I've got my first saltwater tank going using an old Eclipse System 6 that I had in the closet. I've had nothing but problems with the tank though. First the light's switch broke, now it's the intake pump.

The owner of the pet store around me told me that they've been running some of their tanks without filtration, and just a small propeller.

Should I try and search for a replacement filtration unit, or just pick up a small propeller? My coral and anemone seem to be suffering without any current. If just a propeller will do, any suggestions for a 6 gallon tank?

please dont double post. it doesnt make your post more or less important.

anywho.
Eclipse tanks are not meant to be used with saltwater life.
you are probably better off getting a JBJ 6g AIO or a BC 8g AIO.

also. you shouldnt have an anemone in such a small tank with inasequate lighting. please take that corals and the anemone back to the store.

Yes, double posting is annoying, but sometimes information is sent twice and it's done accidentally. I know you think your post count is important, nano reef nate, but posting on both identical threads is just as obnoxious.

Anyways, from what I've heard running a small reef in this tank is possible. I have no plans to return anything, but I'll be upgrading and adding new parts and lighting over time. So—back to my original question—for now, should I get a new filtration unit (apparently not 100% necessary), or should I just get a propeller so I have some water flow for the time being?

Obnoxious or not, he is correct. The anemone has no business in your tank. The fact that you don't have ANY flow for an anemone is fairly indicative that you are new to the hobby. You need a filter as well as a power head, as you have NO WHERE NEAR enough rock to properly filter your tank.

Your LFS is full of idiots. If you don't take the stuff back, your going to kill it.

Also, what light are you running?

Good luck with all that, but your livestock needs STRONG lighting and good flow....without those items you are doing what we generally consider to be murdering the creatures you are trying to keep....that is why Nate recommended taking them back....it would just be considered responsible and kind to wait until your system is ready for them....remember, these are animals and just like you wouldn't keep a dog in total darkness and stagnant air, you shouldn't keep these creatures in inadequate conditions to support their lives....

Thanks for the feedback. I had a small amount of flow in the tank... then the pump died. This post was asking if that amount was enough, or if I should buy a propeller.

A few hits to the housing (scientific, I know) brought my filter pump back to life a few minutes ago. I'll be going to get a small prop today to enhance water flow.

The light in my tank is a fluorescent bulb (120 vac, 60 hz, .16 amp). As I said, I plan to be upgrading things. I think I'll be getting some LEDs soon (that seems to be a good option). Anything you recommend specifically?

Thanks for pointing out the live rock problem as well, I had no idea. How much more do I need? (in comparison to what I have now)

avg rule is 1.5 - 2 lbs per gallon

^ That.

Korilia Nano x2 or a Korlia one for flow.

Your on limited time for the upgrade to the lights and tank. I know you don't want to, but you really should trade out the anemone. They are a bear to keep happy even for the most experienced of us.

On the rock front, you have 2 options. Dry and live. If you get dry you are going to have wait a few weeks plus to get it "seeded". If you buy live, you are going to put your tank through a second cycle. That means to keep the stuff in it alive you will need to do daily water changes for a few weeks until your levels come down.

On the light front, I'm not sure if T5's will cut it. You probably need MH which are $$$. Check with evilc on the LED front.

How much is the gph for the pump? Even if it's running, it sounds like you have low flow for a saltwater tank, which means an extra powerhead (not a pump) like a koralia nano is useful. I also agree that the anemone (you haven't said which type). What are your water parameters (and test brands)? While you may think you should only receive answers to the question you're asking about, it is hard for others who aren't beginners to ignore the bigger issues of the tank.

clean the pump impeller, maybe that could bring it back to life.

He said it was a frogspawn in another thread so no anemone I guess?

If thats the stock light, even a frogspawn will suffer, its got a very low kelvin rating, and IIRC isn't much more than about 9-10 watts normal output flourescent.
It'd be quite possible to retro LEDs into the hood, but the stock filtration may get in the way, and of course a fan will have to be fitted to cool them, not to mention hoping salt-creep and watersplashing on the bare LEDs won't kill them prematurely. All that can be overcome of course, given enough thought and effort.

how old is the tank? And is that 2 clowns in that tank that's just cruel that tank is to small for 1 clown if that's a pic of your tank witch I'm guessing it is

He has another thread over in lighting.

I know it sounds like a broken record but those eclipse tanks are really only suitable for FOWLR setups unless you have well planned upgrades in place BEFORE you add livestock. It will be difficult but not impossible to do these mods in a timely fashion while you have animals in the tank. I do not believe the LED setup you mentioned in the lighting forum is the solution to your woes (i.e. low output) even if that anemone is in fact frogspawn, but that has already been addressed in that thread. I am no expert on lighting but it seems you could run 6-10 3w cree LEDs with good results and possibly maintain a 'stock look' if that is what you are going for.
Word to the wise: take advice from your lfs with a grain of salt. It seems about half of what they say is completely misguided. I know from experience; I was once an employee at one of these fine establishments and they really are out for your money.