The Aquarium
The Coralife BioCube BC 32 LED Kit was designed to be easy to maintain, be capable of keeping corals and is built to last.
This LED version of the BioCube range was developed on the success of its predecessors but with the ability to keep a wide range of corals. The sleek filtration sits neatly tucked away at the back of the tank allowing for a neat, uncluttered look.
The dimensions of the aquarium are:
20.2in L x 21.9in W x 21.5in T
Included In The Kit:
Integrated Reef Capable LED Lighting System
Lighting Timer Controller
264 GPH Return Pump
Filtration Media Rack
Around $400.00
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Extras Needed:
Aquarium Stand
Coralife Designer BC32 Stand
Providing your aquarium with a strong, stable stand is paramount. This stand was purposely designed to complement the BioCube in a stylish, modern way.
Neatly store all your food, supplements and maintenance items out of sight to allow your aquarium to be front and center in any room.
Protein Skimmer
Tunze Comline DOC 9001
This is a great protein skimmer for your BioCube. From the legendary makers of Tunze, this skimmer is designed to work seamlessly in your BioCube BC32. Large collection cup to reduce the frequency of emptying and a magnetic locking system to keep it installed perfectly.
Heater
Eheim Jager 100W Thermostat Heater
The Jager range of heaters from Eheim are in my opinion the best heater you can buy. I have been using them for years alongside the Finnex HMX range and it is the only small heater I will buy.
The 100W version is perfect for this size tank and slips neatly into the return pump compartment.
Filter Media
The BioCube comes with Bio-Balls. These need to be removed and replaced with the following filtration media. Bio-Balls are not a good filter media for saltwater. For more information, you can read my article HERE…
Chemi-Pure Elite
This fantastic product is perfect for use in small aquariums. By combining Premium Activated Carbon, Ion exchanging Resin, and Granular Ferric Oxide into one packet of media.
This will keep your water clear from pollutants and help to keep phosphates low.
1 Unit is expected to last 6 months.
Purigen
This is another fantastic product perfect for use in small aquariums. This works along with the Chemi-Pure to help remove organic pollutants, proteins, nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia.
100ml bag is expected to last 6 months.
Substrate
CaribSea Arag-Alive Sand Substrates
Live sand forms the perfect base for your new aquarium. I have always used and recommended the CaribSea Arag-Alive range of substrates as they are packed with Beneficial Bacteria.
My aquarium uses the Fiji Pink Live Sand but everyone has their own preference.
For this aquarium, 30lbs will cover your base by approx 1″.
See the range by clicking below.
Around $30.00 for 2 Bags
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Rock
Dry Rock/Live Rock/Life Rock
Rock forms the basis for not only your aquascape but also a place for your Beneficial Bacteria to colonize and form your Bio-Filter.
Creating a habitat for your livestock and a place for your corals to grow on is a fun part of setting up your new aquarium
For this aquarium, a 20lb mix will give you an open swimming space, whereas 30lbs will give you more to play with.
You do not have to use it all!
See the range of types and shapes by clicking below.
From $60.00 for a 20lb Mix
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Salt
Instant Ocean Sea Salt Mix
To have a saltwater aquarium you need to have salt mix to turn freshwater into saltwater. There are many, many excellent brands of salt on the market but I have been using Instant Ocean & its Reef Crystals brand for many years and I love it.
I like to recommend Instant Ocean because it comes in a range of sizes to suit every aquarium, it mixes well, it’s very consistent and the pricing is reasonable
For this aquarium you will need 1 cup of salt for every 2 gallons, so around 15-16 cups will be perfect for your initial fill, then you will need more for regular water changes.
I love getting my salt from Amazon.com because of the free shipping – Nowhere else comes close to this!
From $12.00
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Basic Setup Total: Approx $905.00
Cost Break Down:
Aquarium: $400.00
Stand $198.00
Protein Skimmer $140.00
Heater $21.00
Filter Media $18.00
Substrate $30.00
Rock: $60.00
Salt: $38.00
These are just the basic costs to get this aquarium started. Different rock or salt will adjust these prices slightly.
Taxes will also need to be added depending on your location.
Upgrades:
Filtration Media Rack
inTank Media Rack
This specially designed filter media rack gives improved flow through the media enabling it to work more efficiently.
The unique design allows for this rack to easily slide in and out of the BioCube allowing for easy, quick media replacement.
A very popular upgrade for many BioCube owners.
ATO – Automatic Top-Off System
AutoAqua Smart ATO Micro
Keeping the water level at a constant height in your aquarium is paramount for maintaining correct salinity in your water. Because your aquarium is small it does not take much evaporation to increase your salinity.
Manually topping off your water every day gets old, quick, then there are the times you go on vacation!
I would never own an aquarium without an ATO. They are super easy to install and run and this one, in particular, is tiny, reliable and has great reviews!
Wavemaker
Aqamai Wifi Controllable Wavemaker
This is the smallest wavemaker in its class making it an excellent fit for the BC32. A multi-directional, magnetic mounting system allows you to place and direct this pump anywhere you wish, while keeping it relatively out of sight.
The Wifi connectivity, 6 various operating modes and adjustable flow from 370-1070gph will ensure you can dial this in perfectly to suit whatever corals you add.
Thermometer
Digital Thermometer
Monitoring your aquarium water temperature is very important, especially so in a small aquarium like the BC32.
This small device can sit discretely behind the aquarium and give you an accurate reading each time you walk past the tank.
This one has no alarms to alert you of High or Low Temperature, but is a great addition to help you keep your tank parameters stable.