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Current Solana 34gal Mods

ReeferMadness99

ReeferMadness99

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Hi guys, here's a thread for owners of the 20x20x20 Current Solana. Because of it's open top and open sump system, its one of the most easily modified all-in-ones out there. I've been looking to mod mine for a while, although the stock system is pretty fantastic, I'm sure there are people out there who have optimized their ecosystems by changing some equipment or adding some. List some suggestions and success stories here for us all to share, thanks!!

I did a simple upgrade to 250W Sunpod and added 2 Nano Koralia and a shatter proof heater next to the skimmer. I'm still looking for suggestions for the protein skimmer and the return pump.
 
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Chiefmcfuz

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My current reserve/upgrade stock list. Yes I said it MY!.

I currently have in my storage unit and have been working on my own current solana. Thanks Russ and Jim!

1 current solana w starfire glass. 2 MJ1200 pumps, 2 hydor koralias, 1 fuge light from my old CPR HOB fuge, I am going to also utilize a new heater, and my 2 Koralia Nano powerheads and my 250w sunpod that are currently being used on my 24 pod. I have spec'd out an upgrade to remove the stock skimmer and replace it with my tunze doc 9002. All of this is pending my housing purchase. Pictures are dificult to get but I will post ass soon as I can. All of my mods have been researched at nano reefs.
 
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masterswimmer

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Chiefmcfuz said:
My current reserve/upgrade stock list. Yes I said it MY!.

I currently have in my storage unit and have been working on my own current solana. Thanks Russ and Jim!
Click to expand...


Well it's about time. :splitspin Congrats on your new AIO. Can't wait to see what you do with it. If past performance is indicative of future success, it'll be awesome.

Russ
 
rookie07

rookie07

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I turned the mid chamber(where the carbon is) into my fuge, and I velcro'ed a small light onto it also, so it has light. My return runs to a chiller, then into the main display(I should have drilled the tank, instead tubing runs over the back)...I had a cover made for the whole tank.

PICT0009.jpg
 
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smoq

smoq

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Solana is a great AIO even with stock equipment, that's for sure. As for mods, mine is lightened up with Aquaticlife T5's and two powerbrites. I never used the stock skimmer as I've had tunze 9002 from the beginning. Also, I moded middle chamber for cheato fuge (with 13W velcro'ed CF light in the back) and added some filter floss for mechanical filtration. The 3rd chamber holds a return pump and ATO sensors and pipe (the stock ATO bottles is the only useless thing in solana IMO). And I think that will be all I need to mod. The stock pump works well and actually creates a lot of flow. I shortened the lock-line fittings a little bit and thought about replacing them with hydor flo water deflector, but for now I'll leave them as they are. The only thing I think about is upgrading the skimmer for a HOB one (I mean tunze is a good skimmer, but it needs a lot of tweaking especially if your water level in chamber change).
 
pweissma

pweissma

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The stock Solana skimmer takes a lot of heat but I found it to be adequate. Later I switched to the Tunze that was maybe a little better and then finally to a HOB that is much better.
I agree that the single best thing to do is to add a real ATO of any kind.
A simple mod that I found helpful fixes the problem of the overflow sponge slipping down into the overflow pipe. This started happening to me after a few months. A small piece of eggcrate inserted into the overflow pipe solves this problem. It sits on the supports that are designed to hold up the sponge.
The second chamber is a good place for some additional live rock and chaeto and you can make a good cheap light from stuff at HD.
 
rookie07

rookie07

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pweissma said:
A simple mod that I found helpful fixes the problem of the overflow sponge slipping down into the overflow pipe. This started happening to me after a few months. A small piece of eggcrate inserted into the overflow pipe solves this problem. It sits on the supports that are designed to hold up the sponge.
Click to expand...

This is a great idea Phil! I did it to my tank an I am so happy, what a nice change to always having the sponges fall down. Thanks



Sent from my iPod touch using Reefs, so please excuse typos and shortness.

The rook
 
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Chiefmcfuz

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If you're going to drill the tank and add a sump why not buy a regular cube. Kind of defeats the all in one aspect of the tank in my opinion.
 
CHEMCHEF

CHEMCHEF

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Well that is a good point but I already own this tank so I would not have to buy a new one.
Plus it is starfire glass. So that option would add to the cost of a new cube as well.
I like that it is an AIO but now that I am keeping sps. I would like to have more option for reactors & larger skimmer.
The back wal also reduces the width by 4 inches. 16" front to rear is not alot.
 
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