I hate my 20 Long

[invadertoast]

I don't really have a point to this thread other to rant because I'm getting SO DISCOURAGED!!!!! My 23 is perfect, why is this 20 gallon such a PITA?

I'm ready to throw in the towel, the Eclipse top overflows and somehow (I think) causes the tank water to fall an inch in a few days. It overflowed when I had it on my 29, but it didn't cause the water level to drop. The door fell off the stand the other day and it was damp at the bottom of the door.... I don't think the tank itself is leaking and the sides aren't wet, just a few drips around the top trim from the overflow running around the top of the tank. But I can't imagine that small drip is causing me to lose so much water, who knows. The tank itself is an AGA and also less than a year old... maybe it's leaking around the bottom and I can't see it??

I have a Stealth heater in this tank tank that's less than a year old. I noticed the other day that the water was 90 degrees. I reached in to turn the dial down and it felt like bath water in there! It's STILL at 90 no matter how low I turn it. Does Marineland have a warranty?? I sprang for the Stealth after an old glass heater cooked my community tank. I have a Stealth of the same size in my 23 that's slightly older and still working great.

I can't keep plants alive in this tank, even though my 23 is taller with the same lights everything thrives in there. I try the same plants in the 20 and they just die. I have 5 tiger barbs in there, I had more but they mysteriously vanish despite perfect water conditions. My 23 is full of a mish-mash of schooling fish and is on the verge of completely overcrowded, yet my nitrates never climb over 5 and I rarely have any losses. What the crap, I don't get it.

[Cristoff]

It sounds like your 20 is posessed by the devil.:devil:

There seem to be more issues than one thing can answer.

Your stealth heater should have a warranty, but I'd get it out of the water IMMEDIATELY if it is keeping the temp at 90.

I've never used an eclipse hood, so unfortunately I can't speak intelligently on it.

Your temp may have something to do with both the fish and plant death.

[rich311k]

Sorry about you troubles. Heaters do break.

Why does the filter overflow is the media loaded correctly?

What color are the bulbs?

[invadertoast]

I just thought I'd update this. I contacted Marineland and they are sending me a new heater, free of charge. I'm using a glass one temporarily and finally have the temperature down where it belongs. What few plants I had in there that were doing okay (java ferns) have turned brown and disintigrated over night (grrrr) I also messed with the filter media a million times, even if I take ALL the media out the box would still overflow. I jammed in the intake tube with filter sponge and after about an hour of trial and error I seem to have the correct flow and it's been a week with no leaking issues. I might actually be able to turn this thing back in the right direction... I just wish I had the motivation, I've lost almost all interest in this tank at this point :scry:

Edit: The one working bulb (it has two, one side needs a ballast I think) is a GE plant bulb. I use the same one in my 23 and things are green and thriving (anubias, java ferns, amazon sword) despite the super low wattage (17 I think)

[Taurus]

Lindsay, sounds like you main problem is with the Eclipse top. Can you replace the Eclipse top with a glass top and strip light over the glass?
I think I'd switch to a AC HOB filter too.

Everyone seems to have problems with the Eclipse tanks and tops.

[invadertoast]

I don't have the funds for new lighting and filtration right now. I like the way the Eclipse looks and it worked AWESOME for the past few years... I think it's showing it's age. I bought it used three or four years ago. It's no longer whisper quiet and as stated above, the lights don't work right. I think what I'll do is watch the discount stores for closeout items, there are a couple places around here that get stuff from pet stores that have gone out of buisniess and you can get incredible deals on full hoods. If the right deal comes up I'll make the switch, but for now the Eclipse is gonna have to do. I have some plastic plants that I guess I'm going to have to put back into the 20 for now.

[Taurus]

I don't have the funds for new lighting and filtration right now. I have some plastic plants that I guess I'm going to have to put back into the 20 for now.

Yes, I can relate to the lack of funds issue. Close outs and discounts are the way to go. I wouldn't have an aquarium(s) without the benefit of close outs and discounts. I still use some plastic plants myself.