Eclipse 12

[taboo]

I have an eclipse 12 tank which has just become available. I was thinking about putting it to good use and making it into a nano reef. However there are some issues that i can forsee. #1) Lighting. There is only a 13-w compact florescent which probably would not be enough for much. #2) How do you equip it with a HOB Skimmer?

I know for lighting you can retrofit it with a 36w from custom sealife, but i'd like to save as much $$$ as possible. Can anything really survive under 13w i about 10-12 gal tank? The only thing i was thinking of keeping in there was just a variety of mushrooms from my big tank. any input will be greatly appreciated.

Jerry

[sammy33]

Custom Sea life retrofits are getting hard to find. CSL is out of business. Try the Current USA 15" 32w retrofit as an alternative (ebay?). Don;t skimp on your lights.

The way the hood fits on the eclipse tanks leaves very little opportunity for HOB type equipment. I know a lot of nano reefers pretty much skip using protein skimmers and opt for doing weekly or bi-weekly water changes.

[taboo]

i read somewhere too that the biowheel and filter media for the eclipse is bad to keep in there for a nano reef. Is that true?

Jerry

[tabwyo]

The bio-wheel processes amonia into nitrate. But it doesn't break it down into nitrite. But if you keep up with your water changes then you shouldn't need to worry. Sammy33 is right, don't skimp on the lights.

[taboo]

Thanks for all the info. Yah.. i can always run the aquarium open top, and use my 24" JBJ 55w x 2 PC on there. Kinda overkill though. Maybe i'll save little eclipse for freshwater stuff.... and go get a bigger tank for my next saltwater tank. Just feel bad about not using the stock lights, and letting them sit there.

[reiple]

Originally Posted by tabwyo

The bio-wheel processes amonia into nitrate. But it doesn't break it down into nitrite. But if you keep up with your water changes then you shouldn't need to worry. Sammy33 is right, don't skimp on the lights.

ammonia to nitrite. nitrite to nitrate and no further. Take the biowheel out!
right track with the lights! as long as it's the right spectrum (acts, 10K to 20K).
rather than placing a bulky skimmer, regular water change is best. a quart every 2-3 days is a good start.
and top off with distilled/RO water!

[tabwyo]

yeah, oops. Brain faster than fingers. Trite befor trate. Get rid of the wheel. Forget the skimmer and maintain an agressive water change regiment.