Solana XL

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14686041#post14686041 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TriggerHappyDude
Exactly...and isn't the 70 just a 20 gallon tank?

I think Current-USA has the price about right for what all you are getting, they've done their research.

And no I'm not a sponsor, flattered, but how would little ole me with my first tank ever sponsor them? ;)

I do like some of their products, but realize there are some other top of the line stuff out there, but overall they make really solid products. I just don't get the bashing of something that is not fully understood. Thats all. ELOS tanks are "wow" and so is the price! You pay for what you get.
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No, the 70 is 55 gallons, still smaller but not by much. They both have one key equipment piece missing from the system. The solana missing a skimmer and the elos missing lights. Its a very tough decision if you are in the market for a full system.

Redsea Max 250 - 65 gallon, All in One, everything you need ~$1700
Solana XL - 60 Gallon, ~$2000 + ~250 (or more) skimmer
Elos 70 - 55 Gallon, ~$2900 + ~250 (or more) lights

They all have their negatives and positives. I prefer more of a square tank which is making it a tough decision on the redsea max, because its more of a long tank, but its still a great system, and being the cheapest is also quite nice.
 
I am kinda taken back by the prices, I expected the 60XL to be around $1500 to $1800 (depending on your LFS) to match the price of the Red Sea, and the 67XL to be $2000 to $2250 (depending on your LFS).
 
I personally like both solana xl tanks, but I have to say I agree that its price is a little steep for what you get. Sure it's an awesome looking tank, but I would rather save 300-800 dollars on the tank and go with the red sea max 250 and use that money to put into livestock. Just my oppinion.
 
I think I'll just stick with my step-child glasscages tank. Have had 2 over the years and they both held water so I could grow corals. Would rather spend the difference in livestock instead of a name plate. I get dissed at work too for not carrying an I-Phone. Its all bling these days .....
 
ok. I think people are missing the difference in quality. I havent seen the Solana XL but have seen 34g solana and they are much nicer construction than a glass cages tank. I too own a GC tank and it does the job and does it well however if you are interested in a gorgeous highend tank then GC is not the vendor for you. Its not about a name plate or bling but about build quality and craftmanship. Im not saying that current makes drop dead gorgeous tanks like some of the more expensive custom or elos tanks however they are on a different level from GC...oceanic tech tanks are on a different level from GC (IMHO).

I think this is more about a complete all-in-one system. The current company is trying to take the guess work out of salt water aquariums. Many of us here like the idea of researching equipment and making choices based on facts and hobbiest accts however some dont like that and would rather not be bothered. Just my take.
 
I agree that it is a nice system, but I still feel it should be priced in the red sea max 250 range. I am now curious if you will be able to but pieces of this setup. I have lights, and prefer to make my own stand and sump, but if you could buy the tank alone I would buy one as long as I felt the price was competitive as I have been looking to find a 24" to 36" cube. Bottom line I think current will sell more units if they allow you to buy pieces of the setup like they do with the 34g Solana, but I am not heading their marketing division...
 
Early on, I don't think you will, they are testing the market. Once they see a demand for that, I'm sure they will. But this is a limited test run to see the demand, with the economy the way it is, they don't want to mass produce these just to have them sitting there on the warehouse floor, and even worse, in LFS's.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14687691#post14687691 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Aquatic Hamster
I think I'll just stick with my step-child glasscages tank. Have had 2 over the years and they both held water so I could grow corals. Would rather spend the difference in livestock instead of a name plate. I get dissed at work too for not carrying an I-Phone. Its all bling these days .....
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We're not trying to rag on your GlassCages tank either, as Steve pointed out, we just think there is a different level of craftsmanship from GlassCages to Current-USA to A.G.E to ELOS etc...

Its nothing against your tank, its just not at the level I prefer and like...craftsmanshipwise. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and our's just differ, thats all. I've seen some nice GC tanks, just not my choice.

I'm not here to pick on any one particular brand of tank, nor to stick up for Current-USA, believe me if I had a choice of tank, my favorite is A.G.E, and that's who I'd have build my tank.

I like what Current-USA has done and is attempting and feel they should get some recognition for it. Of course my stance could change once I actually get water in my 34g Solana! :strooper:
 
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Wanted to add a bit more to this...

I read where the guy who can purchase the tank from GlassCages, make his own stand, use the "XYZ" sump and "XYZ" skimmer, and purchase "XYZ" components from Icecap and build his own system. Not many hobbyists have the time, knowledge or know-how to do that - it's almost like building your own computer versus buying one off the shelf. Some can do it their way, but the majority can't...

On the 3 systems we've mentioned, I'd really recommend the person go with the system they feel is best for them. All of them are good systems, its more a personal preference as to "what you want."

Between the Red Sea Max and the Solana XL, there really are some big differences in price:

- Regular Lead Glass vs. Low Iron/Starphire Glass
- T5HO lighting vs. 250w HQI lighting
- Stand designs are completely different (and Current-USA's is assembled)

Time will tell us if the prices is too steep, as the XL series will sit there...or fly out of the warehouses!
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14688990#post14688990 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TriggerHappyDude
Wanted to add a bit more to this...

I read where the guy who can purchase the tank from GlassCages, make his own stand, use the "XYZ" sump and "XYZ" skimmer, and purchase "XYZ" components from Icecap and build his own system. Not many hobbyists have the time, knowledge or know-how to do that - it's almost like building your own computer versus buying one off the shelf. Some can do it their way, but the majority can't...
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I have to disagree with you here. I do think that the majority of hobbyist custom tailor the system to their own needs. I think the difference is where each hobbyist starts. Some like to build light retros where some buy fixtures. I am glad they did not include a skimmer in the tank for this reason. That is why I also wish they did not sell it with the sunpod. I also would like to see the built in ato go. My guess is that ato may last a day at best against that 250w sunpod. The ato in my 34g solana does not last a day with a nova extreme pro which runs pretty cool compared to pc or mh lights. I think they would be better served if they provide options for consumers in these departments. In the same light I do realize that current is declaring the initial batch of these tanks as market testers so I would expect some changes down the line.
 
The majority of hobbyist on this web site and others like it maybe...but think of all those people who don't use the internet and don't know a lot and just go buy an AIO solution cause their kids want fish, or they see something they have to have, etc...thats how a lot of people start. More than you are thinking about.

For example, you think this guy was ready and knowledgeable to build his own tank for these fish? Wonder why he chose a Solana then vs. building a tank that actually can fit these fish?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBBfOS8FHLM

Cause he's an idiot! He doesn't have a clue and went out and bought a good tank but didn't research the livestock! I'm guessing he's ready to start building his own...

There is a lot more of these types than there are of us.
Granted this is a little out of context for someone who would buy a Solana XL and a bit extreme, but you get my point.
 
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<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14581955#post14581955 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by wastememphis
I found the tanks accidentally, while looking for something to hang their T5 lights over my 34 gallon solana... no idea where to get them or how much they are. They don't seem to come with a skimmer though. I really wish I could find a 34 gallon with starfire glass!

BMGrocks: It is rimless, the trim comes with the tank and you can add if if you'd like (from what I understand)
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did you find any luck finding t5s for the 34?
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14690306#post14690306 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TriggerHappyDude
The majority of hobbyist on this web site and others like it maybe...but think of all those people who don't use the internet and don't know a lot and just go buy an AIO solution cause their kids want fish, or they see something they have to have, etc...thats how a lot of people start. More than you are thinking about.

For example, you think this guy was ready and knowledgeable to build his own tank for these fish? Wonder why he chose a Solana then vs. building a tank that actually can fit these fish?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBBfOS8FHLM

Cause he's an idiot! He doesn't have a clue and went out and bought a good tank but didn't research the livestock! I'm guessing he's ready to start building his own...

There is a lot more of these types than there are of us.
Granted this is a little out of context for someone who would buy a Solana XL and a bit extreme, but you get my point.
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I hear what you are saying, but there are very few people who are uninformed in this hobby that are willing to spend the money to get a 34g solana in the first place I can only imagine that there will be fewer who would be willing to shell out the coin for the solana xl
 
I think the price point is there for the 34 gallon, so I disagree, but agree with the XL series...the 34 gallon is right there in my opinion, more than you think, just my opinion.
 
cerobbins, there are plenty of uninformed hobbiests out there, you just dont see them. If you think im wrong, go to a LFS for a few hours on a saturday afternoon. Trust me when I say, most people take the fish store's advice and dont do the research.

IMO these tanks arent designed to be marketed to mom and dad setting up a tank for junior. In my opinion they target professionals. I personally know of a hand full of people that up until now have had to personally custom order all peices of their smaller highend tanks. THey never had the option to purchase a complete system, now they do and thats what current is hoping to pursuade buyers with...instant gradification.

Thats the way I see, could just be late for me and im ramblin again :) either good night all
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14693462#post14693462 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by stevedola
cerobbins, there are plenty of uninformed hobbiests out there, you just dont see them. If you think im wrong, go to a LFS for a few hours on a saturday afternoon. Trust me when I say, most people take the fish store's advice and dont do the research.

IMO these tanks arent designed to be marketed to mom and dad setting up a tank for junior. In my opinion they target professionals. I personally know of a hand full of people that up until now have had to personally custom order all peices of their smaller highend tanks. THey never had the option to purchase a complete system, now they do and thats what current is hoping to pursuade buyers with...instant gradification.

Thats the way I see, could just be late for me and im ramblin again :) either good night all
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I spend plenty of time at the LFS. I agree their are tons of uninformed hobbyist. I have tried to sell plenty of them a solana, but most turn away when they hear the price because they do now know what they are getting. Most of the uninformed hobbyist go with the cheapest option no matter how many times you tell them it will not work well.

I also still think the professionals as you put it are still going to want to piece together a system if they are going to spend this much money.

All-in-all I think this is a great system, but I just feel being able to purchase parts of it rather than the whole thing would be ideal, at least for me, and probably most established hobbyist. That is just my opinion.
 
Sadly, I have to agree, but thats not the option right now. Maybe after they test the market, they might consider it an option, but we'll have to wait and see. For some reason they have a reason not to let us purchase it in parts...but I don't know what it is.
 
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