Current-USA Solana 34G HQI - 1st Impressions

[VFX]

It's been just over a week since I set up a new Current-USA Solana 34g cube with 150w HQI pendant & I thought I'd share my 1st impressions...

What you get:

- 20"x20"x20" tank.
- Built-in over flow with space for filter media (supplied with carbon & 'nano' balls), heater (not supplied), protein skimmer (supplied) & return pump (supplied).
- Basic ATO system (gravity fed using 2 plastic bottles of fresh water).
- 150w HQI pendant light with 14k bulb.
- Neat looking stand (flat packed & the usual PITA 'IKEA" style assembly).
- Glass cover.

Pros:

- Clean rimless, braceless design.
- Skimmer that works pretty well.
- Simple ATO system that seems to work (salinity & water level has been stable).
- 150w MH lighting with 14k bulb appears to give good PAR & nice colour (blue-ish without being too blue).
- easy to set up.
- Glass lid instead of the molded plastic canopy that some competitors utilise, allows for a top-less tank or top-less look tank. Also, allows HQI lighting without (hopefully!) over-heating.
- Option to add 250w HQI Sunpod with LEDs.
- Skimmer has baffles which have prevented micro bubbles usually given off by new units.

Cons:

- Glass seems too thin (5mm). Wish it was 7mm or more.
- Stand is a bit of a rip off but the LFS would only sell as a complete package so I had to bit the bullet & swallow the cost.
- the cost... $799+taxes? A little steep but I guess you pay for style & convenience with All-In-Ones.
- Glass cover reduces light penetration and could contribute to over-heating in hot weather.
- Only King Ed's had these in my area so I didn't have the option of shopping around for a better price or better deal.
- skimmer not as quiet as I hoped but maybe it needs a little breaking in time.
- 'UFO' or 'Disco Ball' style pendant light may not be to all tastes (but you could always upgrade to a Sunpod).

I like it so far, but at that price I wish I was more patient waited for custom built on instead.

Link to Solana.

Mods - Not sure if this should be in Product reviews or Nano tank talk. Move if necessary. Thanks.

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