This is the ultimate guide and review of the new Coralife Biocube 32-gallon all in one aquarium. After reading this review, you will understand why I list this tank as my number one choice. Coralife did a great job with this tank.
Overview
The new Biocube tanks have been changed in many ways. All for the better. I purchased my 32-gallon biocube about a year ago and absolutely love it. It is one of the most popular all-in-one tanks in the hobby, and it gets a ton of positive reviews.
The biocube 32 includes a very modern looking design and has a matching stand which you can buy separately or as a complete kit. The biggest upgrade to this tank is the new canopy design with built-in LED lighting. Yes, the LEDs are suitable to grow corals. The canopy also includes a built-in timer, and you can switch between blue moonlights, white LEDs, and full spectrum. PAR levels @ 12” are 53 and peak LUX is 3430. Totally suitable for soft and low light LPS corals.
I recently wrote an article showing 9 best corals for the biocube 32.
The canopy is also very easy to remove if you decide to upgrade the lighting as I mentioned here.
The biocube glass has curved corners that match the corners of the stand. The dimensions are 20.25” long x 21.875” wide x 21.5” high. It weighs 56 pounds empty and around 300 pounds when full of water. Of course, with the equipment it would weigh more.
An important feature of these tanks is they are easy to position and move around in your living space. They don’t take up a lot of room and look great anywhere you decide to put it. It matches any style of decor, and it is a true showpiece.
- 🐠 EVERYTHING YOU NEED - Feature a compact and customizable filtration chamber that is already built-in to the back of the aquarium – easy to setup and maintain
- 🐠 GREAT FEATURES – Includes quiet submersible pump, dual intakes and adjustable return nozzle. Compatible with all existing BioCube accessories. Fish, corals, substrate and décor are sold separately.
- 🐠 SLEEK & MODERN – Biocubes feature a rounded edge design and is the perfect innovative all-inclusive aquarium for all needs!
Features and benefits
Built-in filtration system
The filtration system on the 32-gallon biocube has 3 sections. Intake, media/refugium, return.
The intake section is where the water will overflow from your main tank into the first chamber. You can include the biocube protein skimmer into this chamber if you wish. It will fit perfectly, and you can close the hood with the skimmer in place.
The middle chamber is where you can put any filter media using the included media rack, or I highly recommend you consider getting an InTank media basket. They are designed specifically for the biocube, and you can keep certain filter media like carbon, or bio media. Foam padding and any other mechanical filtration you wish to add will go in this section.
You can also use the middle chamber as a refugium. You can use macro algae like chaetomorpha to grow as a source of nutrient export. Another great feature of the biocube is it includes a built-in window area on the back where you can add a refugium light. Very easy to access. In the third chamber will be the return pump that pushes your filtered water back into the tank.
The included return pump works great and is rated at 264 GPH, but there are also upgrades available if you are looking for more water flow. The stock return pump is almost silent and doesn’t make any noticeable noise.
Upgraded canopy with LEDs
As mentioned, the new biocube has a more improved canopy with built-in LED lighting. You can use these lights for a fish only system or a reef tank. The lights are suitable for soft corals and certain LPS corals. A great feature about the lights is the 24-hour timer feature with 3 independent channels.
You can use bright white for daytime, blue moon glows for night, and full color enhancing LEDs for coral color and growth. It also includes a 30-minute sunrise/sunset and 60-minute moonrise/moonset feature. The PAR level has been measured at 53 @12” depth.
Biocube 32 stand
It’s not required to purchase the matching stand for this tank. But I do recommend it. Coralife has designed these stands to match the tank perfectly, and they look great together. There is plenty of room inside for supplies, and it’s perfect for hiding cords.
There is also a shelf which you can put various things on.
- Features door with black tinted acrylic panel for added elegance and slim handle
- Includes shelf for storing essential tools, equipment and food
- Designed with a solid back panel for added stability and cut-out holes to route electrical cords
What I recommend is to use the shelf to hold the ADJ PC100 A power bar. It fits perfectly on the shelf of the biocube and is one of my favorite upgrades for this tank.
The stand also includes dual doors with glass inserts. Once put together, the stand is solid and easy to move around.
Upgrading the biocube 32
I mentioned a few of the upgrades available for this tank. If you are considering buying the Biocube you might be concerned about future upgrades. Don’t worry, there are many things that you can easily add to this tank to make it even better.
Don’t get me wrong, the biocube 32 is awesome the way it is right out of the box. Upgrades are totally optional and not needed. But you may decide to add more challenging corals down the road and need improved lighting or water flow.
Read more about Biocube upgrades here.
The biocube 32 gives you great value and is very well priced. You have the option of purchasing the tank on its own or in a package with additional equipment and a stand. You will get better value by purchasing the complete set versus buying everything individually.
Some deluxe kits even include equipment and accessories like sand, salt, hydrometer, test kit, protein skimmer, and much more.
You will have many options when it comes down to purchasing the right biocube set up.
Regardless of the biocube setup you decide on, I know that you will enjoy it. You will be limited in the amount of fish and corals that you can keep, but there are plenty of options out there. Also, keep an eye on your local buy and sell markets and Craigslist. You never know when a great deal will pop up for a used biocube.
I was able to find my first one used and paid a fraction of the new price. My second one was brand new from a local saltwater aquarium shop. At the time, I wasn’t sure about buying it. But now I am so glad I did and have no regrets!