Ideal for anyone that would like to set up a mini or nano tank, these Top Pick compact plug 'n play aquarium kits combine technology and inginuity in one small package. From 2.5 up to 34 gallons in size, each unit includes complete built-in filtration and higher output lighting systems, and many more unique features, all of which make starting a new saltwater or reef aquarium a whole lot easier.
1. JBJ Nano Cube Deluxe Aquarium
The UL-Listed Nano Cube Deluxe aquarium features integrated 3-stage filtration and two, 24-watt 50/50 compact fluorescent lamps to satisfy the higher light output needs of the serious nano-reef enthusiast. Some suppliers even offer a free stand.
2. JBJ Picotope 3 Gallon Aquarium
Perfect desktop starter tank with panoramic viewing. The compact fluorescent clamp on lamp adjusts illumination for live rock, mushroom corals, zooanthids, invertebrates, and saltwater fish. Plus, this energy-saving lamp features telescoping arms, space-saving design, adjustable light hood, and a remote ballast for a cooler running environment. 150 L/H compact power filter maintains crystal-clear water, while providing mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration.
3. Current AquaPod Aquarium Systems
These outstanding cubes are available in 12 and 24 gallon sizes. The units feature a powerful 290-gph pump (24 gal) or 160-gph pump (12 gal), dual-stage mechanical and biological filtration, surface-skimming overflow intake system, adjustable weir, and easy-view curved glass corners. Independently controlled lighting with internal electronic ballasts and cooling fan. Available in square pin compact fluorescent or double-ended HQI metal halide lighting systems.
4. Marineland Eclipse System Aquariums
Marineland Eclipse System Aquariums range in size from the 2.5 gallon Explorer II to the 12 gallon System 12 Aquariums. Marineland offers rectangle, corner and hexagon tanks. The kits include lighting, 3 stage filtration and hoods.
5. Red Sea MAX 34-Gallon Aquarium
These terrific 34 gallon cubes offer it all. MAX features complete 3-stage filtration and built-in protein skimmer for immaculate water quality, and the 110-watt 50/50 compact fluorescent lighting is built right into the hood. Extras like a programmable light timer, control panel, and single power cord to wall means added convenience for you by greatly reducing the set-up time.
6. Oceanic Systems BioCube Aquarium
Excellent aquariums, the BioCube features integrated wet/dry biological filtration, built-in hood Coralife® lighting with two compact fluorescent lamps, lunar blue and moon glow LED lights, dual filter intakes (one to skim the surface and one on the bottom), filtration water pump viewing window, remote ballasts with quick disconnects, curved glass front corners, sealed light lens cover, and submersible pump with adjustable discharge nozzle. In Size 8, 14, and 29, but this number does not translate into the gallon capacity of the aquarium. Having set up a Size 29 unit, in actuality it only held about 18-20 gallons.
Note: These units have had serious problems with light, ballast and cooling fan failures. The manufacturer has been cooperative in replacing defective components and is currently working to correct the originating problems.
7. Deco Kit Aquarium
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This miniature aquarium system is perfect for the budding aquarist. An 80 gph, 3-stage power filter provides superior filtration and a bright 50/50 compact fluorescent lamp offers amazing high-light conditions. The Deco Aqaurium also makes an exceptional miniature reef environment for advanced reef enthusiasts.
8. Nano Cube 28 gallon HQI Aquarium Kit
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The Nano Cube HQI is a new class of nano reef systems designed to satisfy the specific conditions necessary to successfully house hard corals, small polyp stony (SPS) corals, and clams. Advanced features including, 150 watt 14000°K HQI metal halide lighting, 3-stage filtration, counter-current protein skimmer, nocturnal LED lighting, alternating wavemaker, 532 gph flow rate, (4) built-in cooling fans, and more. Glass aquarium with rounded corners for seamless panoramic viewing.
