40 Gallon Eclipse 3 Lighting Question

Hi Guys,

First time reefer here - looking at getting a 40 Gallon Eclipse 3 system (2 double bulbs, I believe each one is 24W).

I was hoping to set it up with some fish with corals but I'm a little bit leery because of the low light output.

I'm hesitant to do a light retro on it; has anyone successfully kept corals (mushrooms, hard leathers, etc) on the stock Eclipse 3 lights? (I'd change them to Actinic of course).

Please let me know, I have to decide soon.

Thanks!

 

No, I don't physically have the tank yet; I'm trying to decide what tank to buy.

It's between this one (I like it's look) and a plain glass tank with a set of really good lights (but it's a larger tank, and I'm new to the hobby and don't want to bite off more than I can chew).

What should I look for when I fill it up?

 

yeah eclipse tanks aren't really good for saltwater everything about them is way underpowered

If you want a nice beginner type all in one tank look at the nanocubes, biocubes, aquapods and red sea max setups

Or just build one yourself and we can aid with advice

 

What do you mean?

I don't want a huge tank, I prefer the smaller ones, but I wanted something large enough to be forgiving but small enough so that I can handle it without getting fustrated and giving up.

I don't exactly have a huge budget, but I wanted to keep chugging along until I get the hang of things.

Thanks for your advice, I really appreciate it

 

I was told by the guys at the LFS that the small ones are very hard to maintain. I would actually prefer a small cube but I can get a massive tank for about as much as a small cube for some reason.

I just don't think I'll be able to maintain the upkeep on a 65+ Gallon monster

 

well, to be more direct, whats the budget your trying to stick to? rock, sand, tank basically everything up to the point of buying fish/corals

also have you checked into used setups? You'd be suprised how often you can find a nice used setup on craigslist in most areas

 

another thing, if a LFS told someone to buy an eclipse tank as a reef tank, I'd voice my opinion and probably get thrown out, I'd check with another LFS if I were in your position