The eclipse system

[usafschue]

How's everyone's experience with the eclipse system been? Has anybody even had one of these before? I used to think they were way too expensive, but that was before I realized Marineland was God's gift to fish :D I was thinking of an Eclipse 12 with 1 jewel in it, hows that sound? My female just sits in her cave the whole time anyhoo.........

[crazyfishlady]

I have one of the bigger eclipse tanks w/ hood. Its either 30 or 39 gallons. Its been so long since I set it up or added fish that I don't remember!
Anyhoo, I really like the hood/filter. It looks good. Its easy to maintain & the intake tube is alot longer than most OTB filters so it gets good water circulation. Pretty fast as well. Mine can be too much for small fish.
I only ever had a problem once. In the first week I got it the biowheel got stuck & the filter started overflowing down the back of the tank. Damaged the stand its on. To make sure it doesn't happen again, I just give it a spin while I have the top up for feeding. So far that's worked for me.
Good luck w/ the new tank.

[usafschue]

thank you much, I think ima get one then for my green flame tetras, they're my old favs and first aquarium fish :)

[Polarhound]

They're great until the first time the filter craps out and you have to either junk the whole setup or pay through the nose for a new one from Eclipse.

[crazyfishlady]

Well, I don't know about the smaller ones, but my 39 gallon has been going strong for 3 years now (knock on wood :) ).

[wheelie]

i had a 44 and it clunked out after about 6 months. I called marineland and they sent a bunch of replacement pieces, but none of the pieces made the darn thing work again. The company siad that I must have damaged the equipment intentionally if the dinky parts didn't fix the thing. So I trashed the hood altogether, put an emporer on the back, and it's been smooth sailing since then. I guess what I'm trying to say is DON'T GET AN ECLIPSE!

[Showoff]

I've had my 12 set up for nearing three years. Running just fine and a LOT quieter than my emp. 400 on the Managuensis tank. I would not only reccoment it, but I would buy another if it died.

[bevoman]

My wife has five of them for her puffers and her bettas. They are great. Very quiet and easy to maintain. I would recommend them.

[Seedy]

As someone who has sold them...they are "ok" for a beginner but if your serious about your fish keeping you will not be satisfied with an Eclipse....

<CD panicks as he realises he is in the SA forum>

[bevoman]

Seedy, I think I disagree. It really depends on what type of fish you have. I think there are some dwarf cichlids that even an expert would be quite satisfied with eclipse systems for displaying.

[usafschue]

Well, one month update, I LOVE IT. I'm no expert but I can make a pretty nice environment using this setup, and I would recommend it to anyone.

[wheelie]

well, i certainly hope yours lasts longer than mine did!

[Seedy]

No, the eclipse is not horrible... It is good for a beginer, it looks sharp, It is good for a display tank... but aside from possible replacement problems and expenses (which as others have stated can be considerable), It does not have extra media baskets, on smaller models the bio wheel is really small (smaller than an emporer of similar GPH )...The lighting is (IMO) below par (and needs to be replaced with a brighter/better spectrum sub-compact if you plan on doing plants or going marine)... It's kinda like buying a 20gal for an oscar...It looks good the first 6 months, but then your just not satisfied and want to upgrade...

[conig]

usafschue- I agree I keep an eclipse at the office.

in regards to your signature and wanting a 55 gallon for cheap, go to a walmart I don't know weer you are they are harder to find up north but will be there soon.

55gallon filter hoods heater starter chemicals 159.99 thats were I got one of mine.