Marineland Eclipse Instant Ocean Kit Aquariums

[Lanielou]

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with these tanks as a fish only aquarium? I asked in another section, but no replies. I hope someone can give me their opinion on these tanks....

Thanks,
Jill

 

[sunfishh]

What size are you thinking about?

 

[Lanielou]

the 29 or 55 gallon......

 

[hawkey992]

I once had a 25g freshie like that, they're nice but if you ever want to add any equipment, you'll need to saw and drill to make room for it. Personally I prefer the greater flexibility of putting it together myself

 

[LisaD]

I think you will be limited. I wouldn't get the kit. Get the biggest tank you can afford and the most suitable equipment for your stocking needs.

For example, my 55 tank has midrange equipment and is basically FOWLR except for a few hardy corals and some macro:

4 x 65-watt Coralife power compact fixture
HOB CPR BakPak skimmer
HOB CPR Aquafuge refugium (lit 24/7 with a 13-watt PC fixture)
Rena HOB SmartFilter

~75 lbs live rock, shallow sand bed

This isn't anything super-special for a decent FOWLR, but you'd never find it in a kit. The tank is pretty low maintenance, looks pretty good, and supports a high bioload of some cool fish.

Much of the equipment can be found lightly used, at good prices, if you check out classifieds, craigslist and your local reef/marine clubs.

 

[Lanielou]

thanks for all the info.....the more i research it, the more i realize the eclipse is not the way to go.

jill

 

[LisaD]

You can find some awesome used set-ups if you look around. People get into the hobby, and either upgrade or get out altogether. They end up selling systems for a fraction of their cost. I sold a 120 gallon tank, light, stand and sump for $100 this summer. I was upgrading to a 210, and really needed someone with a truck to just come and get it. It helped that the system didn't cost me anything - several years ago a friend that was an executive at a large aquarium manufacturer had it custom made for me as a gift.