swifty

Well, after my betta died I started thinking that I'm going to need a heated/filtered tank. I mentioned in another thread that he was living in bad conditions for about a year to a year and a half or more, and he was in good conditions for 2 months or so. While he was in that bad condition he had fin rot, so he was probably trying to adjust to the clean water.

Anyway, I was looking at these 4 as a replacement. They all have lighting for live plants, a heater can be placed easily, but on all 4 the filtration is different. I plan on using tetra's safe start when I pick 1 out, and lots of live plants to minimize maintenance and maximize water cleanliness.

I've seen articles about the eclipse filters not being good and heating up the tank, and mini-bows filters being insufficient and bulky. Also because it'll be for a betta there's the current from the filter that needs to be looked at, in the space of the tank and overall power.

There's also cost with the price of all of these systems being so similar. The mini bow 2.5 is ~$25, and the 5 is ~$38. The eclipse 6 is ~$50, and I couldn't find any eclipse 3s at wal-mart but other sites show its ~$40. I'm not sure if in this case the higher price means better quality or just quantity.

I don't like hex/corner tanks, or the 6.6g bookshelf or 10 gallons, and anything bigger is out of the question because of this old house's foundation. I've been limited to a betta and one of these type of all-in-1 aquariums, but it's not like its a bad thing. Bettas are great fish and these systems can look good/be placed anywhere.

So, does anyone have or know some other fish keepers with any experience at all with these?

pamd

First, don't knock yourself because your beautiful betta died after giving him better conditions! Pat yourself on the back for making the last two months of his life better, and for taking such great effort to learn more for your next little friend.

I have an Eclipse 3 and an Eclipse 6. I think they seem great. The filter, pump and light are integrated into the hood as you already probably know, so it's all pretty nice and neat, with two electric cords plus another one for your add-on (not included) heater. Both tanks are super-quiet, with a gentle outflow that seems just fine for bettas. I also love the bio-wheel concept, which makes a lot of sense and seems to work great.

One thing that you'd probably never know about the Eclipse unless you found yourself in need of replacement is that nearly every single component is replaceable. I just found that out recently when I needed to replace the feeding hatch (whatever you call it) because I broke off its hinge. I thought I'd have to replace the entire hood, but not so, and Marineland was very quick and courteous in sending the replacement. Not cheap with shipping, but reasonable, and a whole lot less expensive than replacing the whole hood, much less the entire tank. It appears that every single little thing, right down to the impeller wheel, is replaceable.

Wish major and minor appliance manufacturers were as eco-friendly and economical! Much better than, "Well, it's too expensive to repair, so just trash it and replace the whole thing!" Especially when it comes to something as sensitive as an aquarium with its hard-earned cycle.

Downside of the Eclipse (both tanks) is that you have to remove the entire hood to do almost anything except feeding.

The 6.6 bookshelf tanks look like perfect tanks for bettas, though, according to others here. I can see why. However, I don't think you'd go wrong with an Eclipse.

Lucy

I agree with Pam what counts is what you're doing now, researching a nice home for your future betta.

I have a 5g mini-bow for my frogs, my betta is in a 10g from walmart.
I like the mini-bow, the whisper filter it comes with is adjustable and quiet, the top comes in different colors.

welshalien

I have a little bit of everything! Pepper (my son's betta) is in an Eclipse 5 g hex, Raymond is in a 10g, Leonard is in a 6.6g bookshelf and Alven is in a 5g mini-bow. I like the 6.6 best for the shape and size (it gives the little guy a nice swimming area) and I like the mini-bow's filtration best because it has a flow adjustment. I would say get whatever YOU like the look of and can afford.

Kelly

dinatwin

I have the 3 gallon eclipse and LOVE it!! I also have the 5 gallon hex by marineland but made for walmart and love it. I have the 2.5 gallon minibow and HATE it. The thing hums soo loud it drives me nuts. I do have pretty sensitive hearing though ans alot of noise bothers me. But the Eclipse you don't even know it's on. As fa as the flow from the filter both my betta have no problems with the current. The minibow has an adjustable filter setting so you can adjust the flow. Just provide a place for them to rest and hide and they get used to the current. My female betta actually enjoys it. She plays in the current it's adorable.

MinxMermaid

I have a 2.5 minibow and love it, and two 6 gal bookshelves and love them too, AND a 3 gal eclipse. I love everything about the 3 gal eclipse EXCEPT the TINY feeding hole when you open the top door, so i just LIFT OFF the entire hood when feeding so i can SEE Royal blue eating and can hand feed him. the little opening is too small to hand feed, you would have to just drop food in. but the tank size and filter set up on the Eclipse is VERY NICE. so all would be fine, depending on your taste.

COBettaCouple

We have some of the 2.5g minibow tanks and they're good tanks. The filter included is very good, but we replace it with a small HOB filter to give more tank room to the fish.