Tetra Cube Aquarium Kit Review

Say you’re in the market for a new aquarium. You don’t want anything big, but you want something big enough that small fish have enough room to roam, hide, and explore.

It also needs to be small enough to put in your home or office, something that will catch your eye and entertain you as well. You don’t want too many fish– maybe two or one or five – and you definitely don’t want the hassle that comes with a larger aquarium.

If you’re the kind of person mentioned above, then you’re in luck! There’s a nifty little aquarium that will give you the joys of being an aquarium owner without the stress that can come with it. The Tetra LED Cube 3 Gallon Aquarium kit is made custom-tailored for the lighthearted aquarium lover.

Equipped with LED lighting, a filter, pedestal base, and a helpful guide, you’ll find yourself one step closer to owning the perfect tiny aquatic habitat.

Tetra LED Cube 3 Gallon Aquarium Kit: The Details

Specs

• Weight: 8 lbs.
• Dimensions: 5 x 10 x 10 in.
• Capacity: 3 gallons.
• Lighting: LED lighting
• Accessories: Whisper power filter, whisper bio-bag small cartridge, pedestal base, LED light, low wattage power adapter

Features

Tetra 3i Filter

Most aquariums, big or small, don’t come with filters, which are an integral factor in the cleanliness and longevity of an aquarium.

Filters help get dirt, algae, debris, and harmful chemicals out of the water and away from your fish before they disrupt the look and health of your little ecosystem.

As anyone who’s had a fish can tell you, cleaning an aquarium is a tedious process that can also harm your fish if not done thoroughly.

The good thing about the Tetra Cube is that it comes with a filter, which, with a little maintenance, will keep your tank looking fresh and your fish feeling happy.

LED Lighting

Normally the lighting that an aquarium has comes from the light source it’s positioned near (like a lamp, overhead light, or window).

These sources of light aren’t always flattering for the tank, and let’s be honest – part of the fun of having an aquarium is how cool it looks!

The Tetra Cube comes with an LED light so that your tank will always look bright and your fish will be both lively and vibrant.

Feeding Hole

One of the frustrating things about having an aquarium is having no space (or too much space) to feed your fish.

You either have to risk having a spill by lifting the top off or risk having particles and tiny bugs floating at the top just to have easy access.

This tank has a feeding hole in the lid which eliminates these problems for you. There’s also the added benefit of seeing your cute little pets huddle around to get their nourishment for the day.

Pedestal Base

Sometimes you don’t want your tank to just sit plainly on a surface. The Tetra Cube comes with a pedestal base so that the tank is slightly elevated, which gives it a better look overall.

This ties together the sleek and modern look of the aquarium, making it stylish and easy on the eyes.

Low-Wattage Power Adapter

Filters, like all electrical appliances, need a power source to work, which is why this tank also comes with a low-wattage power adapter.

The low wattage makes sure that there isn’t too much power going into the filter so that it won’t short out.

A small tank doesn’t need a super powerful filter because it’s a waste of energy and can pose a threat to the fish, so the power adapter reflects this aspect.

Tetra LED Cube 3 Gallon Aquarium Kit Review

The Positives

Size

A tank that’s too big offers unnecessary space both internally and externally. Small fish won’t utilize the large space and trying to find somewhere to put it can be a headache.

A small tank won’t give your fish any room to do much of anything (and they don’t do much), plus the tank can look…sad (like the lone goldfish with only colorful rocks and a broken tank ornament for company).

This tank is the Goldilocks of tanks: not too big, not too small, but just right. It offers plenty of space for small schools of fish, like tetras, to roam and explore, and it’s also big enough to fit plants and ornaments.

It’s small enough to fit almost anywhere at home or at your desk in the office, so you won’t have to sacrifice too much space to have a beautiful tank in eyesight.

Design

Tanks need to look as good on the outside as they do on the inside. If you’re going to make the investment in owning an aquarium, it should be more than a plain, round fish bowl.

The Tetra Cube Aquarium has a sleek design that catches the eye and its contents are viewable from three sides.

Combined with the pedestal base, you’ll have a sharp looking aquarium that won’t take away from the wonders inside.

The contemporary design of the Tetra will also make it easy for those with an eye for design to incorporate this in their home or office decor.

