If I had it to do over again, I'd go with the MakersLED gear that you can get from the other vendor you mentioned because their bits seem much better integrated (more space in the enclosure, drivers mount directly on top, controller connects by simple cable). I wasted a lot of time searching for enclosures for the drivers, wiring the whole mess up, etc. The violet/uv leds are not very bright either. Next time, I'd just sub 430 nm for them.
I see that has very high CRI, but in what other ways is it better than using multiple single LEDs? It seems like the light distribution of multiple smaller points of light would be better considering how close the lights are to the top of the water in the Biocube. The Vero 10 has a 120 degree lens, which would certainly cover the bottom of the tank, but it seems like there would be much more shadows. I will look into that more.
you can't go wrong with the vero though, whether you decide to use one or many, pick up several and try one, if you don't like it add more. Cost wise I think you'll still come out ahead compared to single 3w type leds.
Can I get suggestions on lenses? Right now I think I don't need them due to how close the LEDs will be to the top of the water. Is that logic sound?
Driving them at full power of the driver (1.4A on an old meanwell ELN) gives each chip around 350mA and drowns out the 42 other blue and violet LEDs making the tank look like a 6500k planted aquarium! and that's only half power of what they can handle. These little beauties are crazy powerful. (technically 4 vero 10s are capable of providing more light than 36 regular Cree or luxeon whites when compared at the same drive current.)
Do you see any issues with thermal runaway running them in parallel?