anyone has a eclipse 3 planted tank or tall tank? 30x12x20H or 24H i think...

[sea-horsea]

I was wondering about the set up and scaping for a taller tank with only 30" in length...the height is like 20 or 24" .... thank you

[Sponsors]

[sick lid]

I've got a 32 gal Eclipse 3 with those dimensions. I'll see if I can find some pics tomorrow to post with various setups I've had in it.

[sea-horsea]

thanks man....so how tall's your tank and what lights do you use? the stock fluro. or you upgrade it? thanks again

[reddragon1977]

i got the same and wish i didnt. My layout is in the profiles. The light is low wattage and twords the fron so your background plant will suffer as well as the flow is way to strong from the filter and blocking it makes it prone to overflow. I am considering modifying the hood to support a tube to diffuse the water more evenly but havent got into it. If you can still return the product i would reccomeend that you do so, but thats just my opinion and may not relect anyone else's experience

[cah925]

I have to agree with redragon1977. The Eclipse 3 is my least favorite tank. The dimensions were a little akward to work with (I prefer longer tanks). I used a lot of wood with ferns and anubias mostly for a layout. I even upgraded the lighting with a Sunpac retrofit kit and it certainly made a difference in the brightness, but then I have been battling algae on the upper part of the glass ever since.

[Left C]

Here's some aquascaping links:
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/f...-37g-tall.html
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/f...have-37-a.html



Current has a SMARTPAQ™ 1x65w retrofit kit for the Eclipse 3.
http://www.current-usa.com/smartpaq.html

SMARTPAQ™ SPECIFICATIONS

Model Length Dual Daylight 6,700K/460nm Independent Control Product Dimensions Total Watts Total Amps Config. Fits

1611 15" 1 x 32 watt N/A 1 reflector (14" x 5" x 2") 32 0.32 C *Eclipse™ System 12 -
1624 20" 1 x 32 watt N/A 1 reflector (14" x 3" x 2") 32 0.32 C *Eclipse™ Systems 1&2
1625 24" 1 x 65 watt N/A 1 reflector (23" x 3" x 2") 65 0.42 C *Eclipse™ System 3

The specs say Dual Daylight 6,700K/460nm. This is a typo. It should say SmartPaq 10,000k Daylight/460nm Actinic. This is a saltwater bulb and it doesn't grow plants very well. It need to be swapped out for a square pin 55w/65w PC from 5000K to 10,000K.

You can replace the stock bulb with either of these three bulbs:
http://www.current-usa.com/sunpaq.html
2032 65 watt 10,000k Daylight 21.25" x 1.75" x 1" 10 oz. 10
2033 65 watt 6,700k Daylight 21.25" x 1.75" x 1" 10 oz. 10
2034 65 watt Dual Daylight 6,700k/10,000k 21.25" x 1.75" x 1" 10 oz. 10

Coralife offer a square pin 65w PC in 6700K, 10,000K and Colormax/6700K. These bulbs will work too.



Some people have put in the AHSupply DIY kit in the Eclipse Hoods. Here's some links:
http://www.plantgeek.net/forum/viewt...hlight=eclipse
http://www.plantgeek.net/forum/viewt...hlight=eclipse
http://www.plantgeek.net/forum/viewt...hlight=eclipse

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/f...ew-10-gal.html
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/f...se-update.html

[sick lid]

Yeah, I gotta agree, it's been a challenge. I love the look of the 24 inch tall tank, as well as the look of the Eclipse hood, but you need to settle for mid and low light plants. I used the stock fixture with 2x18 watt, 1 daylight, and 1 plant-grow. I can't get any grassy plant to live for more than a month. Java fern, mosses, anubias, wysteria, most stems do well. The only plus with the lower light is the stems don't grow too fast. Also with the eclipse, you have to settle with the water noise factor. I'm still looking for pics of mine, so stay tuned.

[Gad]

I've always liked the tall tanks too so this time around I went with the 30 tall. 24" x 12" x 24". I also needed a smaller footprint so it worked out great. It's acrylic with no rim or frame. I added a glass top and Coralife 65 watt compact and it looks pretty sweet.

I'm 6'4" and it takes some reaching for me so you might want to consider the height with stand. You can always use a step ladder.

I also have an Eclipse 2 top and would never buy another. They're easy to maintain but the lighting and filtration is very limited.

[sea-horsea]

I am thinking maybe just use the tank and get rid of the eclipse? and hook up a canister filter and thats why I am asking in another thread which is the best to get.....but again I am open for all suggestions....thanks guys