opinions on this aquarium(have link)

Welcome to AC!

I had one of those eclipse systems before, it's a neat little thing. Sure, it's fine to use.

I have a couple of Eclipse systems and I love them. They are very easy, quiet, and clean. I have never had any problems with ammonia, nitrates or nitrites. The filtration is great - keep up with water changes and testing. In my 37g I have had some algae problems. I have heard this is common with the eclipse systems.

I would buy another one.

DrD

Originally posted by DrDeath
I have a couple of Eclipse systems and I love them. They are very easy, quiet, and clean. I have never had any problems with ammonia, nitrates or nitrites. The filtration is great - keep up with water changes and testing. In my 37g I have had some algae problems. I have heard this is common with the eclipse systems.

I would buy another one.

DrD

Click to expand...

Algae isn't limited to Eclipse systems. Is it the bio-wheel or another "built-in" freature of the Eclipse systems that promotes algae growth?

Please advise.

Only a picky point here, as all the Eclipse system seem to have this problem---the picture on the box SHOULD NOT be your guideline when stocking the tank. Seen too many people point these pics out as justification for packing fish in with a shoe horn.

Otherwise, they or the knock off competitor setups are decent systems. I am not a huge fan of bowfronts, and acrylic tanks have their own set of issues, but that's neither here nor there.

Algae problems are not inherent to a type/style/size of fish tank. Maintenance routines, water quality, and stock say more than any other factor. At most, these tanks are underlit for plants and algae can outcompete plants for nutrients at low light levels. However--the nutrients can be controlled to compensate for this.

Yeah I agree with OG, people look at the picture of 30 fish for example in a 10 gallon tank, and it's all false.

We have 3 Eclipse Systems in the house, personaly I like to customize my tank, with filter, lights ect,... that's just what I like tho, other people like different things.

Originally posted by Orbitorly
Yeah I agree with OG, people look at the picture of 30 fish for example in a 10 gallon tank, and it's all false.

We have 3 Eclipse Systems in the house, personaly I like to customize my tank, with filter, lights ect,... that's just what I like tho, other people like different things.

Click to expand...

I liked a "cleaner" looking setup. The filter is built-in to the hood. The light is a PC light (though only 13 watts over the System 12) and I'm sure a second PC light of the same size/wattage can be added without much effort.

Now if they only had a heater built-in to the biowheel! I don't like stuff cluttering my back wall.

How often would one have to do water changes on a moderatly stocked, Eclipse System 12? Low-light plants as well (Anubias barteri/nana, Java Fern, Java Moss).

Thanks guys for the info...

I do weekly changes on all my tanks. Most of them don't need it, but it's good to be in a routine. Unfortunately, without monitoring your tank for toxins, there is no magic formula that will tell you how often to do changes on all tanks. More is better than less, but beyond htat, it's up to the individual to determine what works for them and for their tank(s).