DIY Solana Aquarium

The Solana 34-gallon aquarium consists of clear 1/5-inch glass panels that are fused at the edges. This design offers unparalleled strength, without detracting from the owner's viewing pleasure. The integrated filtration system is hidden from view in the rear portion of the tank. A protein skimmer allows the hobbyist to keep marine fish. This aquarium also comes complete with a glass cover for evaporation, with a section appropriately cut out for the power cord. To set up a Solana Aquarium is a relatively easy DIY-project.

Things You'll Need

  • Solana aquarium
  • Aragonite sand
  • Two marine rocks
  • 5 fl. oz bottle of chlorine remover
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a location for your aquarium. Opt for a level, solid section of floor that will support at least 400 pounds and that is close to a wall power source. Choose a position that is not in the path of people or in direct sunlight.

    • 2

      Position the aquarium stand in such a way that you have access to the front and sides of the aquarium.

    • 3

      Remove the glass cover and place it in a safe place.

    • 4

      Push the pre-filter sponge into the pre-filter skimmer chamber, which is positioned at the water level. Push the airline tube onto the air intake nipple on the skimmer pump.

    • 5

      Carefully place the skimmer pump into the base of the skimmer body. Position the protein skimmer assembly into the skimmer chamber in the integrated filter.

    • 6

      Insert the adjustment screw for the skimmer's collection cup part way into the port at the top of the skimmer unit. Position the height adjustment collar onto the body of the collection cup and place it into the body of the skimmer. Ensure that half of the cup is in the body of the skimmer. Put the lid onto the collection cup. Secure the cup in place with the adjustment screw.

    • 7

      Position the lower drip plate on the support shelves at the bottom of the chemical and biological chamber. Distribute the pouches of NanoBalls evenly over the drip plate. Place the activated carbon pouches on top of the NanoBalls. Position the top drip plate onto its shelf and lay the filter pad on top of the drip plate.

    • 8

      Attach one end of the return pump tubing to the outlet of the pump. Attach the opposite end to the black elbow and position the elbow into the return section of the integrated filter. Attach the flexible return nozzle on the display side of the filter chamber, to the return outlet.

    • 9

      Position the "top off" plate onto its support shelves.

    • 10

      Place pre-washed aragonite sand in the bottom of the aquarium. Place two attractively shaped marine rocks onto the aragonite.

    • 11

      Place the heater between the skimmer and the biological/ chemical filter compartment.

    • 12

      Fill the aquarium with tap water. Continue to add water until it begins to flow through the surface skimmer, which is the opening at the top of the integrated filter compartment, along the rear of the aquarium. Allow the water to fill till it reaches the top drip plate. Add three and a half teaspoons of chlorine remover to the water.

    • 13

      Position the four suspension clips onto the rim of the aquarium and carefully rest the cover glass on the clips.

    • 14

      Plug the return pump, skimmer pump and heater into a power source and turn on.