Eclipse vs Nano Cube

M

mattskims

AC Members
Jan 29, 2005
107
0
0
44
Richmond, VA
I was running a 12g JBJ Nano cube tank. However, it some how began leaking after less than a year. The leak was noticed while waiting for the replacement ballast to arrive. This tank BTW is the replacement tank for the original that had a leak after it was originally shipped.

SO.....it is safe to say that I am not ready to even deal with getting another one of these. However, I am stuck with a stand that was made for that tank and wont really accomodate any other tanks.

I have always seen/heard of Eclipse tanks. Are they any more reliable? Require less maintenance (not the chemistry of the water and the inhabitants but the hardware itself) than the nano cube?

A seven gallon hex would fit on the stand nicely and I would like to get one. but not if I am going to experience the same troubles with the nano cube...
 
if youre a handy man, make one with plexiglass (acrylic), its super easy. if you dont mind sacrificing the bow front.
 
I have both, Eclipse and Nano. All in all, I'd say Nano wins over Eclipse.

The Eclipse filtration system seems more effective than the Nano.
The Nano has looks on its side, because there's no filter intake hanging around in your tank.
Comparing the Nano 12 and the Eclipse 12, I think it's easier to work in the Nano 12, because of the flip top hood.
None of my Nanos have started leaking, but then again, I've owned Nanos less than 12 months, so I'm not sure if I'm qualified to speak on that. However, I have owned Eclipses for more than 12 months and I can tell you that I've had the worst luck with Eclipse 12s. 3 of 4 developed hairline fractures. My only Eclipse 3 has the same fractures in the same area, but hasn't started leaking yet.

Those are my personal experiences. Your milage may vary.
 
Hmmm..just bought an Eclipse 12. Can you share where the hairline fractures occurred so I can inspect regularly?
 
I actually opted against the Nano as much as I was dying to get one, aupon reading many, many stories of them springing leaks. And it's too bad because they really do provide a good deal of stuff for a relatively low price.

As far as Eclipse goes, I have only ever owned the Corner 5. And I will say, I was most displeased with it. In fact I am about to rant.

The top has the light fixture inclusive, so everytime you open the top to do any maintenance, you lose the darn light! Made me very angry to have to keep a desk lamp near it just to have some illumination for when I was fiddling around in the tank. Plus without serious DIY customizing, you can't add any additional lighting should you decide to grow plants that require more wattage. I like the idea of just being able to plop an extra light on a glass top and have an instant upgrade.

There was little to no space for cords such as for my heater in the top, and the plastic is not the sort you want to cut, so you depend on these tiny little U-holes which would always catch the cords and make closing the top a hassle. I ended up having to rely on zip clamps.

Also, I felt little confidence in the fact that the top sealed so much...how could my fish get fresh oxygen with such a seal? Until I added an airstone they never seemed entirely happy.

The filtration system is relatively weak and you can't customize it one bit.

And then I threw a pen across the room but overshot my friend's receiving hand, and this light little disposable ball point pen, upon hitting the side of the weak acrylic tank, made a noticeable depression on the surface. I looked at this as my chance to finally have an excuse to be done with this crappy tank. It didn't leak...but still. End.

Bottom line - I had to hassle with so many things just to make that tank work the way I wanted it to. I even had to employ my air pump which I normal use for other tanks. And I had to keep another source of light handy just for maintenance. And even after all of that, I still didn't find it to my satisfaction. I could have simply purchased a 5.5g proper glass tank, with a glass top, small filter and a mini aqualight for about the same price.

My advice - just buy a 5.5g all glass aquarium.
 
Eclipse 12's are crap

I got a an Eclipse 12 and they suck. Absolutely no customization what so ever. I wanted to add a new light fixture. That can't happen without me building my own hood. The filtration is a pain because it is so bulky and blocks light in the back. I have cracks at the right bottom of the aquarium. Believe me, just get those 10 gallon kits at Petsmart. You'll save money and not have to deal with the eclipse.
 
Not trying to hijack your thread mattskims, but I was thinking about getting an Eclipse hood for an empty 10g I have because I like the way it looks(the way it sits over the top).Sounds like I may want to rethink that idea.
 
You have to be careful to be specific about which eclipse you're talking about here. Eclipse kits are available with all-glass aquariums as well as the Eclipse 12 acrylic, which appears to me to be an extremely low-grade plastic.

I have the Eclipse 15-gallon show combo and have been very happy with it. True, you lose the light when you flip the top. Not a good thing.

But for the other issues...Marineland does offer a retrofit for $30 to double the flourescent to two bulbs. This would go in seamlessly replacing the existing one-bulb holder. The tank is a nice all-glass 15 gallon "tall" 10 x 20 tank.

As for the filtration it has worked great for me. But I'll admit I'm new to this hobby and I don't have much bio-load on it...three little fish. But I have read postive reviews on the filtration in other forums. This kit came with the Eclipse 1 hood, which can also be purchased separately and paired with any 10 x 20 glass tank.

I think its suitable for a freshwater setup without plants. Great for my kid's room. I got it for $55 brand new which, for that money, it can't be beat. I think normally they are around $110.

I forgot to mention...there is plenty of room for cords. There is a small opening under the hinge for the back lid which is enough for the light, filter, and a heater. If you need more there is a removable panel in the base of the hood. So no problem there. This may be different than the arrangement on the Eclipse 12.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom