Newbie Setup- Marineland Instant Ocean 12 Eclipse?

[thatg33kgirl]

Hello all. I'm new to the marine hobby, I've had freshwater fish since I was literally born, and have always wanted to get into the saltwater world. Now, finally my debts are paid off and I have some additional income, so why not now, right? LOL
Anyways, I was wondering if anyone has or has heard anything about the Marineland Eclipse systems. The most recent tank we purchased was through this company, and it has been nothing but impressive. The setup I am looking at is described as:
"Haven't you always wanted your very own peaceful marine aquarium? With the Eclipse System 12 Instant Ocean Aquarium Kit, you can create your own private ocean. Everything you need is included: Instant Ocean Sea Salt, a hydrometer to measure salinity, a Visi-Therm Stealth submersible aquarium heater, plus trimmings like 2 SeaGarden Saltwater Series plants, BIO-blend marine fish food, and BIO-coat marine water conditioner. Remember, complete, 3-stage BIO-wheel filtration and high-quality fluorescent lighting is tucked up inside the hood of this beautiful 12 gallon aquarium, so all you see is the stunning, crystal clear view of your marine life. This complete kit is the simple, stress-free way to get started in saltwater fish keeping"
all for around 170 free shipping. I haven't visited the lfs YET, just the Petsmart and haven't found anything.
I also have a 20 or 30 tall tank that I've had for years that is currently barren and was considering converting it- but since it would need EVERYTHING I'm thinking it may be more cost effective to just buy the little one?
Also, it does not come with a stand- Any recommendations on that for a tiny aquarium? I thought about putting it on a countertop but don't want any certain nosy felines getting into it.
Thanks in advance!

 

[ecbuddy123]

i have seen this thing for sale too, but i learned (from the internet) that it is really a freshwater setup for sw, but it does work, you can do any of the two you want to, but one thing i have heardfor sure it is going to be a lot easier to do a larger tank, and also the 12 gallon wont fit much, i wanted something small but after a lot of consideration (and my 10 gallon tank breaking the day i was going to set it up) you really do see it is easier to do something larger also not many fish will like to live in a 12 gallon tank, hope this helps
also a made ground upo tank helps you learn a bit more about the tank, and you can always have the freedom to move things around like filtration, powerheads and do many custom things than on the 12 eclipse, but just my opinion, but like i said you can do both if you are watchful and have the time and always checking on the tank

 

[meowzer]

Look up JBJ Nano cubes....I think a lot of people on here use them...also if you read this section, you will see a lot of set ups
I would not get the eclipse for SW...as said above it is really not for SW.....even that they list plastic plants tells you that....and the fluorescent lighting that comes with that tank is not god for sw either
There are other brands of nano tanks made for SW out there.....I just don't know all their names
and I also agree about the size....check into a 24G if you can......