Seaclear Eclipse 3 Compatible Tank - Can I Use It Without Eclipse?

[jskirwin]

Hi
I've been keeping tropicals for a very long time, but moved to a new place 3 years ago and am only finally getting the place in shape enough to warrant a new tank. I've settled on an acrylic tank because I'm concerned about weight. The tank is going to rest on a granite countertop that's been reinforced underneath to carry weight, but I don't want to push it.

The space will fit a 40 tall perfectly, and SeaClear makes one that's sold for a very reasonable price. But it's listed as Eclipse 3 compatible.

Does anyone know if the SeqClear Eclipse 3 Compatible will work with standard equipment, e.g. over-the-side filters and LED hoods?

Thanks,
JS Kirwin

 

[thereverendturtle]

Yes it will. The difference is that it has cross bracing, but not a full acrylic top.

 

[jskirwin]

Tank arrived today and boy do I have a headache on my hands.
First the tanks fits the area beautifully. It's exactly the size I needed. It would be great if I could make it work.

Here are my issues:
1. The Emperor 400 I slated to use on the thing is 15 inches, and the space from side to crossbar is 13. I could go down to the 350, but I'm not sure that will fit. Anyone know how wide the 350 is?
2. How do you put a hood on the thing? With square back corners and rounded front corners I don't see how anything will work.

The unit is clearly designed for the Eclipse system, but to make it work for anything else appears to require going custom.

Will I have to buy a sheet of acrylic and cut it to fit the top? If so, maybe this isn't the tank for me. Dang shame because it sure looks pretty even in its plastic bag. See below. As you see we've turned what had been a cramped kitchen into a library, with this replacing the cooktop.