Marineland Eclipse 3 filter and light feedback?

[Gnarls Gnarlington]

I've been looking at some acrylic tanks and they say that they are compatible with the Eclipse System 3 hoods (lights and filter combo).

The filter is on the top of the water. Does this work?

Any feedback on this system?

Like: Aquarium Hoods & Lighting: Eclipse Filtration and Illumination System

 

[thominil]

I had the 3g Eclipse kit which is basically a small acrylic tank and a much much smaller version of that hood. Same filtration system and all. Honestly, I was not impressed at all. You are pretty much forced to buy their filter cartridges, which start to get expensive after a while. Not much else to stick in there as sponges and filter floss will just float towards the bio-wheel and jam it. You can't go without a cartridge either or the bio-wheel turns into a monsterous nitrate producer. Their reflectors on the lights are garbage too.

To put it simply, I would just go with an HOB/Canister and a light fixture that suits your needs.

Welcome to AA!

 

[Gnarls Gnarlington]

To put it simply, I would just go with an HOB/Canister and a light fixture that suits your needs.

Hmmm. I was thinking of getting a bowfront but reconsidered when I saw that the Eclipse would fit a flat walled tank I was considering. But if this system isn't that good then I might just as well get the bowfront after all.

This one: Acrylic Aquarium Tank: SeaClear Bowfront Aquarium Tank at PETCO

The reviews say the tank is good but the light kinda sucks. (Any advice on replacement fixtures?)

Can you recommend a filter and pump for this tank? I'd like something fairly quite since it will be in a bedroom.

(I'm a complete n00b so I don't know what I need. )

 

[Shadey]

I had/have an Eclipse 6, and it has a similar setup. Gonna support Thominil and also add that I never had anything but problems with getting the biowheel to even turn.

 

[thominil]

The light fixture you need will depend on the requirements of the plants you intend to keep (if you do a planted fw setup). Otherwise, the light fixture that comes with the tank will do just fine. I have no experience with SeaClear, but I do have to warn you that acrylic scratches very easily. As for filters, it really depends on if you want a cannister filter or a hang-on-back (HOB) filter. Powerheads/pumps depend on what kind of flow your tank inuabotants prefer.

 

[Gnarls Gnarlington]

The light fixture you need will depend on the requirements of the plants you intend to keep (if you do a planted fw setup).

I'll use plastic plants and fresh water fish. I like the look of loaches so I'll probably start with them.

This one seems like a good price but I don't know about the filter:

SeaClear Rectangular 40 Gallon Junior Executive Kits at PETCO

I'd like something effective but quite since it will be in a bedroom.

 

[revchristinejday]

Hi! I have a SeaClear 50 gallon. I have a aquaclear 70 filter and a Penn plax cascade 1000 canister fliter. Both work well with the filter and other holes in the top of the SeaClear. As I like to not completely close up the aquarium I have screens on my two light holes and added a standard length relacement light. The one that come with them really was inadequate.

I have found this tank very well made. It really does not scratch easily. I used a microfiber cloth to rinse/clean and an acrylic scrubby to get algae.

I also have two glass tank and this one I'd just as easy to take care of. Plus it's lighter. I could have never managed to set up a glass one of this size.

IMO it was a good deal.

 

[Gnarls Gnarlington]

Hi! I have a SeaClear 50 gallon. I have a aquaclear 70 filter and a Penn plax cascade 1000 canister filter.

Why do you have two filters? The Aquaclear is rates at up to 70 gallons.

Would you take a shot of the top of your tank so I can see how you have everything installed?

 

[revchristinejday]

I have two filters because I have goldfish and they are happier with 10 times filtration...it works. I'm going to try to attact some photos

 

[Gnarls Gnarlington]

I have two filters because I have goldfish and they are happier with 10 times filtration...it works. I'm going to try to attact some photos

I think I'm going to get the exact same tank but clear.

Now I just need to decide on a filter.

Anything else I'll need (other than rocks and decorations)?

 

[revchristinejday]

If you don't have one, I'd also get a water python. It really makes the cleaning and refilling easier.

Hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine!