Dr. Fish's 34G Solana SuperBrite

[dr_ fish]

I decided I was done with the AIO type tanks and am in the process of swapping from a 29G Biocube HQI to the new style Solana w/o the chambers in the rear. I believe it’s called the 34G Solana SuperBrite.
I started by drilling out the return and drain holes in the back glass, I could have done a better job but this was my first attempt at glass drilling. Painted the back glass black to hide the plumbing

Installed the Gl*******s overflow and return

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I bought this acrylic cube from MustangCaleb and built it out to work as a sump. The skimmer and pump chambers are about as tight as they can be. I wanted as much room in the front chamber as I could get so I can either grow microalgae or have a mini frag section or go crazy and do BOTH!!

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Bent a couple pieces of ½” conduit, painted them black, and drilled some holes to hang my light from. I think they turned out well. I capped the ends with 2 random black plastic caps I found in the hardware section of Lowes.

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Tank sitting on stand, its coming together. I’m liking it

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Edit: Rear plumbing fitted, glued, painted and installed

>http://bigboosting.com/hosted/tank/solanabuild/IMG_4591.jpg</a>

>http://bigboosting.com/hosted/tank/solanabuild/IMG_4598.jpg</a>

Shot of the sump inside the stand

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6x24w ATI Sunpower hung

>http://bigboosting.com/hosted/tank/solanabuild/IMG_4617.jpg</a>

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I need to fill it with water to test all the plumbing and then figure out the logistics of actually swapping over my sand, rock, fish, and corals. Not too confident in doing that.

Edit: Not sure why this forum has a hard time with posting hosted picture links, but I guess you have to click on them to see.

 

[shimergloom26]

That's a really nice setup. What are your stocking plans.

 

[mustangcaleb]

looking good bro, and i really like what you did with the sump!

 

[dr_ fish]

The first several leak test didn't go well. The bulkhead was leaking. I took it apart and reinstalled it about 10 times, draining and refilling the tank each go around.

Its not leaking yet, but my fingers are crossed this is the last time.

 

[mustangcaleb]

the bulkheads on my marineland 45 did the same, i thought i had a problem on my hands. but after a few adjustments, all is well. i think i may have to copy your light hanger. how did u bend the conduit? i assume u came up with a crafty way of making sure they match and not just sloppy bent over your knee, lol

 

[thesilence87]

They sell a handheld conduit bending tool at home improvement stores.

 

[mustangcaleb]

thesilence87;779789 wrote: They sell a handheld conduit bending tool at home improvement stores.

now that u mention that, i believe i read a thread yrs ago about it and people were taking the conduit across the store, using the bender then putting it back and just paying for the bent conduit

 

[dr_ fish]

MustangCaleb;779794 wrote: now that u mention that, i believe i read a thread yrs ago about it and people were taking the conduit across the store, using the bender then putting it back and just paying for the bent conduit

Exactly what I did.

The bulkhead seems to be holding up this time. I added Teflon tape to the bulkhead threads and also a bit of silicon grease to the rubber gaskets. One of them might have done the trick.

 

[dr_ fish]

So far I have stocked the tank with a few fish and some frags

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Yasha goby and pistol shrimp

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Black Clown Goby

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Picasso Clowns

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Tank has a haze to it, still working on getting everything perfect.

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Couple of frags

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Shot of the sump

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[dr_ fish]

I'm not so sure about the rock work, but I need more corals placed before I can make the decision whether to change it or not.

My next plan is to get some Cheato and figure out what light I can use in my tight space. I need a light that can grow cheato and frags possibly.

 

[mustangcaleb]

Dr. Fish;782318 wrote: I'm not so sure about the rock work, but I need more corals placed before I can make the decision whether to change it or not.

My next plan is to get some Cheato and figure out what light I can use in my tight space. I need a light that can grow cheato and frags possibly.

theres a 70w sunpod on rc for $60 shipped right now. i think they are like 18", kinda large but the price is right