This system is an Eclipse 2, 30 gallon 'tall' glass aquarium. 24x12x24 purchased slightly used through a private party on 8/21/02 for $80.00 Suggested retail price: $239.99 Thermostat heater included, estimated value $24.99

A list of additional items and their estimated costs from my local retailers is available on another page for those interested in the amount of investment for marine aquariums.

This is the first piece of live rock that was set into the tank after it had 24 hours to aerate. This rock is imported from Fiji and sells at a rate of 4.00 per lb. from my local fish store. Most LFS' do not sell this type of rock unless it is bundled in 40 or more lbs. The picture doesn't show a lot of it's natural beauty with deep purples and bright greens.  This piece:  3lbs.

The substrate that the rock is sitting on is live aragonite crushed coral. This along with the rock will adjust the pH and speed up the process of  positive bacteria cycling for animals to inhabit the tank.

Three more pieces of live rock were added. The small rock next to the plant on the left was 1 lb. First rock (also shown above) was 3 lbs. Large rectangular rock was approx. 6 lbs., and the piece of coral skeleton on the right was 3 lbs. A synthetic plant was added on the left to block harsh sun rays that come in on that side to prevent rapid algae growth.

August 28, colored substrate was added for highlights, synthetic pink colored coral branch skeletons and one more synthetic plant added (right). What I have spotted and think to be copepods and amphipods hiding in the rock, means the pro-bacteria cycle in the tank has progressed quickly!

Bio Chem tests such as pH, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, and the salt water gravity have been positive so far. A slight spike prompted me to do a 10% water change on 8/30. It was probably unnecessary, but I did get to see how easy or difficult the changes would be to deal with from the inside of my apartment. So far so good! Added animals on 8/31. 10% water change 9/2. Added protein skimmer 9/2. Not pictured.

9/13 Added the center plant (peach colored) and the blue coral (left) for more breeding ground for the copepods and amphipods. $25.00 for both items. The blue coral skeleton was $17.00.

October- Added blue, pink, and yellow, and orange florals, and brighter coral pieces for better color. After changing around the decor a bit more and adding special lighting, this is the look of the aquarium in October. Added later to replace the purple plastic coral piece on the bottom right was a different accent seen in the seahorse albums.