My Betta fish looks extremely happy into this 3g tank; I just regret I didn't buy the 5g version.
The Whisper Micro Filter works SO good, it has a Flow Control system which allows me to select a very low flow, perfect for bettas!
Unfortunately, the tank comes with a "medium" size filter, which is way TOOOOO big for the small tank. I know there is a "small" version of the Whisper Micro Filter, so I don't understand why Tetra didn't bundle it with this tank instead of the Medium size. :-S
The tank itself looks crystal clear, acrylic made, very resistant, and easy to clean. I recommend you to buy a special acrylic cleaner sponge since regular sponges will scratch it.
I was speechless when I first turned the LED Lighting Lamp ON, it is magnificent! Perfect room lightning at night. LEDs technology is awesome, it doesn't only lights better, but it saves a lot of energy compared to regular bulbs.
I love all Tetra products! They are definitely the best.
Don't get me wrong by the three stars. This tank is great but the filter set up is not a good one. The design of the items for the tank make everything fit perfectly. There is even a slot for a heater cord. The problem is the filter mount when used has the top of the filter to high in the tank so that the top of the filter is the same level with the top of the open tank thus can SLOWLY leak water along the mount to the outside of the tank. Bottom line is use the suction cups only and you will be happy. Had I really known about how this filter worked I would have gone with something like a fluval U1 or U2.
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As a first aquarium, it's pretty terrible. As a tank purchased purely for the fun of experimentation, with the hopes of re-homing some guppies, it's decent, and I don't regret the purchase. (I agree with the folks who say that bigger is better, for your first. Three gallons is harder to maintain, and is very, very limiting when it comes to fish selection, if you want them to live in a comfortable, happy environment. This tank has other problems, though, so if you are looking for your first aquarium, keep reading.)
The filter (Tetra Whisper Micro, not 3i ... good luck finding cartridges) is half-way decent, and it is inevitably, being made of plastic, had marks in it. After cutting the surge protector on and off, the filter only half worked and I had to move it up to full power (no, do not run your filter on full power this is why people are having trouble with it and set it low on the hook). The hook is covering a suction hole remember this when you take it out for any reason, or you will have water everywhere. Don't use it without the hook, or the filter will sit on the bottom, and that's where its intake is located.
I am hoping a small power filter, such as the one Azoo makes, will fit the space. I haven't measured to be sure, yet. If not, I suppose I'll use a small sponge filter ("Lee's Round Dual-Action Foam Filter" is sold by Amazon, as are replacement sponges, and is supposed to be good for tanks up to 5gal UPDATE: I am now using this filter, and I like it a lot better). The given filter takes up a lot of space if you plan on putting any ornaments in. I just want plants. I might put a small shelter in.
That all being said, I have mine set up as a low-light dirted environment (more gravel, less dirt under the filter), and my microsword is relatively happy (it needs a stronger light, but at least it is growing). I would recommend this as a functional, but not perfect, guppy tank. It's bright, attractive, and retains some moisture in the form of condensation.
I would use light-colored substrate. Don't use sand, as the filter will likely suck it up. I have dark blue, red, and green gravel, and it just absorbs all the light. If I were to start it over, I would try white or beige gravel, or Caribsea's Torpedo Beach substrate, as it looks like it will be very attractive, and seems like it might be heavy enough to not be sucked up. I'm using Sunset Gold sand, now, in another tank, and I like it. Maybe some more plants or some decoration will brighten it up.
As for the top of the tank, yes, it does fit after water is added. It comes off easily enough; though, for maintenance purposes, the light needs to come off, as well. I would *not* use this tank without the lid. There would be nothing to protect the LEDs from condensation, and I have already, on a past setup, lost a tank light (an incandescent, which I do not wish to ever own again) to such cheap construction. The lid is specifically designed for the given filter, and has a hole on the other side of the light (which you mount to the tank), should you wish to add a heater (Hydor's Mini 7.5 Watt, for 2-5 gallons, is probably the only thing that will fit it works to a set number of degrees on top of what you have, so monitor). This could also be a good entry hole for piping, such as for air or a DIY CO2 system.
The pictures are deceptive: the light comes all the way to the feed hole and pretty much covers the top of the tank. It is a bright but bulky thing, and for the brightness, has no power. Good for energy, medium-to-low level for plants.
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This 3 gallon tank has been great. The filter is very quiet, but is very powerful. The tank has not required much cleaning because the filter is rated for tanks much bigger than 3 gallons. The downside is that the filter itself is big, so it takes up more room in the tank. The shape of the tank allows for a great presentation, but it does not take up much room. The only complaint I have with the tank is the the top that is provided does not fit on very easily. Overall a great small tank!!!
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I just got this tank a few days ago, and so far I like it a lot for my betta. He seems to be happy with all the extra space, and it is an attractive setup. I have to say that based on other reviews there are apparently two versions of this tank. Mine is a Marineland Crescent, some others have reviewed an Eclipse kit. It appears the Eclipse unit has the filter installed in the hood. My Marineland kit came with a Whisper filter that is WAY too big for this tank. It seems to function well, but blows my betta around the tank and he stays to the side opposite the filter while it is running. It seems absurd that Tetra didn't put a smaller filter with this kit. Unless I can ever find a small filter that works well and is gentle enough for a betta, my fish will have to deal with this huge filter a couple hours a day so his water can be cleaner. Also, if you use the clip to hang the filter over the edge of the aquarium, it is too high, making it sit above the water level. You will need to remove the clip, and use the suction cups so you can position the filter lower. The kit comes with an extra suction cup for the top half of the filter, but it does not fit in the hole so you will need to stick something in it, like a key, to widen it out enough to fit the suction cup. The top lid fits just so-so, but does provide ample opening to fit even the big filter plus a heater, so the lid doesn't sit on top of the cords. There is also an open area toward the front of the lid to feed the fish. The LED lighting is bright and provides a pleasing view of the aquarium. For installing the light fixture, there are two screws provided to attach the clamp. Be careful not to twist the screws too tight. I did screw one in too tight, which caused a little crack in the aquarium. This is an an excellent tank so far, but can't give it 5 stars because of the ridiculously big filter.
***UPDATE 6/29/12*** The other day while re-positioning the filter, I discovered that there is actually a switch on the back of the filter at the bottom that allows you to adjust the flow-which I obviously missed before. I set it at minimum and my betta seems mostly ok with it on. I'm going to run it most of the day, and turn it off at night so he can sleep well...and see how that goes.
***UPDATE*** 8/8/12 A few weeks ago I took out the big Tetra filter, and replaced it with the Azoo Mignon Filter, which I bought on Amazon. It sits outside the tank, has adjustable flow, is very quiet, and is easy maintenance. When set the right way, there is practically no current from the flow and I leave it running 24/7. Strongly recommend it.
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I put a little of this in the pond a week before catching the fish to clean it, then I use it after I add water to conditiont he water and further help with getting the fish coat strong. I haven't had any issues with it.
