BiOrb Tank Reviews

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The Baby BiOrb Moonlight Light Unit automatically turns off the main daylight bulb when the room becomes dark allowing the aquarium to be illuminated a relaxing blue moonlight.

The low voltage light unit illuminates the Baby biOrb and its inhabitants during the day with a warm white light and in the evening with a cool blue moonlight.

Designed as an easy-to-fit accessory, the light unit is the same size as the standard Baby biOrb light. Simply remove the stand light and replace with the new Baby biOrb Moonlight Light Unit.

The clever, automatic lighting system switches to a relaxing blue moonlight when it detects darkness, so simply by shutting the curtains or waiting until nightfall, you can watch your Baby biOrb change from natural-effect daylight to a calming blue moonlight. You can now have happier, healthier fish and great night-time viewing for you.

• Automatic light – just plug the light in and when the room becomes dark the light unit will automatically switch to moonlight mode.

• Broad spectrum light output from the daylight halogen bulb. Creates a warm white light for the aquarium.

• No need to change a bulb – it lasts 50,000 hours using long-life, low energy cost saving LEDs

• Safe, low voltage, 12 volt power for use the Baby biOrb aquarium only.

• Slimline design, same size as the standard Baby biOrb light unit.

• Simple and quick replacement for the existing Standard light unit.

If you need to keep the daylight bulb on during the evening, the Baby biOrb Moonlight light unit has an integrated switch allowing you to enable or disable the automatic light sensor.

Reef-one, the manufacturer of the BiOrb and BiUbe products, says “the Baby biOrb Moonlight light unit is an ideal upgrade for the standard Baby biOrb aquarium.”

Click here for great deals on the Baby BiOrb Moonlight Light

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Technorati Tags: fish tank guide, fish tank setup, fish tanks, keeping tropical fish, tropical fish tank

Keeping a fish tank can be a fun and rewarding hobby. There are many varieties of tanks, equipment and most importantly, tropical fish. But how do you choose the right fish for your setup. The answer depends in large part on the size of your aquarium.

Aquarium Size

When shopping for your fish tank, you’ll notice that tank sizes are given in gallons (sometimes litres in Europe and other metric system countries). Typically, a tank under 20 gallons is considered a small fish tank. There are many aquarium systems in the 5 to 20 gallon range and choices should be made based on your particular setup.

It is often easier for the new fish owner to look for an aquarium system – a set that includes all the necessary equipment – than to select individual accessories. High quality fish tank systems can be found by searching for manufacturers like Marineland, BiOrb & BiUbe and Oceanic.

Fish for Small Tanks

Once you’ve chosen your fish tank setup, remember to properly condition your water by cycling it with one of the various products on the market today that help your aquarium develop the necessary bacteria. If you are unsure about water cycling, you’ll want to do some research on the Nitrogen Cycle prior to purchasing any tropical fish.

After preparing your water, you’re ready for your first fish. Assuming you’ve chosen a smaller aquarium setup, there are a few types of fish that are better for fish tanks smaller than 20 gallons. We’ll take a look at some recommendations that will give your tank the best chance for success below.

Bettas

There are a lot of myths about Bettas. Sometimes referred to as Siamese Fighting Fish as a result of the males propensity to fight other males, you’ll often see these fish in extremely small bowls in your local pet store. While the fish do quite well in smaller setups, anything under three gallons is not recommended.

Although Bettas can be a great first fish for a small aquarium, there are two important points to keep in mind when keeping Bettas. First, never keep two males in the same fish tank without the use of a plastic tank side box or some other means of keeping them apart. Males will fight, and the purpose of your tank should not be to pit fish against each other. The second important point is to make sure the water temperature is warm enough for your Bettas. Bettas originate from Southeast Asia where the river water tends to be extremely warm. Water temperature specifications can be found below.

Minimum tank size: 3 gallons
Water Temp: 75 – 86 F (24 – 30 C)
Aquarium Level: Top
Size: Approximately 3 inches
Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate
pH: 6.8 – 7.4
Food: Flakes, Frozen and Live

Dwarf/Honey Gouramis

Dwarf and Honey Gouramis earn their names as a result of their small adult size and honey color respectively. Adults reach a maximum size of about 2 inches. Both types of Gouramis are great fish for a first time owner as they are peaceful, community fish. As such, they should not be kept in a fish tank with other more aggressive fish. They prefer thick vegetation. Dwarf and Honey Gouramis originate from India and Bangladesh and so prefer warm water.

Minimum tank size: 5 gallons
Water Temp: 72 – 82 F (22 – 28 C)
Aquarium Level: Mid – top
Size: Approximately 2 inches
Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate
pH: 6.0 – 7.5
Food: Omnivorous, will also eat algae

Harlequin/Red Rasbora

The Harlequin is also known as the Red Rasbora and is a very popular freshwater fish. Harlequins prefer thickly vegetated tanks, with dark substrate and low lighting. Harlequins do well in a wider range of water temperatures than some of the other tropical fish listed in this article. Although the harlequin originates in Southeast Asia and as such, likes warmer waters. You’ll want to buy at least three to four harlequins at a time, as they would rather be in a school or small group.

Minimum tank size: 10 gallons
Water Temp: 73 – 82 F (23 – 28 C)
Aquarium Level: Mid – top
Size: Approximately 1.5 – 2 inches
Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate
pH: 6.0 – 7.5
Food: Omnivorous

Zebra Danio

With many types of Danios available, the Zebra Danio is one of the most active aquarium fish. Zebra Danios are colorful fish easily recognized by the bluish purple stripes running down the sides of their bodies. Zebra Danios are great community fish and very peaceful. Although Zebra Danios are considered colder water fish, if placed in an aquarium with a slightly higher temperature, the fish often adapt without a problem. They prefer slightly running waters and will typically be found at the top of the aquarium.

Minimum tank size: 5 gallons
Water Temp: 64 – 74 F (18 – 24 C)
Aquarium Level: All levels
Size: Approximately 2 inches
Care Level: Beginner
pH: 6.5 – 7.0
Food: Omnivorous

Tetras

Tetras are great fish for a smaller tank and new fish owners. Although there are many different types of tetras, they are typically peaceful and easy to care for community fish.

As mentioned, there are many varieties of tetras that are well-suited for smaller tanks. Look around at your local pet store and find the color and variety that you like best. Varieties that typically do well in smaller fish tank setups include Cardinal, Neon, Black Phantom, Black Neon and Bleeding Heart Tetras. For the purposes of this article, we’ll use the popular Cardinal Tetra for our fish facts section below.

Minimum tank size: 5 gallons
Water Temp: 73 – 81 F (23 – 27 C)
Aquarium Level: Mid – top
Size: Approximately 2 inches
Care Level: Beginner – Intermediate
pH: 4.6 – 6.2
Food: Omnivorous

With any of the above fish and a good understanding of the optimal conditions for each type, you should be ready to pick out your new pets. Many people hold the misconception that tropical fish require little care and can be maintained with little or no effort. Before you go out and buy your fish make sure you are ready for the commitment. While keeping fish is not a no maintenance hobby, it can be a low maintenance hobby. Choosing the right setup and fish will go a long way to ensuring you create a healthy environment for your fish.

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About the Baby BiOrb 4 Gallon Fish Tank

BiOrb, with its reputation of well designed but pricey aquariums, goes small with the Baby BiOrb 4 Gallon Acrylic Fish Tank.  Building on the company’s successful and highly popular 8 gallon fish tank, the Baby BiOrb provides many of the same features as its bigger cousins, without the need for as  much space. The Baby BiOrb is made for desktops, countertops, or anyplace where space is limited. The spherical shape BiOrb has become known for remains the same with the Baby BiOrb.

The 4 gallon aquarium comes with the same high quality filtration system as the other BiOrb and BiUbe fish tanks. The BiOrb tank is made from strong Plexiglas acrylic and has five customizable color options for the base and lid.  The tank includes BiOrb’s 5 stage internal filtration system, air pump and Baby BiOrb lighting system.

