Bio cube 29 a good place to start?

[Jimmer12]

Hi everyone, been lurking here a while, asked a few questions along the way but haven't started a reef tank yet. My wife and I were walking through big als and started talking about a bio cube (or nano cube) to start with as our son keeps demanding a Nemo everytime he comes to a fish store with us.

What sort of stocking level could we expect. We picked out a few small fish that we liked and we're wondering if they would be suitable for a bio cube. Obviously we want an ocellaris clown, but also had our eye on a royal gramma and a firefish. Are these 3 compatible and could we handle much more beyond this in a tank this size?

 

[Johnnycat]

Having "been there and done that" with the Biocube, I would get a "regular" tank that can grow with you WHEN you decide you want to upgrade.

I realize that several people out there are making the Biocube work for them, so just because I couldn't doesn't mean that you can't. But to me it would be just as easy to start a 40gal or equivalent rectangular tank or bowfront that is much easier to accessorize (and change/upgrade).

As far as your fish choices, I don't see why it wouldn't work in a Biocube 29 (or a 40 gal!)

 

[Jrambo88]

Well first you got to decide what your budget is. Also if you want to go corals or not...
I suggest a 40b also it gives you more space and slightly more wiggle room with fish. I bought a 28 cube and after all the mods I did its nothing original except the tank itself and stand. If I didn't get it used for a insanely cheap price I woulda never bought it.

 

[cmcoker]

Biocube 14 was my first tank about 4 years ago, I got it used. I still have it up and running and think they are good way to put your toes in the water and see if keeping a saltwater aquarium is for you.

Since you mention your son as a motivation to get the tank, I would not invest in a larger, custom setup until you have some experience, and know YOU want to do all the work thats needed.
I have only made a minor change to my biocube, swapped out lights because I am in Texas and heat is an issue, leds are much cooler than the power compact bulbs.

There is often Biocubes for sale on my local forum and Craigslist, I would look at a used one to start. Depending on how involved you get with it, you can keep it as a low maintenance, soft coral/"nemo" tank or upgrade to the largest tank you can afford/want. I have since upgraded to a 120g.

The biocube could be used as a quarantine if you upgrade.

 

[oldbones]

If your space will support something bigger, then definitely give it serious consideration.

Don't get me wrong, I love my biocube, but it wasn't but a couple weeks before I was shopping for a bigger tank. Now, some folks may not have the compulsion to go 'bigger and better' as strongly as others, and may be content with the number of fish and corals they can comfortably house it a 29g, but I found those limits very quickly and needed more space.

Biocubes can be found on Craigslist almost every day, and sometimes the price is downright CHEAP. Just make sure you're buying one that hasn't been neglected or hacked up.

YMMV.

 

[Jimmer12]

Thanks everyone. I have seen several fully loaded bio cubes with stand for 150 to 300 dollars on my local kijiji pages. I'm going to have a further look and see what else is out there. I can't go too much larger in width since it will likely be going in his room and it's not a particularly large room. I have no doubt I will want something bigger but after finally convincing my wife I need a 180 for my cichlids I don't see me getting a large saltwater tank past her anytime soon.