Solana XL67 is Here!!!

LivingStrong08

LivingStrong08

New member
Word. So it started. After a little delay, my Solana XL67 arrived! Everything about this tank and set-up has been amazing, and exceeding in expectations. Keep in mind this system is in its very premature stage's, however as excited as I have been about this tank, I know that there are many others who are as excited as I.

The Packaging:

Wow, the tank itself arrives in a huge wooden crate that is wrapped tightly in plastic and very stable. The actual tear down of the crate can be either by crow bar, or screw by screw.. However you choose"¦I would suggest for protection of the tank, have a charged drill handy.

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Once you are able to remove the outer shell of protection you immediately see another protective shell over the wood pre-assembled stand, with tank, sump, and all plumbing and fixings included.

Ok, moving on to the fun stuff. Everything really is plug and play!
After about an hour or two of unloading, unwrapping, moving, and plugging, the tank finally stood"¦ definitely a gracious presents.

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Lighting:

I actually purchased the 48" Sunpod 250w x 2 HQI separate, so I am not sure how this would be included in the package. Also both bulbs are replaced with Phoenix 14K's. And as you can see from the pic's the Sunpod is with the hanging arm kit. Also have Sunpod LED Actinic Supplementations powered by Evil (the LED GAWD on NR.com) ready to go on this tank for the finishing touch.

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As you can see from the pictures, some time needs to be spent on wire management. However there are a few components that need to be installed before mounting takes place.

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Check out the skimmer that arrived today!! Brand New 2010 SWC Xtreme 160 Cone Skimmer.
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In the next few days the tank will get it's MP20, (MP10 to come once the Cube is tore down) BRS dual reactors, installation of Current 1/10 chiller"¦.Vortech's new battery back-up, which by the way powers all Vortech models, even the MP10! Wahoo!! At the moment I am also trying to find a Reefkeeper set up as well.

Then"¦the start of the Bonsai baby! The scape is really going to be inspired by Crazy4Acro's scape, I have been on a major search for the proper LR with tons of coralline, and the correct shape. I have a full month or so to scape this tank how I want, so why rush.

So far I have about 40LBS of LR, with 30+ pound of Tonga branching and shelf eco. Not all in the tank now.
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I have 120 lbs+ of Super reef grade sand as well. 3"+ DSB.

Piece of art going back over the tank
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Also if anyone has any arylic ¼" or ½" rods PM me!

:dance:
 
WOW !!!!!!

This this is a beautiful setup, the tank, stand, and lights really goes well together.

More Pictures :rollface:
 
That is a really nice looking tank. I'm a little confused by the stand. They make the tank and stand long enough to put a sump underneath but then use small doors so a sump won't fit in it? It looks nice though.

Also, Desartstar plastics sells the acrylic rods. It's at I17 and McDowell. Get a very good drillbit. I drilled a lot of rock a couple tanks ago and it takes a lot of patience to keep from breaking it. It also makes a huge mess:)
 
Nice setu up...

I also have a solana XL67

Be sure to check the sump capacity, I had to remove the 16g oem sump and install a 20g sump because I had to keep 7" of water level on my current usa sump and it overflowed when the tank drained.
 
hank you all for the comments, this tank truly was worth all the saving, and coral passing..sometimes. ;)

KRASH, the doors are a little deceiving. The drawer appearance is actually apart of the door. However your right I think for ease removal you would have to go through the back, or drain the sump and turn sideways. However there is a ton of room in the cabinet. It is also lit as well (not strong enough for growth of algae tho.)

There will be tons of pictures! I will more than likely seek some rod's today, as I am Tempe, but I will look up Desartstar. 

KMU, I was a little worried about the sump size, however I was under the impression that if I turned my nozzles up towards the top of the surface that the water would stop draining as there should be no extra area for water to drain, but I will check tonight. Thanks for the heads up!!!
 
Updated pics:

Tank cleared up today, I wanted to show some (what I think) is very cool shaped tonga shelf, branching, and fiji liverock! I picked up a ton of acrylic rod today and they will be cut tomorrow in vary sizes from 8"-18". Bonsai, cool stacks, shelf etc. So in case you didn't catch, this is not my scape.. HOPEFULLY this weekend it will be close to completed.

I also wanted to show how big the cabinent doors are.

I have my RKL with SL2, temp probe, two pc4's coming next week, I will order a salinity probe (unless someone has one the wanna sell) and then all wire management will be completed underneath the tank. I need to think of a way to mount the Vortech Battery, RKL, SL2, and Ecotech pieces. I am kind limited with the chiller, and custom acrylic resovoir for DI and the JbJ ATO system.

At any rate... Here is the new pics:

FTS and Stand
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Stand open
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Rock
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Andrew,

I am thinking about getting a custom acrylic DI tank that wraps the sump, simply for the ATO. Any suggestions out there? Better ideas? Just trying to maxmize space. :)
 
I don't think you need more than a 10 gallon for auto top off. Just get one made to be longer and taller than a standard one if you want to maximize space. I'm trying to envision what it would look like to have one that wraps your sump. It seems to me that it would make it harder for you to access the sump. You could always use a plain water container, but that wouldn't look as pretty as everything else does already. Personally, I wouldn't go that route if I were you. It would be like replacing one tire on you car with a different manufacturer than the other 3.
 
Andrew, I definitely don’t want to do the container route. I did that with my BioCube, and though it worked well it was not so pretty. Lol. Any idea who would be a good, timely, place to get an acrylic custom reservoir for DI?

With the wrapping the sump idea I was thinking it would be something long and skinny that could use the space from the sump and the front of the cabinet door which would allow a little fatter and taller (just large enough to fit the pump for the ATO.) but I think I will look at a 10 g custom tank. 


Something I am trying to figure out is how and where I can grow chaeto. I don’t know if I can get like a small custom acrylic box that has a open/close feature that I can put in the sump with the skimmer, return pump, chiller pump? I have a two chamber reactor on as well. I love running chemi pure elite on my previous tanks, so I am not to sure if I need that with the reactor etc.. So I am remembering my question each day! Lol.
 
Huh? I thought the Solanas were done (along with 90% of Current USAs products). Did not know there was a new one.
 
If you go the custom route, I'm sure you can build something for underneath the tank to house your ATO as well as a small fuge.
 
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