Marineland Eclipse System 3 filtration

[captmicha]

I'm wondering, does anyone else have a problem with the filtration on their Marineland Eclipse System 3 (or other sizes, I guess?)?

The output is soooo tiny that it just trickles out. I have wondered if it's purposely a weak system since it's a small tank but the output doesn't even make the biowheel spin most of the time.

I've cleaned it and checked it for blockage and whatever and it's fine. No weird noise either. Nothing seems to be obstructing the suction and the only extra thing I put into the filter is a single scrubbie.

Ideas please?

 

[Lab_Rat]

I sold my eclipse tank since the filtration is so crappy. Never had a problem with the biowheel spinning unless the filter cartridge was very dirty.

 

[MChambers]

How high is the water level? The higher, the easier it is for the filter to draw the water up (water pressure and all that).

I've got a 5 gallon Eclipse I bought used a month ago and it seems fine.

 

[OrionGirl]

The 3's are pretty low flow. Mine worked for a while, then the powerhead died. Pain to replace, not worth it, IMO. 5's aren't much more costly and way better powerhead/filtration.

 

[Somervell]

I have had no problems with the Eclipse 5-- I love the tank. the filters must be kept absolutely clean to get the biowheel to work properly, however. The larger hood (Eclipse II), has flooded my floor three times. This week, it went in the garbage. Not a perfect design, by any means.