Solana XL67

[cbrivkalns]

Hello;

Does anyone have any firsthand experience with the Solana XL67? I was thinking about buying the Red Sea Max 250 until I saw this system, and I think either would fill my needs, but I do like the dimensions (48"x18"x18") and look of the rimless Solana better. The Solana *is* about $770 more expensive than the RSM250 but does offer more aquascaping area and comes with a pretty good MH fixture.

I'm particularly interested in what any of you think about the "slimline sump" that comes with the XL67, since it doesn't look large enough to use as a refugium. The included sump measures 23"x10.5"x16", but the sump-side volume of the stand is (per Current's specs) 34.5"x18.5"x25"... seems like plenty of room for larger sump with refugium area.

So... is anyone running one of these systems? If so, did you keep the stock sump? Are there any perils, pitfalls, or other gotchas you'd care to share?

Cheers!

chad

 

[davocean]

I have both the 67g and 60g solana XL.
On my 67g I did swap out for a bigger sump so I could have max fuge.
The stock sump is a little tight for fuge.
There is room for a 40g, and thats what I went with.
This pic is still fresh setup.

I'm doing a custom stand(swapped stock stand for my FW planted), but this is my sump

This is my solana 60g cube

This is stock stand on 60g and stock sump(didn't need sump for nem tank)

 

[cbrivkalns]

Thanks for the info and pics, davocean. Your tanks look really nice. How long have they been set up? Are you using the Sunpod? What skimmer is that?

Just to be clear, the 40 will fit in the stock XL67 stand? Have you found any gotchas or problems?

Sorry to ask so many questions, but yours are the first pics I've seen of this system actually being used.

Regards,

chad

 

[davocean]

No prob.
Inside stock stand clearance is 50x18x 20H
Stock sump I have an octo pro 160(on cube)
In my 67g w/ my sump I squeeked a BM 250(way overkill, but that tank is sps)
My 67g is lit by nova extreme pro.
60G cube has a new LED fixture that should hit market end of this month or beginning of next.
67g has been setup about 5-6mo now, and cube just about a month.
I also really like their new "superbright" glass, basically similar to star.
Hope all this helps, feel free to ask questions if you need.