Discussion Title: Biocube upgrades

Written By Soma Marketing .

Discussion Title: Biocube upgrades

Category: Saltwater & Reef Tanks

Forum Question: Can anyone give me guidance on what upgrades are essential for a biocube 30 gallon

Hey Carlos — welcome to the forum and thanks for kicking things off.

A Biocube 30 is a solid starter system, and you don’t need to overhaul the whole thing to get good results. Here are the upgrades we recommend for stability, cleaner water, and better coral growth:

1. Media Upgrades (Day 1 Essentials)

  • Filter floss up top (swap 2–3x/week)

  • Chemi-Pure Blue or Elite in chamber 2

  • Bio-media (MarinePure gems or ceramic rings) in chamber 2
    These three alone noticeably improve water clarity and nutrient control.

2. Lighting (If You Want Corals to Thrive)

The stock hood isn’t strong enough for most LPS/SPS.
Two options:

  • Keep the hood: Install a Steve’s LED retrofit

  • Go hoodless: AI Prime 16HD or Kessil A160 over the tank
    Either option gets your PAR into a coral-friendly range.

3. Return Pump Upgrade

Swap the stock pump for a Sicce 1.0 or 1.5.
You’ll get:

  • Stronger flow

  • Better surface agitation

  • Less dead spots behind the rock

4. Wave Maker

A small powerhead makes a huge difference in nutrient export.
Good picks:

  • AI Nero 3

  • Ecotech MP10QDM

5. Auto Top-Off (ATO)

Not required but game-changing. Keeps salinity stable and reduces maintenance.
Simple options: Tunze Osmolator Nano or XP Aqua Duetto.

6. Heater + Temp Stability

Use a reliable 200W heater + digital thermometer or Inkbird controller.
Biocubes tend to run warm with the hood, so monitor temps closely.

If you want, drop your current stock list and what you're planning to keep — we can tailor the upgrade list so you’re not overspending or overbuilding the system.

Welcome again — glad to have you here.


— Big Fish Aquarium Team

Soma Marketing .