What Comes with your Baby BiOrb 4 Gallon Tank

In the box

• Baby biOrb aquarium
• 450g of ceramic media
• Standard low-voltage baby biOrb light
• 12v Transformer
• Standard freshwater filter cartridge
• Low-voltage Air Pump
• Tap water conditioner and Beneficial Bacteria liquid
• Printed documentation

Size and weight

• Height: 13 inches (32 cm)
• Width: 12 inches (30 cm)
• Weight (empty): 2 pounds (1kg)
• Weight (full): 35 pounds (16kg)
• Volume: 4 Gallon (15L)

Transformer

• 12v transformer (UK)
• Two connectors (light and airpump)
• 12 months guarantee

Standard Baby biOrb Light

• 12v safe low-voltage
• 12 month guarantee
• 5w Bulb installed
• Spare 5w bulb supplied
• 1.5m power cable
• Plugs directly into transformer (supplied)

Air Pump

• 12v – safe low-voltage pump
• Quiet operation
• 12 month guarantee
• 1.5m airline with 1-way valve
• 1m power cable
• Plugs directly into transformer (supplied)

Electrical and environmental requirements

• Voltage: 12V AC
• Maximum continuous power: 8W

Safety Standards

• Complies with UL, ULC and CE safety requirements.

Aquarium Setup Options

The Baby BiOrb 4 Gallon Aquarium is designed for limited space areas of the home. The fish tank is has a small footprint and lends itself to desktop, countertop or side table setup.

Everything you need to get your aquarium started is included with the Baby BiOrb. This makes setup a snap. It also means that the aquarium system is perfect for new fish owners, kids or those looking for another smaller tank to complete their current setup. If you plan on purchasing the tank for your child, make sure to provide plenty of supervision in the tank setup and the water cycling (see Understanding the Nitrogen Cycle post) process. Just because the Baby BiOrb is fairly easy to setup, proper water chemistry is something that takes a fair amount of maintenance, but is the responsibility of every tropical fish tank owner.

Aquarium Care & Maintenance

With many smaller fish tanks, filtration systems can be less effective than those found in larger aquarium setups. Reef One, with the Baby BiOrb tank, has made sure this is not the case with the 4 gallon tropical fish tank.  While any aquarium takes a commitment to regular cleaning and maintenance to maintain a healthy environment for your fish, the 5 stage internal filtration system that comes with the Baby BiOrb fish tank makes maintenance easier than with other types of filters. Once again, the ease of use and compact size of the Baby BiOrb make this a good option for new aquarium owners.

BiOrb claims that their internal filtration systems have relatively more biological filtration than similar external filtration fish tank systems. While we cannot vouch for the effectiveness of the internal system in comparison to other external filter systems, the 5 stage BiOrb systems seem to work quite well overall.

As the Baby BiOrb features the same multi-stage filtration as other BiOrb and BiUbe aquariums, filter cartridges contain mechanical filtration, chemical filtration and water optimizers to ensure your fish tank water will keep your fish healthy and maintenance lower for you.

Aquarium Design & Appearance

As we’ve come to expect from BiOrb, the Baby BiOrb 15L fish tank does an excellent job of melding form with function. BiOrb sets out to manufacture aquarium systems that are functional yet stylish. The Baby BiOrb is  not exception.

The aquarium is well-placed in most rooms of the house due to its small footprint. The interchangeable “swaptops” BiOrb makes available for the aquarium add color customization to your tank and help coordinate with multiple rooms and multiple color schemes. The tank can be a good option for a child’s room, the kitchen or home office. As mentioned before, setup is easy, the fish tank is small (4 gallons) and the design is stylish and functional.

Aquarium Reviews

What’s good about the Baby BiOrb 4 Gallon Fish Tank?

• Great design and appearance consistent with entire BiOrb fish tank product lines
• 4 gallon tank allows for placement where other larger tanks are too big
• Complete aquarium kit features everything you need to prepare your tank for your fish
• Baby BiOrb 15L instruction manual includes FAQs, how to and recommended fish
• Biorb Plexiglas Acrylic is 10x stronger than glass
• The service kit filter system is easy to change and clean
• Smaller size makes cleaning and maintenance less time consuming for new fish owners
• Filtration makes maintenance easier than many equivalent tanks
• BiOrb’s advanced five-stage filtration system allows for a healthy, clear environment for your fish

What’s not so good about the Baby BiOrb 4 Gallon Fish Tank?

• You’ll pay a premium for BiOrb quality and design
• Small size of the Baby BiOrb limits fish variety and number
• Visible area of fish tank is smaller than a conventional rectangular tank due to curvature of orb shape
• Top opening is smaller than with other BiOrb tanks and can make cleaning more difficult for those with larger hands
• As with other BiOrb tanks, some report water splashing from the top opening

Fish Tank Review Summary

The Baby BiOrb 4 Gallon tank is a nice option for beginners looking for an easy to setup and maintain aquarium that can be located in small spaces throughout the house.  The internal filtration system, clean, attractive design and customization options make the Baby BiOrb a fish tank we recommend for new fish owners and experienced hobbyists alike.

