I am undecided on which setup to purchase, a BioCube or Solana ,please help!

[schwimmair]

Hi, I joined ARF a few days ago and have really enjoyed the website. I am getting back into the hobby after about 10 years and a lot has changed in that time.

I am undecided on two different setups.

The first setup is the 29 G Oceanic BioCube. It is a used model (3 years old) comes with the matching stand, 50 lbs of tonga live rock and live sand. It also has the BioCube protein skimmer as well. My buddy is willing to part ways with it for 400 dollars. Is this a good deal?

The second set up is the 34 G Current USA Solana. It is a used model as well (1 year old) comes with the matching stand and the HQI pendant and is for sale for around 500 dollars. It has no live rock or live sand. Is this a good deal?

I like the fact that the Biocube has almost everything that I need and feel it is a good price, but I really like the way the Solana looks (my wife does too) so I am torn on which one to get. Please let me know your opinions and experiences with both.


I am looking forward to meeting some of the faces and the meetings! Thanks again for such a wonderful site.

Adam

 

[basscyn]

Welcome!
ARF! :up:

I think I like that better. Atlanta Reef...Freaks!

 

[chefrepo]

Solana!

 

[jcusmarine]

Solana!

 

[thedeper]

I have the Solana and I am very pleased with it. You can pretty much house whatever you want (coral wise) under the light and it comes with a semi-decent skimmer. It is definitely upgradeable but is also a very capable all in one tank as is.

500 seems like a decent deal, there is one on craigslist but I can't remember for how much.

 

[fener103]

+1 for the Solana. I have one and take care of a friends biocube and I prefer mine

 

[theplantman]

I looked at both tanks and bought a used Solana, got my setup for $700.00 1 year old and with 250w sunpod metal halide and 30lbs live rock so the one your looking at sounds fair, about half the new cost. I bought a 14gal biocube for my neices for Christmas and helped them set up freshwater live planted and after really looking at the tanks and the room in the back, I would have spent a good deal modifying a 29 bio to run the equipment I have on my 34. If you want to see one set up, I have a build thread posted under member tanks called Solana 34 Build.

I am running remora C skimmer, 9watt UV occasionally, 150w heater and phosphate reactor plus the stock pump and it all fits in the back behind the overflow along with about 2lbs of live rock in the back. Plus I have two koralia ones set up inside the tank and the wires run down the back no problem.