Long-term viability of BioCube 32

[Barry_Cuda]

I just came from a conversation with the management of my local FS about my near-future tank plans, and they asked me what tank I was looking at. When I mentioned the BioCube 32 they responded with a bunch of concerns about that tank and about whether I'd be happy with it in the long term. They told me that they have seen too many issues with those tanks eventually springing leaks due to failed seals, etc., and that they definitely don't recommend the BioCube. Of course, their alternative suggestion was a Red Sea Reefer 170, which is several times the price and most likely out of my budget.

So... I'm now aware that at least one trusted LFS in my area has issues with the BioCube, but I don't know how widespread actual problems with that tank are. Who here has run a BioCube for more than 2-3 years and is willing to talk about your impressions on overall quality, longevity, etc?

 

[Ranjib]

That’s not true at all. I am a proud biocube 29 owner for more than 2.8 years. There are things about it that annoys me, but build is not one of them. In fact I think build wise they are far superior than most nano tanks out there.
Red Sea is definitely better . But it’s also pricier . You get a sump , better lighting , exact cube form factor etc
I think biocube are probably the most popular nano tanks ..

 

[tiggs]

I can't speak on the either of the two previous generations of Biocubes, but I've been running a Biocube 14 for the last 8 years and lots of other folks have been as well. With that being said, mine is the Oceanic version (before they sold it to Coralife) and I'm not familiar enough with the latest generation of Biocubes (16/32) to know if the quality changed or if there are any redesign flaws.

 

[Retro Reefer]

Find another LFS nothing wrong with the BC tanks, love mine and it’s been the easiest to maintain reef I have ever owned.. the only real issue which would apply to any tank is size, I have the 14 gallon version everything was started with tiny frags and it didn’t take long before it became so overgrown I had to start pulling stuff out.. with the 32 you will have lots more room than I do in mine.

 

[Katrina71]

They are awesome tanks! I highly recommend them.

 

[Barry_Cuda]

Thanks for all the comments so far, everyone. I'd feel better about their advice being genuinely well-intended if they hadn't tried to steer me to something they DO carry at 5x the price. Their livestock is glorious and their in-store tanks are absolutely beautiful, so I do feel some sense that they know what they're doing... but yeah, a Red Sea is not just a step or two up from the BioCube.

 

[BestMomEver]

I have the new BC LED 32 and I love it. I ordered an Intank media rack (intankaquatics.com) and a Tunze 9001 skimmer. Both fit neatly in section 2 in the back. I put a thermometer in section 3. I'm get ready to order Steve’s LEDs to upgrade lighting for anemones, etc. And that’s what I love about the BC.... it’s soundly built and soooo customizable.

Get it. For the price you can’t go wrong. It’s sleek and well made. Love the curved glass too.

Elizabeth

 

[adam finley]

Cubes are amazing. I have an old Oceanic 30-32 gallon cube and it’s been great. I’ve had it running for 1 1/2 years with no problems. And with the depth and how you can stack rock and corals up pretty high it kinda looks like part of an actual reef imo. The only thing that you need to keep in mind is it does limit the fish you can keep and it’s hard to clean the tank sometimes at least in my case without sticking your hand in. I love my cube and I think you will too. Just be thinking about the fish you want to keep and see if it will work with the cube your considering.

 

[Darkartist]

I just came from a conversation with the management of my local FS about my near-future tank plans, and they asked me what tank I was looking at. When I mentioned the BioCube 32 they responded with a bunch of concerns about that tank and about whether I'd be happy with it in the long term. They told me that they have seen too many issues with those tanks eventually springing leaks due to failed seals, etc., and that they definitely don't recommend the BioCube. Of course, their alternative suggestion was a Red Sea Reefer 170, which is several times the price and most likely out of my budget.

So... I'm now aware that at least one trusted LFS in my area has issues with the BioCube, but I don't know how widespread actual problems with that tank are. Who here has run a BioCube for more than 2-3 years and is willing to talk about your impressions on overall quality, longevity, etc?

Yes this is true there was a production defect with the tank. But this has been resolved. If your getting a Biocube at a steal it might be old stock so take caution but the new ones are perfectly fine and amazing.