Notched Lid

One of the cooler things about the Tetra Cube is its lid. If, for some reason, you don’t like the filter it comes with, you can attach a filter of your choosing to the pre-notched lid.

This level of customization has the aquarium owner at heart so that you can do what’s best for you and your fish.

Not Just for Tetras!

Despite its name, the Tetra Cube isn’t solely for tetra fish. Any small fish, like goldfish or bettas, would find this the perfect little home.

Just be sure to choose fish that get along together and don’t require multiple gallons to feel at ease.

Price

Pets don’t come cheap, and this includes owning fish. There’s the tank, the filter, the plants, the accessories, the bottom lining, the skimmer, the lights, and lastly the fish themselves.

Having an aquarium as a hobby can prove to be expensive, but the Tetra Cube gives you more flexibility when it comes to your spending.

At under $50, this tank is a relief to your budget, leaving you to spend money on more important things like those neon beauties that caught your eye.

Build

While this tank is compact, it doesn’t mean that it’s flimsy.

The Tetra Cube Aquarium is made of high-quality, crack and shatter-resistant, transparent plastic which helps keep the cost low without hurting the quality and longevity of the aquarium.

Plastic makes a better option in terms of safety for those with bigger families including kids, dogs and cats, though we understand why some can be wary about going plastic. But there’s no need for worry.

A lot of other tanks tend to use more fragile material but Tetra has focused on quality so your water-pets can have their stunning home for years to come.

Easy of Use

Again, one of the most daunting things when owning fish and aquatic creatures is the task of cleaning. But it’s definitely more important than it is daunting to ensure your pets are healthy and your tank doesn’t harm their well-being.

Fortunately, customers have found this tank to be super easy to clean, taking away a lot of the stress that comes with tank maintenance.

Not only is the tank relievingly easy to clean, there’s not much fuss to setting it up either. Customers have reported that their tank was up and running in no time, and if you do get stuck, there are YouTube videos to help you through.

The Negatives

Non-Adjustable LED Light

When it comes to aquariums, lights aren’t just for show. They also serve to simulate day and nighttime so that your fish have a more natural-feeling home.

The Tetra Cube doesn’t come with an adjustable LED light, so you’re stuck with one light color and at one level of brightness.

This isn’t a problem if lighting isn’t a concern, but it’s still worth noting especially for those with lighting on the top of their priority list.

Filter

Nobody wants to hear their aquarium’s filter constantly pumping water. Though this filter is small, it can generate plenty of noise, which can prove bothersome.

The filter may also be too strong for the fish inside depending on the type of pets who call the cube their home.

You don’t want a situation like Finding Nemo where one of your little fishies get sucked into the machinery, so be sure the type of fish you’re housing in this tank won’t be at risk.

Plastic, Not Glass

As mentioned, the Tetra Cube isn’t a glass tank but is made out of hard, durable plastic.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but you must be careful when cleaning so as to avoid scratching the surface, leaving the tank looking dingy.

Lack of Instructions 

We’re thankful that this aquarium is easy to put together, mostly because the instructions included with the tank aren’t really helpful, especially in terms of water chemicals.

In addition to the ease of set-up, you’ll be able to manage thanks to online guides and videos that give more of an illustration on how to operate your tank.

This video shows what the tank looks like out of the box and set-up.

Overall Verdict

The Tetra LED 3 Gallon Cube Aquarium kit is great for beginners and casual aquarium hobbyists alike.

With its features and size, it’s sure to make a wonderful addition to your home and put a smile on your face every time you see it.

However, be aware that this is better suited for hobbyists, and lacks the customization as well as the durability of a more averagely built tank.

Where to Buy the Tetra Cube LED Aquarium Kit

Tetra has done an outstanding job at creating a sturdy and functional, yet beautiful aquarium for your pets.

The functionality and design of the Tetra Cube LED Aquarium Kit has gotten rave reviews from customers, being featured on the shelves of retailers both in-store and online.

To start, check out the following online retailers.

• Wal Mart (from $42)
• Sears (from $51)
• Royal Pet Place (from $49)

And of course, you can also find the Tetra Cube Aquarium Kit on Amazon.

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That’s it for our review on the Tetra Cube Aquarium Kit. Tempted to give it a try?