Newbie! What are the Eclipse Combo Pro & Cons?

[S@ltyDog]

I am totally new to the saltwater world. I am considering buying a Eclipse Combo. Specifically this tank:

29-Gallon Glass Aquarium, Eclipse3 System, 24" Fluorescent Lamps (2), Rite-Size "H" Filter Cartridge, BIO-Blend™ Tropical Fish Food, BIO-Safe™ Tap Water Conditioner, BIO-Coat™ Stress Defense, Beginners Fishkeeping Guide. Certified Flow: 250 GPH

I know that starting out at 29 Gallons isn't the best in the world. I know that I would have to purchase a skimmer, heater and some other accessories. I just want to know if I am going to provide a safe/reliable product that will keep my fish/reef happy?

Any feedback is totally welcome. I also found out that purchasing the tank is the hardest part. In my opinion so far.

 

[dgodwin]

This is what I think.
Pros:
It's all together for you and looks nice

Cons:
Not enough light for most corals
No skimmer
Biowheel may be source of nitrates
May be more difficult to get replacement filter parts
29gallon tank has too much height (IMHO) I like the 30 gallon better.
Useless accessories (again IMHO)

 

[BrianH]

I agree with dgondwin and would add that you will most likely have to modify the hood for a protein skimmer.

Brian

 

[wayne]

Upside - I thought you could buy a eclipse compatible skimmer

Downside - it's rubbish.

I think there's a lot of stuff there that's not really very useful. Go read Mike Palettas New Marine Aquarum book as that has a shopping list that makes sense to me.
29 gallons is not so bad if it's long rather than tall.

 

[S@ltyDog]

Thanks for the suggestions, I will just wait and read more books until I make a final decision.

Thanks