Eclipse 12 system

[ucbearcats]

I recently bought an eclipse 12 system. I have a question about the lights. Someone from the pet store told me that I should take off the clear plastic cover that covers the bulbs. I was wondering if anyone else has done this or heard about this. I was hoping to keep some mushrooms and maybe some zoas and didnt know if this cover would affect the lighting.
Thanks

[swjim]

I would leave the cover on, just make sure that you wipe it off every now and then. As long as you keep it clean you shouldn't lose much light and it reduces the risk of saltwater getting directly on your bulbs and ballasts which can lead to bigger problems.

[100%hydrophylic]

i had the eclipse 12, and it didnt really give me enough light. my zoas started to lose color, so i got a retrofit and put a peice of acrylic on the rim to prevent splash. zos got color back.

[ucbearcats]

I have read about a retrofit, but i dont really understand what that is. Can you tell me what all needs to be done for that and how much it costs?

[FishNutty]

I've used that kit for FW, I would leave the cover on but take it off and clean both side once a month or something. It did discolor over time and the housing cracked, so keep an eye on it ;).
Mind if I ask what you're doing for flow/filtration?

[ucbearcats]

i am just using the filter it came with right now. I got a powerhead for the flow

[unda_da_see]

the stock filter actually works fine. it's far from ideal but will keep the water clean if you do 3 gallon water changes EVERY WEEK and change the filter EVERY 4-5 DAYS. make sure you don't scratch the acrylic, it only takes one grain of sand to get caught between the cleaner and acrylic. i use small pieces of micro fiber towel to get the easy stuff off and then a small piece of scrub pad thats made for acrylic. the best light for that tank is the nova T5 18" 36watt for $52, or you could do the 24" with a little overhang but more wattage. i love my eclipse, just the right size and the clarity of the acrylic is incredible. I did change to a hang on power filter because although the bio wheel helps, it will keep nitrates at 15-20ppm, which is fine for easy to keep fish and corals. with small tanks like this without a skimmer you gotta do weekly water changes.

oh, and no do not remove the acrylic splash guard on the light.

[moneytimetycoon]

Its getting hard to find the small Power Compact retros but I have a 18" 36w 50/50 pc retro in my eclipse 6. A retrofit is when you retro fit the light to fit in your existing hood. Retrofit lamps come with the bulb, ballast, reflector and you have to bolt it up. I dont cover my lamp but i dont have any bubbles or splash in my tank. So I get very little salt build up on my bulb if any.

[inTankLLC]

Is it too late to return the tank?

[ucbearcats]

thanks for all your help. And yes I already have it set up.