period. Please try to speak from experience rather than the worm fuzzy feeling you feel from spending money on something that you have no experience with in the real world.

And as for your cute "fan" comment. Please don't flatter yourself. I would just put you on ignore, but I hold a small glimmer of hope that once you get your tank up and running you might have something productive and informed to add to this thread.

So because I haven't setup my Solana yet, means I can't offer advice? All the hours and over a year of research and gathering up information about the equipment used on these tanks and talking and working with Current-USA employees about certain equipment means I zero experience, man you know me well. You're so proud of your experience you don't even list it out on your profile and signature...hahaha. You are so defensive and quick to judge and know nothing about me. Please do put me on ignore, I would rather not respond to you anymore. I would put you two on ignore but I don't get as defensive over a few suggestions and start getting judgmental, its just a message board with opinions. I guess the less than 500 posts between you two show the newness to these formats. Don't take things so personal. People are allowed to post their opinions here in the forums.
 
And back to the orginal discussion...

As long as there is the updatability, MP20 is still a viable buy, but for those who know that they won't go over 30 or so gallons, the MP10 is def the best buy IMO. For this tank size and shape (Solana 20x20x20), the cube, the MP10 is a better choice IMO. Smaller footprint inside the tank, great flow...cheaper...etc...

But everyone knows how addicting it is to upgrade to a bigger tank.

Here is a video from the MAX show...

 
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Trigger - Maybe you should go back and read your own posts to find how you are contradicting yourself. You have already done it on this one page alone. You stated earlier "I think the way the 2nd chamber is designed vs. the 3rd chamber makes it very less likey to overflow where putting one of these $5 DIY jobs in the 3rd chamber does...maybe he just needs to move it to the 2nd chamber or design on for the 2nd chamber that doesn't pose any risks" and then after we point out what actually happens you come back with "I do understand how turning off the pumps will make the water rise in all the chambers, what do you think happens to the inTank Dry Dock when you do this? And what happens with yours?" Sounds to me like you understand it now that we explained it to you rather than first hand experience.

You also address the point of experience and posting it for all the world to see I guess to prove your worth around here. If you have experience setting up tanks....which you stated a couple posts up....then why don't you list it since you listed everything else. Yours says "1 year of research and studies" That is not experience. Maybe you should check join date. I have been around here since 2001. No I don't have thousands of posts because I only offer my $.02 where I actually have experience and can be certain of the what I am offering rather than inflating a post count to stroke my ego. No one is on the defensive here just pointing out some obvious flaws in your statements which you don't seem to be able to take very well.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14816439#post14816439 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TriggerHappyDude
And back to the orginal discussion...

As long as there is the updatability, MP20 is still a viable buy, but for those who know that they won't go over 30 or so gallons, the MP10 is def the best buy IMO. For this tank size and shape (Solana 20x20x20), the cube, the MP10 is a better choice IMO. Smaller footprint inside the tank, great flow...cheaper...etc...

But everyone knows how addicting it is to upgrade to a bigger tank.

I couldn't agree more.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14816510#post14816510 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefinabox
Trigger - Maybe you should go back and read your own posts to find how you are contradicting yourself. You have already done it on this one page alone. You stated earlier "I think the way the 2nd chamber is designed vs. the 3rd chamber makes it very less likey to overflow where putting one of these $5 DIY jobs in the 3rd chamber does...maybe he just needs to move it to the 2nd chamber or design on for the 2nd chamber that doesn't pose any risks" and then after we point out what actually happens you come back with "I do understand how turning off the pumps will make the water rise in all the chambers, what do you think happens to the inTank Dry Dock when you do this? And what happens with yours?" Sounds to me like you understand it now that we explained it to you rather than first hand experience.

Ok, so let me clear this up for you, I guess my comments were made off of a lot of assumptions and no visual help, so that is my bad, but since he hasn't shared pictures yet, its hard to visualize his design. But it sounded like it was designed to where if the pumps go off, that box was going to fill up with water as the back levels rise, therefore killing the VorTech. I don't know all the specifics of his design and how it fits in that 3rd chamber but the thought of it filling up and killing the VorTech is what got set in my mind and had me suggest the other "DRY" dock that is designed to not fill up with water when the pumps are off, the tank would overflow on the ground before the dry dock would its setting flush with the top of the back of the tank wall. Maybe I misunderstood his design? The pictures he's going to put up will help.


<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14816510#post14816510 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reefinabox
You also address the point of experience and posting it for all the world to see I guess to prove your worth around here. If you have experience setting up tanks....which you stated a couple posts up....then why don't you list it since you listed everything else. Yours says "1 year of research and studies" That is not experience. Maybe you should check join date. I have been around here since 2001. No I don't have thousands of posts because I only offer my $.02 where I actually have experience and can be certain of the what I am offering rather than inflating a post count to stroke my ego. No one is on the defensive here just pointing out some obvious flaws in your statements which you don't seem to be able to take very well.

Too funny...I don't post to inflate my post count, I ask a lot of questions (apparently unlike you and your years of experience), it has been part of my research and information gathering about the Nano tanks and aquariums in general.

I'm very happy that you are very experienced and offer up information you are certain of, that you never have to ask any questions. I have lots of questions as Nano Reef tanks were new to me, I setup Fish Only tanks in the past, but that doesn't make me an expert and I'm not here to discuss those tanks or push any of my expertise on people, so I didn't put it on my profile.

I want to learn more about the Nano Reefs and thats why I'm here. Never claimed to be an expert at anything which is why I have all the profile information listed with the appropriate data, you seem, and yes I'm being judgemental, like one of these quiet know it all posters who only wants to give his almighty knowledge when he can flame others to death. I'm sure I'm mistaken as most quick to judge thoughts are. But you already knew this with your experience. So please, again, I ask, put me on ignore, so you don't have to deal with me and my "beneath you" ignorance. I'm begging. We won't waste anymore time and posts going back and forth with non-sense. And your ego and experience can stay in tack and my lack of experience and knowledge and low life posts will not bug you anymore.

You are the reason I don't post here as much anymore, you make this forum a bad place to hang out. For exactly what you've done today. Feel proud. : thumbsup:
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14816677#post14816677 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TriggerHappyDude
Ok, so let me clear this up for you, I guess my comments were made off of a lot of assumptions and no visual help, so that is my bad, but since he hasn't shared pictures yet, its hard to visualize his design. But it sounded like it was designed to where if the pumps go off, that box was going to fill up with water as the back levels rise, therefore killing the VorTech. I don't know all the specifics of his design and how it fits in that 3rd chamber but the thought of it filling up and killing the VorTech is what got set in my mind and had me suggest the other "DRY" dock that is designed to not fill up with water when the pumps are off, the tank would overflow on the ground before the dry dock would its setting flush with the top of the back of the tank wall. Maybe I misunderstood his design? The pictures he's going to put up will help.

All I can suggest is that you read other people's posts a little better. He explained very clearly that the box he built was designed so that the water in the rear chamber would fill around the box keeping the Vortech DRY. He even said he built a dry dock. I guess it is our fault for assuming you read the entire post and then made the comment you made which came across as you putting down his DIY job because it isn't something he just whipped out his credita card for. Now that we understand that you didn't actually read his original post your comments make a little more sense. Thanks for the clarification.

As for where you post because you it makes you feel better, you seem to be doing a pretty good job of rubbing long standing members over there the wrong way too. Congrats.
 
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