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Old 11-04-2007, 08:33 PM   #10
emc7
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Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Johns Creek, GA
Posts: 3,336
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A lot of people like the "all-in-one" look of an eclipse, but all thing being equal (check the prices), I'm with Chrispy, get everything separate. Often you can go bigger if you buy the pieces. I've heard of these little acrylic tanks suddenly springing leaks and then you are out the whole amount. If a 10 gallon glass tank leaks, you just reseal it. If you crack it, you are out $10. It also lets you customize and swap things if your needs change. For just about any fish but bettas, get a larger filter (30 gal filter for 20 gal tank, etc.). For live plants, get a better light. Again for any fish except betta, bigger is better. (for instance if you want 4 bettas, 4 fives is better than one 20). A 20 high will fit your space, so will a 15 long. If you don't want live plants, you can even put a 10 gallon light on a 20 gallon tank or even skip the light altogether. If you only intend to have 1 betta, a 20 high is big enough to have a little school of cories or neons. And perversely, a 20 gallon tank is easier to care for than a 5 or 10. Its more stable, less likely to have crises.
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