TriggerHappyDude's Solana Build - My First Reef

TriggerHappyDude · 02/27/2009, 11:43 AM

I started my Solana build on Feb 13 2009, this is taking you back in time to when I began my build...enjoy!

(Flashback to Feb 13, 2009)
Ordered the Solana 34 Gallon 20x20x20 tank and Espresso stand from my LFS yesterday 2/11/2009.
Picked up the tank and stand the very next day, owner said there is a distributor in town, one day service not bad, was a quick and easy transaction, and a pretty good price, said it was "ON SALE"!

Here is what I plan to use in my customization build:

ATI 24" 4x24w Powermodule
VorTech MP40w
Sapphire Aquatics Solana Nano Skimmer
ReefKeeper Elite Control System
Refractometer
RO/DI Unit 100 GPD
Pumps, Heaters, Substrate, Live Rock, etc...

I will be asking for help on a lot of the smaller items one needs to start a tank.

So here are a few pics of my first tank in the boxes...boring I know...

I will post some more pictures this weekend, as I unbox the stuff and put it into its place in the room!
Glad to finally be part of the Solana family...Yay! Let the adventures begin.

TriggerHappyDude · 02/27/2009, 11:50 AM

Here are some pictures of my office, this is where the tank will be setup, right where the boxes were on that empty wall...I just did a 360 turn and snapped these shots of my office furniture...

TriggerHappyDude · 02/27/2009, 11:52 AM

(Flashback to Feb 13, 2009)
Ok, just as I promised, more pictures of the Solana getting setup...

First I have to show off my new Christian Hosoi Hammerhead Skateboard deck that I purchased off ebay, it just came in the mail today, while its only a reissue of the skateboard I used to ride when I was a kid back in 1985, its now decor in the office...not the same exact color either, but its still nostalgic!

Now on to the stand unpacking...

TriggerHappyDude · 02/27/2009, 11:53 AM

2 hours later, and a few frustrations...we have a tank and stand!

The filtration I'm removing from the middle chamber of the back of my Solana tank...

TriggerHappyDude · 02/27/2009, 11:54 AM

Here are some pictures of the back of the tank...still deciding on what all to do back here, refuge with cheato and live rock rubble? Probably upgrade the skimmer to a Sapphire Aquatics Skimmer for the Solana?

TriggerHappyDude · 02/27/2009, 11:55 AM

(Flashback to Feb 18, 2009)

Lookie Lookie what I got in the mail yesterday...

Skimmer should be here soon too, and then my ATI Lights, its coming together slow and surely.

TriggerHappyDude · 02/27/2009, 11:56 AM

(Flashback Feb 19, 2009)

The UPS man dropped of a nice little present for me today!
It a Sapphire Aquatics - Nano Skimmer for the Solana. Shipped very nicely. Easy to assemble. Pretty.

Just a few questions for you all...what is that tube thing hanging off and where does it go?
I read the instructions and it says to wash this thing down in warm water before using.
It also says for the first week of use, leave the gate valve all the way down while the skimmer is breaking in.
How do you know when thats done and when to raise and how far to raise the gate valve?

Guess I'll keep the stock skimmer around in case of emergency? Do people sell them? Should I keep or sell?

Chamber #1 done.

Next step up, chamber #2...The Filter Media and/or Bio Media!

I guess in the bottom chamber, I should put cheato? (and submersible LED lights)
Then in the top chamber, that Wal-Mart filter floss I picked up?
What about ChemiPure & SeaChem Purigen? Top/Bottom? Goes in Mesh Bags?

Another question. My planning for the ReefKeeper Elite has me researching float switches and what not, if I remove the ATO bottles and that piece that held the bottles, does the water in the 3rd chamber get to the same level as the tank, so I can put float switches in there to use as my ATO monitors?

TriggerHappyDude · 02/27/2009, 11:59 AM

(Flasback to Feb 21, 2009)

New goodies arrived today at my door step!

The two 100w Stealth heaters for the tank and water changes/salt mixing...

The Refractometer...

The two API test kits all new tank owners should have...

TriggerHappyDude · 02/27/2009, 12:00 PM

Here are some other Solana tank owner's pictures of the ATO chamber when they took out the bottles and put in a real ATO float switch...

[IMG]http://i42.*******.com/13z7kwn.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i42.*******.com/2rm5zqo.jpg[/IMG]

TriggerHappyDude · 02/27/2009, 12:02 PM

(Flashback to Feb 24, 2009)

Got a couple more goodies today...

