# Best Cube Aquariums for Planted Tanks (2026) Source: https://aquascapenest.com/best/cube-aquariums Updated: 2026-10-06 Publisher: Aquascape Nest. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://aquascapenest.com/how-we-research#our-score Cube aquariums trade the long, shallow footprint of a standard tank for near-equal width, depth, and height. That extra front-to-back depth gives you room to build layered hardscape with real sense of distance, which is why cubes are a favorite for iwagumi and dramatic single-focal-point scapes. When shopping, check the glass thickness relative to height, look for clean seams, and decide whether you want a rimless or braced version. A cube suits aquascapers who want a compact centerpiece that reads well from the front and the sides, rather than a wide panorama. The deeper layout can make planting and trimming the back corners a bit harder to reach, so consider how you will access the substrate. If you like composing with depth and want a tank that works as a room centerpiece, a cube is a rewarding shape to scape. ## Picks ### 1. Ultum Nature Systems Dual AIO - Freshwater/Saltwater Compatible All in One Rimless Tank with Triple Chamber Filtration System, Integrated Filter Aquarium w/Leveling Mat - 17 Gallon, 40A, Black Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 9/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 6/10) The 17 gallon 40A is a larger model in Ultum Nature Systems' Dual AIO line: a rimless low iron tank with a built-in triple-chamber filter, pump and leveling mat, at a premium price. Pros: - Integrated triple-chamber filter with coarse sponge, bio-media and a water pump, so no external filter is needed - 91% clarity low iron glass with 45-degree mitered edges and unobtrusive silicone - Listed for both freshwater and saltwater use, and a leveling mat comes with the tank Cons: - A premium-priced tank, and the rear filter chamber takes space out of the display area - Feature bullets give the 40A model name but no exact dimensions, so confirm the footprint before buying a stand Details: https://aquascapenest.com/product/B0CJHZK6YT ### 2. Ultum Nature Systems Prism Rimless Cube Aquarium 25TM Low Iron Our score: 8.3/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10) UNS Prism 25TM rimless cube in low iron glass, a slightly smaller Prism cube for detailed planted and shrimp layouts. Pros: - Low iron glass makes the Prism 25TM a clear showcase for stone and moss work - Smaller cube is easier to light and maintain than larger display cubes - Ultum build quality suits keepers wanting a long-term centerpiece tank Cons: - Tall cube shapes make trimming the back corners fiddly without long tools - Check the dimensions against your space to confirm the volume Details: https://aquascapenest.com/product/B0D1CMQJ7Q ### 3. UNS Ultra Clear Rimless Cube Tank 2.1 Gallon 20C Low Iron Our score: 8.3/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 8/10) UNS 20C, a 2.1 gallon ultra clear rimless cube in low iron glass, a trusted nano cube for moss and shrimp scapes. Pros: - Ultum's low iron glass gives high clarity even at this very small size - The 2.1 gallon cube suits Riccia, moss and tiny rock layouts for shrimp - Clean silicone lines keep the small tank looking neat in close-up photos Cons: - Tiny size offers almost no margin for error with feeding and fertilizers - Needs a very compact heater and filter that do not dominate the view Details: https://aquascapenest.com/product/B01MSOXMGF ### 4. Ultum Nature Systems Prism Rimless Glass Cube Aquarium 30TM Our score: 8.1/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 9/10 · Value 7/10) Ultum Nature Systems Prism 30TM rimless glass cube, a premium cube for scapers who want a gallery-style display. Pros: - Prism line from UNS is designed for display quality aquascapes and photography - Larger 30TM cube gives room for dramatic tall hardscape and rich planting - Rimless glass lets emersed plants and wood grow up out of the tank Cons: - Confirm whether the glass is low iron if clarity matters to you - Premium cube pricing is higher than standard glass tanks of similar volume Details: https://aquascapenest.com/product/B0D1CQHTSH ### 5. LANDEN 20C 2 Gallon Cube Rimless Low Iron Clear Aquarium Tank Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) The LANDEN 20C, a 2 gallon rimless low iron cube tank for tiny shrimp scapes and moss displays on a desk. Pros: - Compact 2 gallon cube fits in the smallest spaces while still looking premium - Low iron glass and rimless edges show off tiny plant detail clearly - Cube shape gives height for mini tree layouts using small branchy wood Cons: - Tiny cube needs careful feeding, as waste builds up quickly in so little water - Few nano lights are sized for a small cube, so fitting options are limited Details: https://aquascapenest.com/product/B09D8Y22YQ ### 6. HIRO Aquatics Cube Rimless Frameless Extra Clear Low Iron Glass Aquarium Our score: 7.3/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 7/10) HIRO Aquatics cube in frameless extra clear low iron glass, a clean cube shell for nature style and shrimp aquascapes. Pros: - Cube proportions give depth for layered hardscape that shallow tanks cannot match - Extra clear low iron glass shows plants and stone texture from all sides - Frameless build suits emersed growth and modern clip-on lighting Cons: - Title gives no volume, so compare the cube sizes before picking a variant - Cubes are harder to light evenly, so choose a light that fully covers the top Details: https://aquascapenest.com/product/B09QHB9GK2 ### 7. 2 Gallon Nano Cube Low Iron Ultra Clear Glass Aquarium Our score: 6.8/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10) A generic 2 gallon nano cube in low iron ultra clear glass, a budget pick for a shrimp or moss cube on a desk. Pros: - Low iron glass at a low price makes a clear cube accessible to new keepers - The 2 gallon cube suits a simple moss, stone and shrimp micro-scape - Small size is easy to clean, rescape and move around Cons: - Budget glass, so seam finish can vary between individual tanks - Tiny cube leaves little room for equipment like heaters and filters Details: https://aquascapenest.com/product/B0BQP4QV1B As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.