Should I get the Marineland Eclipse “Halfmoon” 10 Gallon Aquarium?
I was planning on getting the Marineland Eclipse System 12 for a couple tropical fish (neons, cardinals, a cory cat or two, etc.), but when I was at Petsmart I saw another model called the “Halfmoon” 10 gallon system. It has a half-cylinder profile, all glass, and features LED lighting, which is primarily what I’m concerned with. Has anyone had experience with this aquarium system? I like the price and the size and look, but I’m not sure if the LEDs will provide the amount of light I need. I’m not really planning on growing plants so I don’t need the most powerful lighting system available, but I don’t want to have to squint to see the fish, and if LED is not as powerful as fluorescent than I will stick with my former decision. Also, how well does the filtration system work? I can’t seem to find any information on it online, even on Marineland’s website. Thanks!
You should get a big expensive elaborate fish tank. I hope you cry when your fish die.
A typical 10 gallon aquarium kit will run you about 60-70 bucks, the half moon is 99.99, only sale for 89.99 right now.
It’s a cute system, definitely an interesting design, but you can get more bang for your buck with a different kit.
Also, the lights are not that powerful, I set one up were I work, and it’s disappointingly weak, I don’t think anything but the lowest of light requiring plants could thrive in there. It also tends to cast a lot of shadows in the tank, making veiwing difficult.
The filter’s also garbage, it’s a cheap little in tank canister filter, very weak, and nearly six inches from the gravel bed, so you know the flow won’t be very good. I’d highly recommend getting a HOB filter to replace it. So that’s another 15-20 bucks. The heater is comes with is terriible as well, it;s one of those pre set ones that keeps the temp around 76 degrees, they fluctuate 2-4 degrees in either direction though, and tend to burn out pretty soon. You can’t adjust the temp at all, you’re pretty much out of luck should you need to heat the tank for disease treatment.
The tanks shape also poses a problem, as there is far less surface volume in this design than a typical ten gallon, meaning the Oxygen transfer is lower, so stocking has to be lighter. You’d also have limited fish options, as there is very little side to side spaces so more active schooling fish would be stressed fro space. The tetra are mid level fish that generally move back and forth, not up and down, so thier space would be very compromised. Not to mention limited surface area and floor space, so top and bottom dwellers like the cories, are also lacking for elbow room so to speak.
All in all, you can get better else were. The 12 gallon in fact is a very nice system, we have one of these set up as well, and the lighting is fantastic. My only complaint is if it malfunctions or breaks down, this compay basically requires that you re-buy the entire system as they don’t sell replacement parts.
Best of Luck!
We have this system and love it!
The led lighting along with our decoration just glow at night. The tetras are so bright. The lighting lights up my son’s room at night. Now my older son doesn’t like his tank with regular lighting and wants this one too.