BiOrb Fish Tank – Should You Consider One?
June 12th, 2010 | Author: admin


Ever wondered what the heck a biOrb fish tank is? Well, quite simply, a biOrb is an advanced fish bowl that is self contained meaning it includes everything you need to keep fish,  coral and other marine invertebrates  alive. Now as far as setting up a biOrb tank is concerned, you can go with either fresh water or marine, the choice is yours.  However for beginners we recommend fresh water just because it’s easier to set-up and maintain. If you do decide on starting a marine biOrb, there are marine conversion kits available which contains salt and other marine aquarium accessories. Also, you’ll need higher powered lights or LEDs  with a Kelvin rating of  5500 K if you decide to add live rock and coral. A basic biOrb starter kit will come with lights a filtration system, low voltage air pump, accessories, replacement parts and instruction manual.

biOrb Sizes

biOrb fish tanks are gaining in popularity with aquarium enthusiast because of their small size and lower maintenance over conventional aquariums. Biorb sizes range anywhere from 4 to 16 gallons. The smallest biOrb fish tank is usually displayed on desktops at home or in the office and support popular tropical fish like Betta Crown Tail or Guppies. The larger biorb tanks lend themselves well to the marine aquarium where you can host a diverse array of marine life. Fish like the Clownfish and Damselfish do well in a biOrb fish tank.

biOrb Maintenance

One of the best reasons to own a biOrb fish tank over a conventional tank is for it’s extremely easy maintenance. BiOrb fish tanks come with a five-stage filtration system including (biological, mechanical, chemical)  which keeps the tank very clean. All that is required of you is to change the filter which takes about two minutes tops. Changing the water is still necessary for your biOrb by replacing one third to half of the tank with new water once a week. By doing so, you shouldn’t have a problem with algae and bacteria forming on the acrylic and other decorative items in your the tank.

The Choice is Simple

If you are seriously considering on purchasing an aquarium,  especially if you are a beginner to the aquarium hobby, I highly recommend a biOrb fish tank. BiOrbs are highly versatile, can go pretty much anywhere you choose and literally take no maintenance compared to a regular aquarium system. Not to mention there is a large assortment of sizes even shapes that will fit just about any budget.

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Caulerpa Outbreak!
July 04th, 2010 | Author: guest

A couple of weeks ago, I got my new JBJ 6 gallon NanoCube. To start my nano reef tank I used Caribbean Live Sand and a couple of pounds of live rock, no fish. Unfortunately I didn’t realize the live rock had caulerpa, probably racemosa on it and now it’s starting to take over. I removed what ever I could by hand but there are still some on the rocks. I’ll get a clean-up crew with some crabs and turbo snails. Anyone else know what will get rid of this algae?

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Baby BiOrb Review
June 27th, 2010 | Author: admin

Convenient, compact and affordable the baby biOrb is a fish tank that will satisfy anyone wanting to get in on the fish keeping hobby. The baby biOrb, the smallest in a line of  biOrb fish tanks offered by Reef One is an all-in-one aquarium designed with all the latest technology. The baby biOrb utilizes a unique five-stage filtration system designed in such a way that keeps the tank virtually maintenance free. Decorations are also included and add a nice touch to the baby biOrb.

Not only is the technology simply amazing so are the many different biOrb designs. Reef One offers many biOrb designs to fit any home decor. The baby biOrbs’ design lends itself well to desktops and adds a nice touch as a centerpiece in the living room or dining room. The baby biOrb is also a very durable aquarium which uses shatter prof materials such as acrylic.

If your like me you’re probably worried about the added electrical cost associated with aquariums. Not with the biOrb. Of it’s many features, it includes  a low voltage pump that powers both the filter and aeration of the tank. The biOrb lights are also low wattage making the biOrb as energy efficient as other home appliances.

The baby biOrb makes our top pick as an affordable and  innovative home aquarium system that will certainly liven up just about any home.

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How To Choose The Right Fresh Water Aquarium Fish
June 25th, 2010 | Author: admin

Starting a new aquarium can be a fun and entertaining process. However, it can also become a challenge if this is your first time setting up an aquarium. Your best option as a beginner is to learn more about the fish you want to keep before making any equipment purchases. By doing so, you will save time, money and frustration.  In this article I’ll outline what you’ll need to do in order to choose the right fresh water fish. Rather than jumping into the hobby haphazardly by purchasing the aquarium first and taking a stab at what type of fish will go into it as most beginners do I’ll introduce you to a different approach.