For more information on the Baby BiOrb 4 Gallon Acrylic Fish Tank, click here.

Technorati Tags: aqauriums, Baby BiOrb 4 gallon, Baby BiOrb review, BiOrb, BiOrb Tanks, fish tanks, Tropical Fish Tanks

Although many of the BiOrb tanks are manufactured to be placed directly on your existing furniture, it is often a good idea to consider the total weight of your fish tank prior to purchase. Aquariums filled with water, decorations and fish are quite simply, heavy.

But how can you calculate the weight of your aquarium prior to purchasing?

The rule is to add 8 pounds for each gallon of water plus the dry weight of your fish tank and decorations. So if you purchase a BiOrb 60 16 Gallon tank and you are trying to figure out if your old Ikea dresser can carry the weight, multiply the 16 gallons by 8 and then add the dry weight of your aquarium and decorations.  Let’s assume your BiOrb tank and decorations weigh 25 pounds dry. The calculation would go like this:

16 gallons X 8lbs = 128lbs + 25lbs = 153lbs

That’s right… 153 pounds! That’s a lot of weight. Either you need a very sturdy piece of furniture to take the load, or you should look into a fish tank stand.

BiOrb Fish Tank Stand BiOrb makes a stand that is specifically constructed to handle the weight of any BiOrb or BiUbe tank. And the good news is that the stand lives up to the design standards of its aquarium cousins.

The aquarium stand features a cylindrical construction complete with two rear compartments that can conceal your electrical wires so as not to take away from the overall design.

The tank stand is built to support any BiOrb or BiUbe aquariums. Assembly and setup are easy.  BiOrb uses only six screws to hold the aquarium stand together, although the stand ends up being extremely sturdy. An included screwdriver comes with the BiOrb tank stand in case you forgot where you left yours.

There are a number of other fish tank stand options out there, but if you are a BiOrb or BiUbe fan, you’ll want to take a look at the aquarium stand by BiOrb. For many BiOrb owners, design is of equal importance to the other aspects of owning fish. And so an aquarium stand that maintains the design aesthetic is important.

Aquarium Stand Safety

One other issue to consider when purchasing a fish tank stand is earthquake safety. If you live in an area that has frequent tremors, the BiOrb pedestal-style stand might not be the ideal choice for you. In this case you’ll want to look into a fish tank stand or other piece of furniture that is substantial enough to bear the weight of the aquarium while providing a surface area on which you can secure earthquake safety measures.

In most cases, earthquake straps which secure to the tank, aquarium stand or furniture and wall are the best way to make sure the tank stays in one place when an earthquake hits.

For more information on the BiOrb Fish Tank Stand, click here.

 

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Keeping tropical fish can be a fun and rewarding hobby. But starting a fish tank is not as simple as filling an aquarium with water, decorating and adding fish. If you want to give your fish a healthy living environment for the start, you need to learn how to prepare the tank. The key is in understanding the nitrogen cycle. Sound difficult? It doesn’t need to be.

What is the Nitrogen Cycle?

Simply put, the nitrogen cycle is the process of an aquarium establishing beneficial bacteria colonies in the water.  These colonies help to eliminate waste produced by your fish. Understanding what the nitrogen cycle is, how it works and why it is important is crucial to setting up and maintaining a healthy fish tank.

Why do I Need to Know About the Nitrogen Cycle?

In nature, fish live in biological systems that are ever changing and can filter waste efficiently. Your aquarium is not nature. In fact, it is a closed system in which filtration is provided by the filter system on your aquarium.

But no matter how good your filtration system is, it’s not enough. You, and your fish, need the bacteria created through the nitrogen cycle. These bacterial colonies do the work of converting the waste to safer by-products which helps keep your aquarium water safe for your fish.

Many new fish owners go through the difficult process of losing some or all of their first fish. This doesn’t need to happen. Fish owners that take the time to understand the nitrogen cycle can greatly decrease the chance of exposing their fish to toxic aquarium water.

 

What do You Need to Know to Ensure Healthy Fish?

First, let’s understand the three stages of the nitrogen cycle.

First Stage:

• ·         Fish are introduced to the aquarium
• ·         Uneaten food, urine and feces are broken down into ionized or unionized ammonia
• ·         Ionized ammonia is not toxic to fish (pH below 7)
• ·         Unionized ammonia is toxic to fish (pH above 7)
• ·         Ammonia typically begins rising after the second day following introduction of fish
• ·         If the unionized ammonia level reaches 2ppm, your fish tank has reached the danger level

Second Stage:

• ·         Bacteria oxidizes the ammonia, eliminating it
• ·         By-product of ammonia oxidation is nitrite
• ·         Nitrite is toxic to tropical fish
• ·         Nitrite begins to accumulate by the first week after fish are introduced to the aquarium
• ·         A nitrite level of 1mg/liter can be deadly to some types of fish

Third Stage:

• ·         Bacteria converts nitrites to nitrates, which are not toxic to fish at low levels
• ·         With routine water changes, nitrate levels can be kept at acceptable levels
• ·         Fish owners should test for nitrate levels on a monthly basis

 

How do You Manage the Nitrogen Cycle?

Now that you know how the nitrogen cycle works, how do you manage it? Testing. You need to test your aquarium water early and often. You want to make sure you are testing for two levels: ammonia and nitrite.

 

Testing for Ammonia

• ·         Start testing for ammonia on day three after adding fish
• ·         Test everyday thereafter until the ammonia level reaches zero
• ·         If ammonia reaches danger levels (buy a chart at a pet store), take action immediately
• ·         High ammonia levels will vary with tank water temperature
• ·         If fish show signs of distress, take immediate action
• ·         Products like Ammo Lock can be used to treat high levels of ammonia

Testing for Nitrites

• ·         Start testing for nitrite one week after adding fish
• ·         Test every second or third day thereafter until the nitrite level reaches zero
• ·         If fish show signs of distress, take immediate action
• ·         If nitrite levels are high, perform and immediate 25 – 50% tank water change

 

What You DON’T Want to Do

• ·         Don’t add more fish
• ·         Don’t change your filter – filters incubate bacteria
• ·         Don’t overfeed your fish
• ·         Don’t alter the pH of the tank unless you test the tank and there is a serious pH problem

 

As mentioned above, although tank filtration systems alone won’t manage the nitrogen cycle, not all filters are created equal. It’s important that you research your fish tank before you purchase, keeping an eye to the available or included tank filtration systems. Good manufacturers provide multi-stage filtration systems that include biological, chemical and mechanical aquarium filtration. Purchasing a quality tank setup from brands like BiOrb, Marineland and Oceanic helps assure your filtration system will work to make your tank a healthy environment for your fish. Just remember to monitor the nitrogen cycle.

 

Technorati Tags: aquarium, BiOrb, BiOrb tank, fish tank, nitrogen cycle, tropical fish tank

About the BiOrb 60 16 Gallon Fish Tank

BiOrb expands on its successful and highly popular 8 gallon fish tank with the BiOrb 60 16 Gallon aquarium.

The BiOrb 60 continues the spherical shape BiOrb has become known for while expanding the space for larger fish and fish populations. The 16 gallon aquarium can be converted into a complete marine aquarium thanks to the largest biological filtration system the  company has offered.

The BiOrb tank is made from strong Plexiglas acrylic and as the largest aquarium in BiOrb’s Classic product line, can be had in five different designer colors.  The tank comes complete with a 5 stage internal filter, air pump and halogen lighting system.

What Comes with your BiOrb 8 Gallon Tank

• biOrb 60 aquarium (16 gallon biorb )
• Ceramic media
• 1 Standard freshwater filter cartridge – (biorb service kit)
• Low-voltage Air Pump
• 12v Transformer
• Tap water conditioner and Beneficial Bacteria liquid
• Printed documentation

BiOrb 8 Gallon Specifications

• Height: 20.4 inches (52cm)
• Width: 19.6 inches (50cm)
• Weight (empty): 12pounds (1 kg)
• Weight (full): 130 pounds (61 kg)
• Volume: 16 Gallon (60L)
• 16v transformer
• Two connectors (light and airpump)
• 12 month guarantee
• 12v – safe low-voltage pump
• Quiet operation
• 12 month guarantee
• 1.5m airline with 1-way valve
• 1m power cable
• Plugs directly into transformer (supplied)
• Line voltage: 12V AC
• Complies with UL, ULC and CE safety requirements
• Child safe

Aquarium Setup Options

The BiOrb 60 16 Gallon can easily handle cold water and tropical water fish (with addition of Heater Pack). The tank can also be converted to a full marine aquarium with the addition of the BiOrb Marine Conversion Kit, which supplies everything you need to keep small marine fish and creatures such as hermit crabs, shrimps and marine snails.

For those looking to setup an aquarium right out of the box, the BiOrb comes with everything you’ll need except fish and decorations. The BiOrb 60 is a good option for fish enthusiasts looking to keep setup simple and maintenance to a minimum.

And while the BiOrb 60 is a great place to start for beginners, the tank allows for more experienced fish owners to expand the capabilities of the aquarium through add-on kits and advanced lighting options. The Marine Conversion Kit is designed to provide all that is needed for a salt water tank setup and the optional intelligent LED light can replicate sunrise and sunset conditions for those that want to provide a natural lighting environment for their fish.

Aquarium Care & Maintenance

Filtration systems are typically the first place to look when considering the maintenance and care commitment a fish tank will need. Reef One with their BiOrb and BiUbe products is consistently one of the best manufacturers for filtration systems.  While any aquarium takes a commitment to regular cleaning and maintenance to maintain a healthy environment for your fish, the 5 stage internal filtration systems found on the BiOrb 60 makes maintenance considerably easier than many competing aquarium of this size.

BiOrb claims that their internal filtration systems have relatively more biological filtration than similar external filtration fish tank systems. While we cannot vouch for the effectiveness of the internal system in comparison to other external filter systems, the 5 stage system on the BiOrb 60 seems to work exceedingly well in our experience. We reserve judgment where external filtration systems are concerned only because there are some great external systems out there, such as the Eclipse systems by Marineland.  This is not to take anything away from the BiOrb aquarium systems, but we’re not ready to either confirm or deny the companies claims their internal filtration is superior to external filtration systems.

Aquarium Design & Appearance

Once again, the BiOrb 60 16 Gallon tank exceeds most competitors when appearance and design are considered. BiOrb does an excellent job of melding form with function in the BiOrb 60.

The aquarium is perfect for virtually any room of the house. While many aquariums tend to look a little boring without fish and decorations, the same cannot be said of the BiOrb 60. Even right out of the box, the design is stunning. The 60 is truly a fish tank that will add to any room to which it is added. A fish tank for an interior designer, or someone who appreciates a clean, aesthetically pleasing look.

Aquarium Reviews

What’s good about the BiOrb 60 16 Gallon?

• Great design and appearance consistent with entire BiOrb fish tank product lines
• 16 gallon tank allows for more fish than some of the smaller tanks
• Larger size allows for more types of fish, bigger fish
• Complete aquarium kit features everything you need to prepare your tank for your fish
• BiOrb 60 16 Gallon instruction manual includes FAQs, how to and recommended fish
• Biorb Plexiglas Acrylic is 10x stronger than glass
• The service kit filter system is easy to change and clean
• Versatility of use with cold water, fresh water or salt water setup capabilities
• Filtration makes maintenance easier than many equivalent tanks
• BiOrb’s advanced five-stage filtration system allows for a healthy, clear environment for your fish

What’s not so good about the BiOrb 60 16 Gallon?

• You’ll pay a premium for BiOrb quality and design
• Visible area of fish tank is smaller than a conventional rectangular tank due to curvature of orb shape

Fish Tank Review Summary

The BiOrb 60 16 Gallon tank is a great option for beginners looking for a slightly larger BiOrb tank than some of the smaller aquariums and experienced fish owners looking for a tank that can grow with their hobby alike.  A great internal filtration system, clean, attractive design and versatility of setup makes the BiOrb 60 16 Gallon a fish tank we recommend enthusiastically. For more information on the BiOrb 60 16 Gallon Fish Tank, click here.

 

 

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BiOrb aquariums are a stylish alternative to the traditional fish tank.
Reef One, the manufacturer of both the BiOrb and BiUbe fish tank brands, takes a slightly different approach to fish tank and equipment design.  The goal with BiOrb fish equipment is to provide the optimal living conditions for your fish without sacrificing design aesthetic.  The resulting fish tanks and supplies have become extremely popular with fish enthusiasts all over the world.

But is BiOrb right for you and your fish?

The following list should help you decide.  Here are four tips to choosing the right BiOrb tank for your setup.

