Marineland Eclipse 12

I have a Marineland Eclipse 12 and, for a beginning aquarist, I think it's a good place to start. I had mine at the office for well over a year, but then we moved and I brought it home. I haven't reset it up yet, but plan to do so in the very near future. MG has a point about wanting to upgrade, go bigger and better, etc. after a while, but for getting started in the hobby, I don't think you can go wrong with the Marineland Eclipse 12 system.
 
I started out a few years ago with an eclipse system 12. It seemed like a great setup then, but as I learned more about fishkeeping and started wanting to upgrade, I was frustrated by how limited (and costly) my options were. I think you will find more value for your money and more long-term satisfaction if you buy all of the components of your tank separately rather than investing in an all-in-one setup.
 
I'm of the similar mindset. I find it is a lot easier and cost effective down the road to buy separate parts, or at least parts that are more interchangeable than these types of systems.

If space is a main issue then a 10 gallon is practically the same dimensions, just a bit shorter.
 
My thoughts on the system are:
a) it's pricey for 12 gallons. Walmart has 10 gallon glass tank kits for $29.
b) acrylic tanks tend to get scratched. I have hard water, and often need to razor off water spots.
c) In warm weather leaving the top off wouldn't be possible.
d) What happens if the filter quits working.
 
I have an old Eclipse 15g (obsolete, footprint of 10g tank) in my garage. It's there because I couldn't easily upgrade the lighting enough to grow plants. It would have required an expensive retrofit kit, and I'm not that handy. I also found the Bio-Wheel unbearably noisy with splashing water, but I admit I'm a bit sensitive to noise. At least mine is glass, not acrylic which scratches easily.

The Eclipse 12 would be a good tank if you didn't want to grow a lot of plants or be bothered with filtration upkeep. Check to see if nowadays you can upgrade to plant lighting if you want them. I couldn't back in the day as the fittings and voltage (?) were proprietary and actually would not fit other than Eclipse lights. I called Marineland the manufacturer, and at that time they told told me that using other lights would void my warranty.

@Jannika, you found 10g glass tanks at Walmart? I've been looking for those to no avail. At $29, I'm still balky - I remember them being about $15. I just can't make myself pay that though it may be indeed a good buy. Update: I just found the tank only, no kit, online at Walmart. It says limited stock at my local store. @ jbrfish, I think that tank with CF screw-in bulbs might be nice, but I'm not sure of the tanks. I'm far from expert.

I've never seen just the tank at the store - it's always those kits with the incandescent lighting hoods. Those particular kits are not for, me but maybe screw-in CFs can be submitted. Check to see if they can grow plants if you want them.
 
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I've always liked my 12, however after 3 years the motor in the filter gave out and the rim on the top has quite a lip on it which makes it difficult to find any HOB's that will fit. The replacement parts are costly but it was a very good setup for me as a beginner. It's frustrating that you can't control the flow of the water, for such an expensive system you would think they would have thought of that. The clarity is wonderful, but like the others said you have to be very careful to avoid scratches. All in all I give it a 5 out of 10, I still have mine.
 
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