The thermometer for the water changes and salt mixes...

And until I get a ReefKeeper Elite to give me tank temps, this one will have to do...

TriggerHappyDude · 02/27/2009, 12:03 PM

(Flashback to Feb 25, 2009)

Just unboxed this package I got yesterday, its a nicely built RO/DI Unit...

A few extras I had to purchase...

The TDS meter...

Some of the accessories that came with the RO/DI Unit...are on the left...the extras on the right...

Here is where I plan to hook it up to my cold water supply and split the faucet with the washing machine...

Here is the sink next to my washer/dryer units, that I can put my collections in and let drain any wastes...

Another angle of the washer and dryer with sink, I'll mount the RO/DI unit on the wall behind the washer there..

TriggerHappyDude · 02/27/2009, 12:04 PM

Almost ready for some water and maybe Live Rock...

TriggerHappyDude · 02/27/2009, 12:04 PM

I got my RO/DI unit hung on the wall and all hooked up, it was easier than I thought...

Here it is all hooked up and hung...

My TDS going IN is in the low to mid 400's...

My TDS going OUT is 0.00, is that ready to use water?

This is my PSI, is this good/bad/decent? I have the washing machine water off.

What are these things for?

TriggerHappyDude · 02/27/2009, 12:05 PM

I also got my ATI 4x24w Powermodule lights today...

TriggerHappyDude · 02/27/2009, 12:06 PM

You've all been caught up...I haven't unwrapped the lights yet, and hung them...will do that this weekend.

El Camaron · 02/27/2009, 12:16 PM

great start Chris, let us know how that saphire skimmer works for you. I still run my stock simmer which is performing great.

TriggerHappyDude · 02/27/2009, 12:16 PM

Now I'd like to start discussing the process of getting water into this thing...

TriggerHappyDude · 02/27/2009, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by El Camaron
great start Chris, let us know how that saphire skimmer works for you. I still run my stock simmer which is performing great.

Will do, there is another user on here that has it up and running, says its very quiet unlike the stock, and produces great skimmate...so I'm hoping I have the same results.

mnml · 02/27/2009, 01:03 PM

very cool man. i have the same RODI system, it performs really well. i like the idea of the Y-connector. right now i have mine hooked up to the sink.

Cyn_D · 02/27/2009, 04:01 PM

Wowo that's great I love the way Solana tamks look

Pudge957 · 02/27/2009, 04:24 PM

I'm very interested in seeing how well that skimmer works. I think i'm going to upgrade to it here shortly. Also what made you go with the mp40 over the mp20 that is the next thing on my list because im tired of two huge powerheads in my display. I would hold off a few weeks before you add the cheato because it will probably just die from lack of the right nutrients in the tank. Also the water lvl in the third chamber is going to be where the little plastic thing would sit that helf the bottles in place. If you have a ato the is right where you wanna sit your sensors there should be a little lip right there. (Just sharing on how I have mine set up.) I also have my heater in the 3rd chamber as well

TriggerHappyDude · 02/27/2009, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pudge957
I'm very interested in seeing how well that skimmer works. I think i'm going to upgrade to it here shortly. Also what made you go with the mp40 over the mp20 that is the next thing on my list because im tired of two huge powerheads in my display. I would hold off a few weeks before you add the cheato because it will probably just die from lack of the right nutrients in the tank. Also the water lvl in the third chamber is going to be where the little plastic thing would sit that helf the bottles in place. If you have a ato the is right where you wanna sit your sensors there should be a little lip right there. (Just sharing on how I have mine set up.) I also have my heater in the 3rd chamber as well

I'll update the thread once I get that skimmer going, to let you all now for sure, lots of others interested as well.

I chose the MP40w over the MP20 for future proof reasons, just knowing that when/if I ever upgraded my tank to a bigger one, this would probably do the job and works wirelessly if I ever added another to a bigger tank. I got a good deal in a Group Buy as well.

So you didn't put your heater in the 1st chamber in the spot they have made for it? 3rd works fine as you know, but I planned on the first, but might rethink it, if its better in the 3rd?

I'll wait on the cheato till I get more established. Thanks!

TriggerHappyDude · 02/27/2009, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cyn_D
Wowo that's great I love the way Solana tamks look

Hey, thanks Cyn_D! A fellow Okie I see, I have some friends in McLoud, OK.

Pudge957 · 02/27/2009, 04:39 PM

I think the heater is more of a preference I don't really think it matters. I just have it in the 3rd cause thats where i have almost everything else. I was thinking of the MP40 just for the upgrade reason because im think of doing a 90g to a 150g here in the next year. But I also can't see myself getting rid of this tank even if I do go bigger. So I would always keep it up and running.

TriggerHappyDude · 02/27/2009, 04:48 PM

Yeah, to me it was just a good investment for any tank, future or current. Have you seen the videos on YouTube? Go to YouTube and search for the MP40w there are some vids with it on a Solana making waves, very cool...and quiet...enough for me.

02/27/2009, 01:03 PM	#19
mnml Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ladera Ranch, CA Posts: 2,383	very cool man. i have the same RODI system, it performs really well. i like the idea of the Y-connector. right now i have mine hooked up to the sink. __________________ Tran Current Tank Info: Waterbox 130.4

02/27/2009, 04:24 PM	#21
Pudge957 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Downtown OKC Posts: 361	I'm very interested in seeing how well that skimmer works. I think i'm going to upgrade to it here shortly. Also what made you go with the mp40 over the mp20 that is the next thing on my list because im tired of two huge powerheads in my display. I would hold off a few weeks before you add the cheato because it will probably just die from lack of the right nutrients in the tank. Also the water lvl in the third chamber is going to be where the little plastic thing would sit that helf the bottles in place. If you have a ato the is right where you wanna sit your sensors there should be a little lip right there. (Just sharing on how I have mine set up.) I also have my heater in the 3rd chamber as well __________________ -Pat Current Tank Info: 34g Solana, 250w Sunpod, VorTech MP20, JBJ ATO, RK2

02/27/2009, 04:39 PM	#24
Pudge957 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Downtown OKC Posts: 361	I think the heater is more of a preference I don't really think it matters. I just have it in the 3rd cause thats where i have almost everything else. I was thinking of the MP40 just for the upgrade reason because im think of doing a 90g to a 150g here in the next year. But I also can't see myself getting rid of this tank even if I do go bigger. So I would always keep it up and running. __________________ -Pat Current Tank Info: 34g Solana, 250w Sunpod, VorTech MP20, JBJ ATO, RK2

02/27/2009, 11:43 AM	#1
TriggerHappyDude Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 1,442	TriggerHappyDude's Solana Build - My First Reef I started my Solana build on Feb 13 2009, this is taking you back in time to when I began my build...enjoy! (Flashback to Feb 13, 2009) Ordered the Solana 34 Gallon 20x20x20 tank and Espresso stand from my LFS yesterday 2/11/2009. Picked up the tank and stand the very next day, owner said there is a distributor in town, one day service not bad, was a quick and easy transaction, and a pretty good price, said it was "ON SALE"! Here is what I plan to use in my customization build: ATI 24" 4x24w Powermodule VorTech MP40w Sapphire Aquatics Solana Nano Skimmer ReefKeeper Elite Control System Refractometer RO/DI Unit 100 GPD Pumps, Heaters, Substrate, Live Rock, etc... I will be asking for help on a lot of the smaller items one needs to start a tank. So here are a few pics of my first tank in the boxes...boring I know... I will post some more pictures this weekend, as I unbox the stuff and put it into its place in the room! Glad to finally be part of the Solana family...Yay! Let the adventures begin. Last edited by dc; 03/19/2009 at 05:21 PM.

02/27/2009, 11:50 AM	#2
TriggerHappyDude Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 1,442	Here are some pictures of my office, this is where the tank will be setup, right where the boxes were on that empty wall...I just did a 360 turn and snapped these shots of my office furniture...

02/27/2009, 11:52 AM	#3
TriggerHappyDude Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 1,442	(Flashback to Feb 13, 2009) Ok, just as I promised, more pictures of the Solana getting setup... First I have to show off my new Christian Hosoi Hammerhead Skateboard deck that I purchased off ebay, it just came in the mail today, while its only a reissue of the skateboard I used to ride when I was a kid back in 1985, its now decor in the office...not the same exact color either, but its still nostalgic! Now on to the stand unpacking...

02/27/2009, 11:53 AM	#4
TriggerHappyDude Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 1,442	2 hours later, and a few frustrations...we have a tank and stand! The filtration I'm removing from the middle chamber of the back of my Solana tank...

