how are 12g eclipse as nano reefs?

Neb123 · 11-21-2005, 06:09 PM

Hello, im sure this has been asked a million times before but i havnt seen any threads yet. I am possibly moving to a larger apartment soon, in which case i would like to set up a few more tanks including a nano reef. I am considering making a DIY tank, however i havnt decided yet, so in the meantime i am researching brand name tanks. I think i have heard to many tragic stories with jbj nanos, so im considering a 12g eclipse. Just wondering how they run as nano reefs and what kind of upgrades would i need to make. For example what kind of lights can i get to replace the exclipse stock lights? can anyone suggest some brands or specific lights i can look into, and how many watts i can cram in? Also, would a skimmer be necesary if so which are better for eclipse models, in tank or hang on skimmers? Should i remove the bio wheel? Any thing else i should know would be appreciated, thanks for your time

ski1297 · 11-22-2005, 06:07 PM

I think you would need to get new lights. PCs or MHs. Coralife makes good PCs. I have the 36" on my 38gal. Watts if you want clams or sps you would need a MH and they start at 75 watts I think. You may not need a skimmer (I would do hang on if you do not want a sump) if you keep up on water changes and you do not have to many fish. Yes take the bio-wheel off asap. With the price of the 12g eclipse and new lights and no need for the bio-wheel I would get a AGA (tank brand) get lights and a skimmer. Any mor Q's just ask love to help and Welcome.

skilter · 12-16-2005, 06:35 AM

the problem i ran into some years ago with the eclipse is the hood, there is little or no room to cram any lights into, and its all DIY... best luck is to build your own custom hood for the eclipse 12, the other problem i had was the stock pump system is extreamly inadequate, you would need to add a powerhead, maybe 2 to keep a nice circulation in the water. Other than that, i dont see any problems. But why dont you just go w/ a 10 gal AGA (all glass aquarium) in the long run you will save money, because of the headaches you will get with DIY, if this is your first time in the saltwater hobby, then you are in for some woppers of headaches so you want to keep it as easy as possible for yourself. plus there are more products out there that will work better for you on the 10 gallon as apposed to the 12 eclipse. hope this helps!

Linda · 01-08-2006, 12:43 AM

why remove the bio wheel if I may ask?

gwen_o_lyn · 01-08-2006, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linda

why remove the bio wheel if I may ask?

I forget the reason for this.... maybe it has to do with nitrates??

but if you go to this website...
http://www.talkingreef.com/

and download/listen to show #21 on nano reefs, Rob talks about having no bio-wheels and the reason....

Loverotties · 01-08-2006, 07:54 AM

Yes they just add nitrates!

kappaknight · 01-08-2006, 02:57 PM

I just bought a 12G Eclipse from a guy who had to move and he seems to have successfully run his reef for 8 months with the bio wheel in. He did get some PC retro-fit kit to replace the stock lighting which has helped a lot. The tank was really clean and there were lots of coraline algae everywhere. Mine's doing a mini cycle now but one can have a lot of success with it.

He also said he tried the nano tanks and did not like them at all.