USING A JBJ NANO CUBE 28 GALLON HQI REEF SERIES AQUARIUM FOR YOUR NANO REEF

Overview of the JBJ Nano Cube 28 Gallon HQI Reef System

The JBJ Nano Cube 28 HQI was designed as a premium all-in-one nano reef aquarium. Its hallmark feature is the HQI metal halide lighting, which provides intense, reef-capable illumination suitable for many corals that struggle under weaker lighting systems.

Key features of the JBJ Nano Cube 28 HQI include:

• 28-gallon glass aquarium with curved front panel for enhanced viewing
• 150-watt HQI metal halide lighting paired with actinic supplementation
• Integrated rear filtration chambers for a clean, equipment-free display
• Dual cooling fans to help manage heat from the HQI lighting
• Compact footprint ideal for apartments, offices, or smaller reef rooms

Because it’s an all-in-one design, the JBJ Nano Cube appeals to hobbyists who want fewer external components and less plumbing complexity than a traditional sump-based reef system.

Setting Up Your JBJ Nano Cube 28 HQI the Right Way

Proper setup is critical for long-term success, especially in a nano reef where water volume is limited and mistakes are less forgiving. Taking the time to set up your JBJ Nano Cube correctly will save you frustration later.

Recommended setup steps include:

• Place the aquarium on a level, sturdy stand designed to support its full weight when filled.
• Rinse live rock and sand thoroughly before adding them to the tank.
• Arrange rockwork to allow good water flow and coral placement while leaving open swimming areas.
• Fill with pre-mixed saltwater using a quality reef salt and RO/DI water.
• Allow the system to fully cycle before adding fish or corals. Learn more about this process in our complete guide to cycling a fish tank.

A common beginner mistake is rushing livestock additions. Even though the JBJ Nano Cube looks “ready to go” out of the box, patience during the cycling phase is essential to avoid algae outbreaks and livestock losses.

Lighting and Coral Options in a Nano Reef

The HQI lighting on the JBJ Nano Cube 28 is one of its biggest strengths. Unlike many nano aquariums that struggle to support light-demanding corals, this system can grow a wide variety of species when managed properly.

Corals that typically thrive under the JBJ Nano Cube HQI include:

• Soft corals such as Zoanthids, Mushroom corals, and Leather corals
• LPS corals like Hammer corals, Frogspawn, and Candy Cane corals
• Some SPS corals, including Montipora and Birdsnest, when water parameters are stable

Because HQI lighting produces significant heat, monitoring temperature is critical. Many hobbyists use a quality aquarium heater and reliable thermometer together with the built-in cooling fans. Maintaining stable temperatures is discussed in detail in our article on proper aeration and temperature control.

Fish and Invertebrate Stocking Suggestions

Stocking a nano reef requires restraint. While 28 gallons offers more flexibility than smaller nano tanks, overstocking can quickly lead to water quality issues.

Good fish choices for the JBJ Nano Cube 28 include:

• Ocellaris or Percula Clownfish (single or bonded pair)
• Firefish (Nemateleotris species)
• Tailspot Blenny
• Yellow Watchman Goby
• Royal Gramma

Invertebrates play an important role in algae control and overall tank health:

• Cleaner shrimp and Peppermint shrimp
• Snails such as Trochus, Nassarius, and Cerith snails
• Small hermit crabs, added sparingly

A common beginner mistake is adding too many fish too quickly. Nano reefs benefit from slow, deliberate stocking to allow beneficial bacteria populations to adjust.

Compatibility and Ongoing Care Considerations

Compatibility and routine care are especially important in nano reef systems. Limited water volume means parameters can swing quickly if maintenance is neglected.

Important care considerations include:

• Performing regular water changes of 10–20% weekly or biweekly
• Testing water parameters such as salinity, temperature, alkalinity, calcium, and nitrate
• Avoiding aggressive or territorial fish that may dominate the limited space
• Using high-quality foods and avoiding overfeeding

Beginners often underestimate evaporation in open-top or fan-cooled nano tanks. Topping off daily with fresh RO/DI water helps maintain stable salinity.

Coral compatibility also matters. Mixing aggressive corals with long sweeper tentacles in a small tank can lead to coral damage. Research each coral’s behavior before placement.

Common Beginner Mistakes with the JBJ Nano Cube

Even though the JBJ Nano Cube 28 HQI is beginner-friendly, there are recurring mistakes that can derail success:

• Skipping the cycling process or shortening it
• Overstocking fish or adding incompatible species
• Ignoring temperature management from HQI lighting
• Infrequent water changes
• Chasing numbers instead of focusing on stability

Real-world experience shows that hobbyists who focus on consistency rather than perfection tend to have the most successful nano reefs.

Final Takeaway: Is the JBJ Nano Cube 28 HQI Right for You?

The JBJ Nano Cube 28 Gallon HQI Reef Series remains a strong choice for aquarists who want a capable, visually striking nano reef system with powerful lighting and a clean, all-in-one design. While it requires attention to heat management and disciplined stocking, it rewards careful hobbyists with the ability to keep a wide range of corals and fish in a relatively small space.

If you’re willing to practice patience, perform regular maintenance, and respect the limits of a nano reef, the JBJ Nano Cube 28 HQI can be a highly satisfying centerpiece for your marine aquarium journey. Be sure to explore more guides on RateMyFishTank.com to deepen your reef knowledge and refine your setup.