Hoods with integrated filter

[rossmort]

Hi, I was at one of my LFS and saw a pretty cool aquarium. It was a 30 gallon (Looking for at least a 40 but maybe they have bigger) acrylic with an integrated wet/dry filter in the hood. I have seen the eclipse systems but never looked at them all that much because of their price and smaller sizes but this interests me (485 with tank, filter/hood, heater, nice stand). Since I am bad with names of course I don't remember the brand even though I looked at it right before leaving so I wouldn't forget it. Does anyone know any brands that of something that I might have looked at or have any opinions on systems like it? I haven't found many reviews of integrated filters and I don't want to waste my money on something just because it looks neat.

Thanks

 

[TankGirl]

This sounds like a Marineland Eclipse system, as they make larger tanks as well. I have a 12-gal model and they are fine if you do not require heavy filtration, as I find it to be minimal, just by the nature of how it is constructed. I prefer to select my own filtration and hood assembly, but that is just me!

 

[loganj]

I tend to like the HOB or canister filters better. By using separate components, you aren't so reliant on one piece of equipment. If your HOB filter dies, it's a fairly simple thing to just replace it. If the integrated system goes down, you're limited to their products and service which may or may not be available. JMHO.

 

[rossmort]

Very true, I was previously thinking about getting a canister filter for the tank but I saw this and I guess more than anything got pulled in by the wet/dry part of it. It is also night to have it all self contained and flush with everything BUT I don't want to sacrifice the tank in usability over how it looks.

 

[TankGirl]

I really think the Eclipse system is a marvelous concept for the small tanks. I have a 3-gal Eclipse as well as the 12-gal, and when you have a small tank like that it is really nice to have everything neat and tidy, esp. since it is going to sit on a desktop or somewhere that clutter is annoying. The cords all stay behind the tank and are inobtrusive. The filtration demands of a 30-gal are better met by HOB or canister.

Okay, I'm gonna shut up now....