Eclipse System 3/System 6 and heater?

Question

Right now, I have one female betta and I'm trying to find the right aquarium for her. I need something on the smaller side (no more than 6 gallons) and I'd prefer to buy an aquarium kit since I'm not very knowledgeable yet.

I've looked at the Eclipse System 3 and also System 6 and I like both, but neither include a heater. I realize I could just buy one separately, but is it possible to put it in since they already include the hood, specifically for that tank?

Also, is the flow rate for each tank suitable for bettas (3 gallon=35 GPH and 6 gallon=75 GPH)? I know they don't like a lot of water movement. Eventually I think I will add a few more fish (depending on which size I get) but right now my concern is that it is good for my betta.

If you have any other suggestions I would love to hear them =)

System 3:
http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441776985&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030099&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1187929808375&itemNo=1&In=Fish&N=2030056+4294966886&Ne=2

System 6:
http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441777094&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030099&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1187929808492&itemNo=4&In=Fish&N=2030056+4294966886&Ne=2

Answer 1

both the eclipse 3 and 6 are made by marineland . they also have a very nice 5 sided corner tank (5 gallons ) and a hex 5 and their newest is a hex 7 . all are great sizes for a betta but if your going to get more fish think bigger.
there are now some excellent small heaters in the 25 watt range that will ensure a steady reliable heat for your tropical fish. i have both the eclipse 6 and hex 7 and they look awsome . the lighting is great (nice plant growth) and i have never had any fish sucked up (white clouds and pencil fish in one and guppies and red phantom tetras in the other with a few catfish and khuli loaches added to the mix)
i've had the eclipse 6 over seven years and never had a problem with it. good luck

Answer 2

Unfortunately these tanks don't come with a heater, but they're not that expensive, i bought mine for $15 at petsmart
Just be sure that it is a submursible one, where you can adjust the temperature yourself, the preset ones are crap

And believe me you do need a heater, that way you have constantly the same temperature in your tank, and it doesn't matter what fish you have, they need constant and reliable temperature, and a betta thrives especially in temperatures of 76-82 degrees.

Personally I would go with the 6 gallon tank, it has more room for live plants as well as some fish like 4 neons or so and some ghost shrimp

The flow rate of the filter is absolutely fine, it's not strong at all
I have the same filter system in my 5 gallon tank, and it has almost no current what so ever, and it comes with a bio wheel as well


Hope that helps
Good luck


EB

Answer 3

in the fish world, bigger is better. Since your planning on getting more fish, then the 6 gallon is better.

personally, i have the eclipce 6, it was a gift, but i would say it really isnt worth the money. compared to a 10 gallon, but if the overall tanksize is a problem then it will make an ok starter tank.

You wont need a heater. Tropical fish can handle cooler water. As long as it is room temp it will be fine. Personally i dont trust small heaters, as they tend to be very unreliable.

So you wont need to get one.

The rule about bettas and currents only apply to long fin males. Short finned males and short finned females will be fine in a current, and the overall filter on the eclipce doesnt make that much of a current.

You will be fine if this is your first tank.

If you need anymore help, please feel free to contact me via email.

Answer 4

It doesn't really matter for the betta, I would still prefer to go with th Eclipse 6 System coz it just give more space for your fish.