02/27/2009, 11:54 AM	#5
TriggerHappyDude Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 1,442	Here are some pictures of the back of the tank...still deciding on what all to do back here, refuge with cheato and live rock rubble? Probably upgrade the skimmer to a Sapphire Aquatics Skimmer for the Solana?

02/27/2009, 11:55 AM	#6
TriggerHappyDude Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 1,442	(Flashback to Feb 18, 2009) Lookie Lookie what I got in the mail yesterday... Skimmer should be here soon too, and then my ATI Lights, its coming together slow and surely.

02/27/2009, 11:56 AM	#7
TriggerHappyDude Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 1,442	(Flashback Feb 19, 2009) The UPS man dropped of a nice little present for me today! It a Sapphire Aquatics - Nano Skimmer for the Solana. Shipped very nicely. Easy to assemble. Pretty. Just a few questions for you all...what is that tube thing hanging off and where does it go? I read the instructions and it says to wash this thing down in warm water before using. It also says for the first week of use, leave the gate valve all the way down while the skimmer is breaking in. How do you know when thats done and when to raise and how far to raise the gate valve? Guess I'll keep the stock skimmer around in case of emergency? Do people sell them? Should I keep or sell? Chamber #1 done. Next step up, chamber #2...The Filter Media and/or Bio Media! I guess in the bottom chamber, I should put cheato? (and submersible LED lights) Then in the top chamber, that Wal-Mart filter floss I picked up? What about ChemiPure & SeaChem Purigen? Top/Bottom? Goes in Mesh Bags? Another question. My planning for the ReefKeeper Elite has me researching float switches and what not, if I remove the ATO bottles and that piece that held the bottles, does the water in the 3rd chamber get to the same level as the tank, so I can put float switches in there to use as my ATO monitors?

02/27/2009, 11:59 AM	#8
TriggerHappyDude Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 1,442	(Flasback to Feb 21, 2009) New goodies arrived today at my door step! The two 100w Stealth heaters for the tank and water changes/salt mixing... The Refractometer... The two API test kits all new tank owners should have...

02/27/2009, 12:00 PM	#9
TriggerHappyDude Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 1,442	Here are some other Solana tank owner's pictures of the ATO chamber when they took out the bottles and put in a real ATO float switch... [IMG]http://i42.*****.com/13z7kwn.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i42.*****.com/2rm5zqo.jpg[/IMG]

02/27/2009, 12:02 PM	#10
TriggerHappyDude Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 1,442	(Flashback to Feb 24, 2009) Got a couple more goodies today... The thermometer for the water changes and salt mixes... And until I get a ReefKeeper Elite to give me tank temps, this one will have to do...

02/27/2009, 12:03 PM	#11
TriggerHappyDude Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 1,442	(Flashback to Feb 25, 2009) Just unboxed this package I got yesterday, its a nicely built RO/DI Unit... A few extras I had to purchase... The TDS meter... Some of the accessories that came with the RO/DI Unit...are on the left...the extras on the right... Here is where I plan to hook it up to my cold water supply and split the faucet with the washing machine... Here is the sink next to my washer/dryer units, that I can put my collections in and let drain any wastes... Another angle of the washer and dryer with sink, I'll mount the RO/DI unit on the wall behind the washer there..

02/27/2009, 12:04 PM	#12
TriggerHappyDude Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 1,442	Almost ready for some water and maybe Live Rock...

02/27/2009, 12:05 PM	#14
TriggerHappyDude Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 1,442	I also got my ATI 4x24w Powermodule lights today...

02/27/2009, 12:06 PM	#15
TriggerHappyDude Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 1,442	You've all been caught up...I haven't unwrapped the lights yet, and hung them...will do that this weekend.

02/27/2009, 12:16 PM	#16
El Camaron Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: G-town, Maryland Posts: 577	great start Chris, let us know how that saphire skimmer works for you. I still run my stock simmer which is performing great.

02/27/2009, 04:01 PM	#20
Cyn_D Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Moore, OK Posts: 476	Wowo that's great I love the way Solana tamks look

02/27/2009, 04:48 PM	#25
TriggerHappyDude Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 1,442	Yeah, to me it was just a good investment for any tank, future or current. Have you seen the videos on YouTube? Go to YouTube and search for the MP40w there are some vids with it on a Solana making waves, very cool...and quiet...enough for me.