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The Marineland Eclipse Hex 5 Aquarium as a Betta Tank

After a disappointment with the baby Biorb I wanted to try another packaged aquarium setup for my betta. I got the Marineland Eclipse Hex 5 online at amazon.com for $46 plus shipping, and while its not the cheapest setup you can get, I'm really happy with the tank so far. Its a five gallon aquarium that comes with a filter and light cover. You will still need to get a heater to keep your betta warm.

If I had to complain about it, well, I wouldn't. But I am a little concerned that its an

acrylic and/or plastic tank and not glass. Be careful when you're cleaning it, or even attaching a heater to the side as the acrylic can stratch. But aside from that, so far it looks great, its simple to setup and unfussy to use and its very, very quiet. The sound (or lack of it) is extremely important to me, so that really puts it ahead of even a custom aquarium setup. My betta seems really happy too.

The following images show the setup procedure for the Hex 5.

The box it came in.

These two brochures had a nice surprise: each one had a sample package of water conditioner and fish food. There was enough water conditioner to fill the tank 4 times - enough for 6 to 8 water changes - and enough food to feed the fish for a couple of weeks. So if you had nothing but a fish in a bag and the Hex 5 box, you'd be good to go.

How it comes out of the box.

A size comparison for you.

The frame for the tank cover, the housing for the filter, and the light fixture.

This is the contents of the white bag that was originally inside the tank when I opened the box.

The quick setup guide. This is all I needed to setup the Hex 5. I never opened the detailed setup manual... there's nothing really necessary in it.

The filter housing.

The two plastic pieces for the uptake tube for the filter.

The same two pieces put together.

How the uptake tube attaches to the filter housing.

This is blue filter sponge and the packaging it came in.

They give you a sticket to keep in your wallet so you buy the right size filter. According to the instructions, you'll need a new filter every 2-4 weeks. I'm going to get 3-4 more the next time I'm in a pet store.

Here's the whole batch again, but with the biowheel used in the filter. Notice the dish under the filter sponge - I ran the filter/sponge under water for a minute or so, and the dish is to keep it from dripping everywhere.

How the biowheel fits into the filter.

How the sponge/filter media fits into the filter housing.

It does snap in... eventually. But keep working it if its not snapping in... otherwise it will float out of place and overflow the filter housing.

How the whole filter assembly fits on to the tank cover.

What it looks like on.

Putting on the clear cover. You need this piece or the light bulb will be exposed to the water - that will either wear out the bulb faster and put the bulb at risk of exploding from exposure to water. Definitely keep the plastic guard on so the light bulb doesn't explode into your tank.

Its always a good idea to fill the filter housing chamber up with water. Running the pump dry, even for a minute or so, will badly wear it out and reduce its life dramatically.

How to weave the pump wire through the filter housing.

Putting the light cover on. The light bulb came screwed into the socket of the light fixture... I guess they're really careful with these while they're shipping...?

The view from above.

How the wiring for the light and the pump are supposed to look.

With the light cover on. See the little white rectangle... that's the flip top opening to feed your betta through. This is a good tank for bettas that jump... they're very well protected.

Putting the filter top on.

Now you know why getting the wiring in the right place was important... the filter cover won't fit right unless the wires are tucked away properly.

Aside from the acrylic, this is the one other drawback with this tank - you'll have to keep it topped off. If the water level is an inch or more below the tank top the pump will start making a loud noise because its running too dry.

The very important drip loop. Without one, water can work its way along the cords and slowly drip into the electrical socket. At best, you'll blow a fuse or fritz the light or motor to your tank. At worst, it will start a fire.

My fish is a lot happier. See the difference in bowl size.

The finished tank with gravel and a plant added.