This article is a review of the 3-gallon Tetra Cube Kit. It is one of the most popular aquarium choices for novice betta owners looking to rescue their bettas from the dreaded fishbowl. This 3-gallon aquarium kit comes with everything you need to provide a suitable environment for your betta, all at a great cost.
Tetra Cube Features
There’s no denying that the design of this fish tank is strikingly elegant! While that sort of thing really doesn’t matter for your betta, elegant design is something you will appreciate because it’s going to take up space in your home for some time.
The Tetra Cube Aquarium is made of fine-quality plastic with a pedestal base. Its dimensions are 10 inches on all sides, with the exception that it’s 10.5 inches tall. If you place the tank on your desk or small table, be sure that it can hold over 30 lbs.
LED Lighting
This cube-shaped aquarium kit comes with blue LED lighting. This light is a clip-on style that has 9 built-in LEDs.
This lighting adds character to your aquarium and has a daylight effect to help low-light plants grow. Be sure to provide your fish with a place to hide and avoid the light.
Hi-Tech Filter
This aquarium comes with a Tetra 3i filter alongside their Tetra Whisper Bio-Bag cartridge. With proper setup, this filter will remove chemicals and toxins from your aquarium to ensure the health of your betta.
While this filter will do just fine, you may end up wanting to try something different than the one included eventually. As far as individual betta tank components go, we wouldn’t recommend this filter as something to buy on its own.
The reason for that is that there are alternative filters you can buy for the same price. This Tetra 3i filter and whisper pump are included in the kit’s price though, and you can’t beat that value.
One important point about the filter is that some people have noticed that the filter’s pump vibrates, which irritates and stresses their betta. The pump isn’t built into the filter system but is separate and connected through aquarium tubing.
If you notice your aquarium is vibrating, move the pump assembly from the surface your tank is sitting on. Move the pump or use a towel to dampen the vibrations from the pump by placing it on the towel.
Feeding Flap
This aquarium kit has a feeding flap on the lid, so you won’t need to open the entire lid to feed your bettas. The lid also fits snugly to the tank and it’s a flush flat design.
If you look at other aquariums and their lids, you’ll notice that the majority have “hoods” that stick out on top. It comes down to personal preference in the end, but most betta owners appreciate this design.
Light Weight
This 3-gallon aquarium is constructed from plastic and not glass. Due to this, it’s not as heavy as traditional glass aquariums.
Being made out of plastic instead of glass has its obvious advantages, but also has a minor disadvantage.
Plastic fish tanks are more prone to scratches over time than their glass counterparts. Take care not to brush up against the surface of the aquarium too often.
Pedestal Base
The Tetra Cube comes with a pedestal base to elevate your tank. This contributes to its sleek and modern look and helps with stability.
Low-Wattage Power Adapter
This take also comes with a low-wattage power adapter to make sure there isn’t too much power going to the filter to result in a short.
Big Enough for Tankmates
The 3-gallon size of this cube aquarium is just big enough for your betta to have tank mates! A few small snails or some ghost shrimp should be a great addition to this tank. Sprucing up the aquarium with some live plants is also an option.
Benefits and Disadvantages of the Tetra Cube
The Tetra Cube has its advantages and disadvantages like any other tank. Here are some of the key benefits of the Tetra Cube.
Size
When you have a tank that’s too large, it’s just full of unnecessary space that small fish won’t utilize. Beyond this, finding somewhere to put a large tank can be a pain.
This tank is a perfect size – not too big or too small. It has plenty of space for small schooling fish to swim and it’s big enough for plants. It’s also small enough for an office desk or a small space.
Design
Most fish owners appreciate a tank that is aesthetically pleasing. That said, the Tetra Cube’s sleek design allows you to see what’s going on in your aquarium from all sides and fit into any space seamlessly.
Opening in the Lid
The opening in the lid for feeding is innovation at its finest. The feeding hole was clearly designed with aquarium owners in mind.
Suitable For Any Small Fish
Although Tetra is in the name, any small fish will feel at home in this aquarium. Just make sure to check the size requirements for your specific fish.
Price
Owning pets isn’t cheap. There are so many different components to buy in the aquarium-keeping hobby that it can become expensive quickly.
Coming in under $50, this aquarium is a great budget option.
High-Quality
Although the tank is compact, it’s made of high-quality shatter and crack-resistant plastic. Plastic is a safer option for fish keepers with dogs, cats, and children.
Ease of Use
One of the most tedious parts of keeping fish is cleaning your tank. This tank is very easy to clean and maintain, and it’s fairly simple to set up.
Disadvantages of the Tetra Cube
No aquarium kit is perfect, and the Tetra Cube is no exception. Here are some of the main disadvantages of the Tetra Cube Aquarium Kit:
LED Lighting Isn’t Adjustable
Lighting is an important part of your aquarium. Lights are used to re-create daytime and nighttime similar to a fish’s natural environment.
Unfortunately, the Tetra Cube’s LED lighting isn’t adjustable. It only has one light color and one brightness level.
Filter
As previously stated, this filter can be noisy, which can stress out your bettas. The filter may also be too strong for your fish, as bettas like slow-flowing water similar to their natural environment.
Poor Instructions
The instructions that come with the tank aren’t particularly helpful, especially with information about water chemicals. Thankfully, this aquarium setup is fairly simple, and there are several online guides with videos to show how to properly operate the tank.
For more instructions on how to set up the Tetra cube, watch this video.
No Heater
Although this wouldn’t matter if you aren’t keeping bettas, no aquarium heater is included. When purchasing an aquarium for your betta, a heater is a must.
Unless you live in a climate that is a consistent 78f-80-degrees Fahrenheit year-round, a heater is necessary. Luckily, aquarium heaters for this size of tank are relatively inexpensive.
Final Verdict
As Aquarium starter kits go, the Tetra 3 Gallon Cube Aquarium is great for any aquarium hobbyist. Due to its features and small size, it will make a great addition to any space.
Considering that it’s not a stand-alone tank and comes with extras, it makes for a great aquarium for your betta that’s easy to set up. However, this tank lacks the customization and durability of an average-built tank for more serious aquarium hobbyists.
If you have this tank or are buying one soon, get in touch with us over at our G+ profile and share a pic or two. They might even get posted on the website!