New Solana 34

[reefsurf]

I just did a little upgrade from a 12 nanocube to a 34 Solana. So i figured I'd start a new chronicle to track the progress. I put the stand together yesterday and now I'm looking at where I'm going to place the tank. I have to work until Friday so that's when the water will go in.
my plans are to make this a mixed reef tank and to convert the nano into a QT tank. Also, I lost my digital camera while fishing. But, a new olympus underwater camera is being shipped and should be here by Friday! So stay tuned and thanks for viewing and of course any input is more than welcome!

Lance

[BigAl07]

Way to go buddy! That's a SWEET unit! I drooled over one for hours at MACNA this past weekend!

Can't wait to see the pics

[reefsurf]

Originally Posted by BigAl07

Way to go buddy! That's a SWEET unit! I drooled over one for hours at MACNA this past weekend!

Can't wait to see the pics

thanks big al!

ok so here's a few pics of the 3 location choices of where to put the new tank....

here's the spot next to breakfast bar.....good location because near kitchen water source but lost out. this is where my bigger tank will eventually go

here's the location i was considering to the right of the cement piller. but it sticks out quite a bit and limits the dining area. also, it might get too much indirect sunlight.



and lastly....this is where i decided it should go......it's near 2 wall outlets, next to bathroom, and provides 3-sided viewing including when being a couch potato..




what do you all think? i'm always open to any and all suggestions/criticisms.....thanks for checking it out! i'll be off to get water soon. i do not have an ro/di system so containers will do for now.

[lcstorc]

I am so jealous.
Please keep us posted on how much you like it. I love the look but don't have anywhere to put it so I will have to follow along with yours.

[astiesi]

I really like the look of the Solana system, you'll definately have to fill us all in on how you like it. I'm curious to hear how the included protein skimmer and built-in ATO unit work. Can't wait to see some pics once you get it set up and filled. Congrats on the upgrade!!

[reefsurf]

thanks everyone! from what i've hear the ato doesn't work that well because the bottles are too small....ppl say that the need to be filled everyday or so. kind of defeats the purpose yeah? and yeah i'm curious about the skimmer too. i'm removing the middle bio balls and replacing with maybe lr rubble, phos filter..and carbon and then do a hob fuge or i'll do lr rubble and make a mini fuge with a small clamp on light. not sure yet

[lcstorc]

It doesn't entirely defeat the purpose of an ATO. It will still help minimize the salinity swings by adding small amounts of water frequently. That is what I have to do with my tanks but it is 5gallon buckets since I have a lot of evaporation and don't have the room for anything else.

[BigAl07]

Way to go! I am anxious to watch this project come to life. I know Lynn is... she just needs a little bit of encouragement and she'll have one for her clowns (whispers to Lynn... won't they be HAPPY in a home like that one?)

[BigAl07]

Originally Posted by lcstorc

It doesn't entirely defeat the purpose of an ATO. It will still help minimize the salinity swings by adding small amounts of water frequently. That is what I have to do with my tanks but it is 5gallon buckets since I have a lot of evaporation and don't have the room for anything else.

Ditto to Lynn. It's better than nothing and it's included/integrated into the system.

[reefsurf]

lynn i look forward to the day you get a solana too! so, i've been busy all day running around getting things for this new tank. at this point i have just a little bit of lr (10 lbs<) but i might go see about some 6 yr old rock from a guy in our local forum. i ended up buying 4 five gal. buckets from hd w/ lids for my water mixing/storage. i added some rubble from my established tank to the middle rear compartment. i also added like a 2 lb rock from my nano as well.anyway enough small talk here's a couple pics.....

starting the water add....



and a couple shots of the rear chambers for anthony who's curious about the ato and skimmer


i'm not sure how to adjust the skimmer setscrew and collection cup...i guess i'll read the directions! lol

thanks all!

[Frankie]

Awesome Lance! Don't forget about that flaw with the light stand I was talking about. It would really stink if that light slipped and dropped into the tank.
If it was mine I would pull the whole inner shaft out, hold it next to the outer shaft at the lowest point it can go before the fixture hits the water and mark it. Then I would drill a hole 1" above that line right through to the other side, put a stainless steel bolt through with a nut on the other side and that's it. Now if for some reason it slipped the bolt will stop the fixture before hitting the water.
Love the living space you have there BTW!

[todd03blown]

WOW looks sweeeeeeeeeet. I love the Solanas!! I wanted one really bad about 8 months ago and the wife talked me out of it and I ended up getting the Elos. I went by my LFS and they had just gotten in the exact same setup that you have and BOY it was sweet looking!!

I like you pad as well, very modern and the Solana fits well!

[reefsurf]

thanks frankie! great idea and yeah that would ruin my day! and thanks todd.......but dang those elos are pretty sweet too. you still prefer the solana?

[todd03blown]

Originally Posted by reefsurf

thanks frankie! great idea and yeah that would ruin my day! and thanks todd.......but dang those elos are pretty sweet too. you still prefer the solana?

I really like the Elos as I dont have to upgrade or change anything plus it has the LED light which I LOVE!! It is built for overkill for a 20g setup. the only thing I like better with the Solana is that its 34g. But I do love them and love that like you have as that is the one I wanted. Who knows I might get one for the bedroom as it would look sweet in there

[reefsurf]

Originally Posted by todd03blown

I really like the Elos as I dont have to upgrade or change anything plus it has the LED light which I LOVE!! It is built for overkill for a 20g setup. the only thing I like better with the Solana is that its 34g. But I do love them and love that like you have as that is the one I wanted. Who knows I might get one for the bedroom as it would look sweet in there

yeah go for it todd! the elos have such a clean look that i love.....but pricey...i'm wondering if the low on this solana is enough for everything