1.) Understand what kind of fish you would like to keep in your fish tank, before you buy the tank

To those that haven’t kept fish before, this tip sometimes seems strange.  After all, as long as fish have water and a clean tank they should be fine, right? Wrong.  There are many considerations to keep in mind when selecting the fish you’d like to keep.

The first thing you want to keep in mind is that an overcrowded fish tank is an unhealthy fish tank.  If you want your fish to thrive in their new home, remember to keep a good balance of fish to the gallon size of the tank.  A good rule of thumb to go by is one inch of fish for each gallon of aquarium space.

The next thing you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing fish is that some grow more than others.  Seems simple, but many fish owners forget that the tiny fish they buy today, may double or triple in size very quickly.

Remember the rule about one inch of fish for each gallon of fish tank space? If you buy 10 inches of fish for a 12 gallon tank, chances are that within a few months you’re going to be pushing the limit of the tank.  This means dirty water due to overcrowding.  And dirty water leads to fish disease and unhealthy tank.

2.) Consider the choices and choose a setup that suits your experience level

Many first time fish owners believe the hobby to be low maintenance.  And although any aquarium, regardless of the complexity, needs frequent cleaning and care, it can be relatively easy, given the right setup.

Unfortunately, many first time owners become enamored with the more difficult aquarium options and choose a setup that isn’t optimal for their skill level. You can think of this as the “nemo trap.”

Everyone has seen finding nemo.  And pretty much everyone wanted to run out and buy a clown fish. The problem is, clown fish are salt water fish and require salt water setups. It happens that salt water setups are quite a bit more work than simple fresh water tanks. This is a perfect example of choosing the wrong first fish tank for your skill level.

3.) Choose the right tank based on your living environment

Fish, while relatively easy to maintain, require the right environmental factors to thrive. Obviously water conditions will be maintained by you, the owner.  But there are other things that you need to consider when purchasing your aquarium and fish.

The relative amount of sunlight, both direct and indirect, will have an effect on your tank.  You should make sure the tank is out of direct sunlight and receives only minimal indirect sunlight.  Bright sunlight can result in algae growth which can be difficult to deal with once it has set in. Higher than normal water temperatures can also result if your tank is not positioned to miss the direct light of the room.

You’ll also want to consider how the tank will fit with the design of the room.  Fish tanks, when properly positioned and carefully maintained, can become the centerpiece of a room. You’ll want to choose a tank that compliments the design, furniture and fixtures of the room in which you will put it.

There are many aquariums that will show off your fish.  So look around. If you are really looking for a conversation piece or design statement, BiOrb makes fish tanks and equipment that not only compliment your fish, but also fit in with your carefully designed interior.  BiOrb puts as much time into creating stylish products as they do quality aquarium setups.

4.)  Price is a consideration

You can spend a lot of money on fish and fish tanks. But you don’t have to if you know what to look for. To keep price relatively low, look for systems that include everything you need to setup your fish tank.  Starter kits are a good place to start and offer an easy and often cost effective solution for the novice fish owner.

Of course, you’ll want to purchase quality equipment that will provide the optimal living condition for you fish while also looking good enough to keep in your living room, kitchen or bedroom.
Keeping fish can be a fun and rewarding hobby.  And when it comes to maintenance, depending on the type of setup you decide to keep, fish tanks can be relatively easy. We recommend BiOrb tanks as a good solution for balancing a great living environment for your fish with a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing aquarium you’ll be proud to show off in your home.

But there are other manufacturers out there as well. Of course, different tanks are right for different fish owners. When making your purchase, take a look at the above four tips prior to buying a tank and make your decision based on what makes sense depending on the type of fish you want to keep, your experience level with keeping fish, the environment in where you’ll keep your aquarium and the amount of money you want to spend on you setup.

For more information on BiOrb and BiUbe fish tanks and equipment, click here.

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About the BiOrb 8 Gallon Fish Tank

The BiOrb 8 gallon fish tank combines an updated traditional fish tank look with a hi-tech filtration system built into the aquarium. BiOrb has designed this fish bowl to incorporate more sophisticated aquarium features, including the advanced five-stage filtration system. The fish tank is constructed of Plexiglas acrylic and comes complete with a halogen bulb equipped lighting system.

