| So, you are looking for your first aquarium? That can | | | | Some people prefer glass, because it doesn't get |
| be a little overwhelming... | | | | scratched. With cheap acrylic that might be a |
| As you begin looking, you will undoubtedly come | | | | concern, but Marineland Eclipse is made well enough |
| across Marineland Eclipse. It is a very popular brand. | | | | for it not to be a major problem. There are products |
| But there are so many others and it may feel | | | | available to polish them, should the need arise. |
| confusing to have to make so many choices about | | | | 3. Ease of Set up |
| something you are still relatively new at. | | | | The Eclipse is easy to set up. It is designed with |
| So let's walk through a typical decision-making | | | | simplicity in mind. It comes with the lighting and |
| process involved in purchasing an aquarium. Marineland | | | | filtration which save you a few steps and few |
| Eclipse 5 will be used in this article as an example, but | | | | additional purchases. If you read customer reviews |
| you can substitute any other brand that appeals to | | | | about the Eclipse, you will find that a vast majority |
| you. | | | | of people cite the ease of set up and use as the |
| 1. Size | | | | main reason they are so satisfied with their purchase. |
| Generally, this is the first consideration with a new | | | | 4. Style |
| aquarium. The size of your purchase will depend | | | | Aquariums come in so many different styles these |
| mainly on the limitations of your living space. Is this | | | | days. You can pretty much find something to suit |
| aquarium going to be placed in your child's room? In | | | | anyone's taste. This variety is available even in small |
| your office? Marineland Eclipse comes in several sizes, | | | | sizes. After all, an aquarium is not just a place to put |
| staring with 1, 2 and 3 gallon tanks. Even though the | | | | your fish. It is an addition to your living space which |
| absolute minimum of space for a Betta is 2-3 gallons, | | | | can profoundly enhance its attractiveness. Aquariums |
| I would not get a tank smaller than 5 gallons. | | | | are wonderful to watch, even if their design is not |
| So, I think an aquarium like the Marineland Eclipse 5 is | | | | spectacular. It is their content which is a source of so |
| a good first home for a single Betta fish. Their 5 | | | | much pleasure to their observers. |
| gallon tanks come in several shapes and variations. | | | | And yet, a bad design can be a real liability. It can |
| There is the Marineland Eclipse Hex 5 Fully Integrated | | | | take away from the joy of having an aquarium. |
| Aquarium Kit, Marineland Eclipse Hex 5 Aquarium Kit | | | | Marineland Eclipse does not have that problem. It is |
| and the Eclipse System 5 Corner Combo. | | | | simple, yet elegant, especially with the hexagonal |
| 2. Material | | | | shape offering a panoramic viewing area. |
| The next consideration is often whether to buy a | | | | 5. Price |
| glass or acrylic tank. There are pros and cons to | | | | And finally there comes the question of price. |
| both, but with an aquarium this size, I assume that | | | | Marineland Eclipse is priced very competitively. You |
| ease of maintenance and weight might be a factor, | | | | are looking to spend between $40 and $60 for a 5 |
| especially if you are buying this tank for a child. | | | | gallon tank. That's a very good price which makes |
| Acrylic is much lighter and it also doesn't break. From | | | | entering this hobby very affordable. Again, as I |
| the standpoint of safety, a tank that won't break | | | | mentioned above, the fact that a bio-wheel filter and |
| (without a super heavy impact) might be preferred. | | | | mini-compact fluorescent lighting system are included, |
| It's more expensive than glass, however, but at this | | | | saves you from having to spend additional money on |
| price level, this won't make a huge difference. | | | | those components. |