30C Cube (7 gallon)

30C Cube is a 30 × 30 × 30 cm (11.8 × 11.8 × 11.8 in) aquarium, about 27 L (7 gal) to the rim. Its footprint is 30 × 30 cm and the water stands about 24 cm deep once a 6 cm substrate layer is in — the two numbers that decide what you can plant in it and what you can stock it with.

Start a tank this size

At a glance

Size30 × 30 × 30 cm (11.8 × 11.8 × 11.8 in)
Volume27 L (7 gal)
Water after substrateAbout 20 L (5 gal) with a 6 cm substrate layer
Footprint30 × 30 cm (11.8 × 11.8 in)
Water depth24 cm (9.4 in)
Substrate neededAbout 5 L for a 6 cm layer

Before it goes in

  • 30C Cube is 30 × 30 × 30 cm (11.8 × 11.8 × 11.8 in) — about 27 L (7 gal) to the rim, and roughly 20 L (5 gal) of actual water once a 6 cm substrate layer and the hardscape are in.
  • That layer takes about 5 L of substrate, which is what you order by.
  • 15 of the 160 animals in this library list a minimum tank at or under 27 L (7 gal). The biggest of them that still fit are Amano Shrimp and Crystal Red Shrimp. Ember Tetra and Chili Rasbora need more than this.
  • The water sits about 24 cm (9.4 in) deep over the substrate. Plants that get taller than that — Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis' and Water Sprite — reach the surface and start growing along it, which is a look you either want or trim.
  • Its footprint is 30 × 30 cm, and that is the area a carpet has to cover — the number that decides how many pots you buy, not the volume.

What are its dimensions?

30 × 30 × 30 cm (11.8 × 11.8 × 11.8 in).

How much water does it hold?

About 27 L (7 gal) to the rim, and roughly 20 L (5 gal) of actual water once the substrate is in. Stocking works off the second number; minimum-tank-size advice works off the first.

How much substrate does it take?

About 5 L for a 6 cm layer.

What fits in it?

15 of the 160 animals in this library list a minimum tank at or under its volume, and the water depth of about 24 cm sets which plants can grow without reaching the surface.

What fits in it

Often compared with

30C CubeDennerle Nano Cube 30L60F Shallow
Size30 × 30 × 30 cm30 × 30 × 35 cm60 × 30 × 18 cm
Volume27 L30 L32 L
Footprint30 × 30 cm30 × 30 cm60 × 30 cm
Water depth24 cm29 cm12 cm

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