Matts Solana Build

mgovernali · Aug 16, 2011

This is the start of my Solana Build.

Equipment In House:

Solana 20x20x20 Starfire aquarium
Espresso Stand
Stock Solana Skimmer
Stock Solana Return Pump
Aqua Illuminations Sol Super Blue with AI controller
2 TLF phosban Reactors (One will run GFO the other NPX Biopellets) These will hang off the back of the tank and be fed by the return pump.
JBJ Ato controller with 5 gallon jug and Toms Aquatic Aqualifter (dont know if this is going to be able to lift the water to the main tank. May need to upgrade the pump.)
Reef Keeper Lite with PH probe, temp probe and PC4
2 Drews dosing pumps (One for Calcium and One for Alkalinity *Randys 2 Part*)
100 watt heater
Ecotech Marine Vortech MP10ES
Cadlights Artisan Series Lamp Trees (Not sure if I am going to need both of these trees. I guess I will figure it out when they arrive)
Media basket from Mediabaskets.com to convert center back section to Refugium (I dont like bio balls and dont run carbon)
JBJ Nano Glow LED to attach to back of tank to provide light in the fuge.

Livestock coming from my 75g breakdown:

Live sand. Not sure how much yet. Have plenty in the 75g
About 25lbs of Live rock from the 75g
2 True Percula Clowns
Green Mandarin Dragonette
Small Yellow Tang (He may need to find a new home. This tank may be too small)
Assorted snails, blue and red leg hermit crabs, large brittle star.
3" Derasa Clam
Small Frogspawn
Green mushrooms
Green riccordia
Pink Birds nest
Neon Green Birds nest
Assorted Zoas
Green star polyps on small live rock
Candy Cane Coral
Unkown acropora
Pulsing Xenia (This may have to go. We will see how invasive it gets)

toyencounters · Aug 16, 2011

The stock Solana skimmer is not good at all use Tunze 9002 remove and the magnet! I have 2 Solana tanks.

mgovernali · Aug 16, 2011

I had a Solana in the past and was able to get the stock skimmer to work pretty good. I am going to try it again. If it is not good the Tunze is on my radar. I run a Tunze 9410 on my 75g and it is the best skimmer I have ever owned.

Come Monday · Aug 16, 2011

I've got a Solana with the Vortech MP10ES, you're going to like it. BTW, I'm using the stock skimmer right now as well, have you found a different height that works better than others, mine is always full of light brown water. I guess i don't know how to use it properly.

mgovernali · Aug 16, 2011

I am going to be putting an air valve on the air tube to restrict some of the air. I believe that should dry out the skim.

nolen502 · Aug 16, 2011

i have a solana too, stock skimmer does great for me, pulls out really dark brown almost black skimmate

mgovernali · Aug 16, 2011

Just ordered the JBJ Nano Glow LED light and Media Basket

mgovernali · Aug 17, 2011

Ordered the MP10ES and the box was marked MP10ES but inside was an MP10W ES. What a nice surprise. Will post pics tonight.

REEFCRAFT · Aug 17, 2011

Nice :) Setting mine up too (Cardiff). Just filled it today. You will love the mp10. Keep the updates coming.

mgovernali · Aug 22, 2011

Everything on order showed up today. The media basket, the JBJ nano glow for the refugium, the Cadlights lamp trees. I am goint to start assembling the hardware tonight and plan on making the move from the 75g to the new solana on Thursday. I figure I should not need to cycle this tank since I am taking the sand, live rock and water all from the 75g. It should be plug and play. I hope!!!

Reef Keeper 18 · Aug 22, 2011

Stock skimmer works for me but has some issues occasionally bubbles release into the tank and cracks form

mgovernali · Aug 26, 2011

Made the move yesterday. Setup the everything. JBJ ATO and NANO Glow, RKL, MP10, Two Drews Dosers Pumps, There is a maze of wire behind this tank. Moved over all of the sand from the sump and live rock and used the water from my 75. Took all day but came out great.