What Comes with your BiOrb 8 Gallon Tank

• biOrb 30 aquarium (8 gallon)
• 900g of ceramic media
• Standard freshwater filter cartridge
• Low-voltage Air Pump
• 12v Transformer
• Tap water conditioner and Beneficial Bacteria liquid
• Thermometer
• Printed documentation

BiOrb 8 Gallon Specifications

• Height: 16.5 inches (42 cm)
• Width: 15.7 inches (40 cm)
• Weight (empty): 12 pounds (1 kg)
• Weight (full): 68 pounds (31Kg)
• Volume: 8 Gallon (30L)
• 12v transformer
• Two connectors (light and airpump)
• 12 month guarantee
• Line voltage: 12V AC
• Frequency: 50Hz or 60Hz, single phase
• Maximum continuous power: 13W
• Complies with UL, ULC and CE safety requirements

Aquarium Setup Options

The BiOrb 8 gallon is perfect for a variety of tank setups. The tanks flexibility is one of its main strengths for fish owners looking for an aquarium that can handle various setups.

If you’re looking for a quick and easy aquarium setup, the BiOrb allows you to keep goldfish and other coldwater fish right away.

If you have tropical fish in mind that need warmer water, you’ll want to purchase a heater for your BiOrb 8 gallon tank. BiOrb makes a Heater Pack that will allow you to maintain a comfortable temperature for your tropical fish. Tropical fish that you might want to consider for your tank include mollies, barbs, tetras, guppies and swordtails. Temperatures between 72 °F to 78 °F (22 °C to 26 °C) will ensure that your tropical fish have the right water temperature to thrive in their new home.

The BiOrb 8 gallon can also be setup for salt water fish. With the addition of a Heater Pack and a Marine Conversion Kit, your tank will be ready to handle various types of small salt water fish and corals.

Aquarium Care & Maintenance

When looking at tank care and maintenance, the first place one should look is to the filtration system, if one is included with the aquarium. Reef One is consistently one of the best manufacturers for filtration systems. What this means to you is less maintenance due to enhanced water quality.

The BiOrb 8 gallon, as with many Reef One BiOrb tanks, includes an excellent filtration system. The filtration system features a unique five-stage system which combines biological, mechanical and chemical filtration ensuring that your fish tank’s water remains clean, clear and healthy between filter cartridge changes.

Along with the stylish looks, the filtration system design is done very well. The filter sits in the bottom of the tank and is barely visible, unless you really look. As the BiOrb 8 gallon is an orb, this keeps the 360? viewing angle remains unobstructed.

 

Aquarium Design & Appearance

While BiOrb manufactures quality tanks and filtration systems, the aquarium appearance is really where the 8 gallon differentiates itself from much of the competition. BiOrb and BiUbe tanks have become something of a fad amongst celebrities, and for good reason. The tank looks great, combining a traditional fish tank shape with modern design. While many fish tanks can be relatively boring in design, the BiOrb 8 gallon let’s you place it where you will, easily fitting in to a living room, kitchen or bedroom without sacrificing area interior design.

 

Aquarium Reviews

What’s good about the BiOrb 8 Gallon?

• Great looks, stylish design
• Complete aquarium kit features everything you need to prepare your tank for your fish
• BiOrb 8 Gallon instruction manual includes FAQs, how to and recommended fish
• Customization with different color hoods
• Biorb Plexiglas Acrylic is 10x stronger than glass
• The service kit filter system is easy to change and clean
• 8 gallon size is larger than some fish bowls while small enough to fit on most furniture
• Versatility of use with cold water, fresh water or salt water setup capabilities
• Filtration makes maintenance easier than many equivalent tanks
• BiOrb’s advanced five-stage filtration system allows for a healthy, clear environment for your fish

What’s not so good about the BiOrb 8 Gallon?

• You’ll pay a premium for quality and design
• Fish tank size limits number and size of fish
• Visible area of fish tank is smaller than a conventional rectangular tank due to curvature of orb shape
• Water will sometimes splash out the feeding hole on top of the tank

 

Fish Tank Review Summary

The BiOrb 8 Gallon tank is a great option for beginners and experienced fish owners alike. With its versatility, great filtration system, clean, attractive design and small footprint, the BiOrb 8 Gallon does a great job of balancing form with function. We highly recommend the BiOrb 8 Gallon tank.

For more information on the BiOrb 8 Gallon fish tank, click here.

 

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