Start by doing your research

The first step is to decide on what type of fish you would like to keep. This will boil down to the amount of time, commitment, money and patience you are willing to put into your new hobby. Different types of fish will require different levels of care. Some fish may require special care while others need very little care. The best way to research this information is to buy a book on tropical fish species and learn more about the specific fish you are interested in.

A good example of this is the difference between a Gouarmi and Discus. Discus is a species of Cichlid from the Amazon River which are highly desirable to keep as aquarium fish. However, the only drawback is that Discus fish are very delicate and have a low tolerance to fluctuations in water conditions making the Discus difficult to keep. Discus also carry a high price tag compared to other fresh water fish. On the other hand you have the Gouarmi an inexpensive species of fish that is able to handle new aquarium conditions and is the reason some aquarist use them as starter-fish.

Compatibility is key

The next thing you need to do is to make sure the fish you are interested in are compatible with one another. This is important because some fish are aggressive fin nippers and will likely kill other fish in the tank. A good example of this is the Mbuna Cichlids which are highly territorial. They will establish a pecking order in the tank and the dominant fish will make life difficult for weaker fish. The weakest of the fish often have damaged fins and usually die of stress.

Getting your aquarium

Once you have completed the necessary research on the type of fish you like, you are then ready to get the appropriate aquarium or biOrb fish tank. The main consideration here is to choose the right size tank for your fish. For example, if you purchase a baby biOrb or 4 to 6 gallon aquarium, you don’t want to put fish that are too large or fish that will eventually out grow your tank. You must also keep in mind that certain species of fish will require more space or a larger tank regardless of their size. Again, doing your research on the types of fish you want to keep will help you find the right size aquarium for your needs.

The type of fish you are interested in will ultimately determine the level of difficulty, care and expense you are willing to put into your new hobby. Following this simple guideline will help you avoid any unnecessary setbacks that cause new aquarist to give up.

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biOrb Care
June 23rd, 2010 | Author: admin

Taking care of your new biOrb is really straight forward. To get the job done right, you’ll need a few tools that are made just for the biorb which simplify the process of biOrb care.

1) BiOrb Cleaning Pump

2) BiOrb  service kit

3) BiOrb Cleaning Pads

To keep your biOrb looking its best, you’ll need to service your biOrb at least  once a week after it has been setup and cycled.

To start servicing your tank:

1) Replace the filter pad.

2) Take the biOrb cleaning pad and clean the inside of the bowl. You may also need to scrub the decorations.

3) Replace air stones if needed.

4) Remove and replace 1/3 of the water in the biOrb

5) Replace water with new water. Make sure water is treated with preparation chemicals from service kit.

Some other helpful tips:

To avoid accelerated algae growth, keep your biOrb out of direct sunlight.

Do not over feed fish.

If you are new to the hobby and have sick or dying fish or want to keep your fish healthy longer we recommend “Fresh Water Aquarium Secrets”

BiOrb care doesn’t take much time at all. Just get yourself into a routine of cleaning your biOrb regularly.

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All In One Aquarium Kits
June 22nd, 2010 | Author: admin

BiOrbs and biUbes aren’t the only players in the all in one aquarium market. Over the past several years the demand for all in one aquarium kits have increased. Because of this, various manufacture’s have stepped up to this challenge by developing innovative products that meet the needs of both new and experienced hobbyist.  No longer is it necessary to purchase aquarium equipment separately. These days, all you have to do is choose a model that is right for your needs and you are set. In this article, I’ll go over a few all-in-one aquarium kits that are just as versatile as the biOrb and biUbes. The kits I list here include all the latest technology, have everything you’ll need and will fit just about any budget.

The Oceanic BioCube

This is one of my favorite all in one aquarium kits. The Oceanic BioCube is available in three different sizes 8 gallon, 14 gallon and 29 gallon models. You can use this aquarium for both fresh or saltwater. However, the tank was mostly intended for salt water. Why? The BioCube includes many of the features you would find in marine aquarium systems. Ideally suited for nano reefs, the BioCube is able to support live rock and corals without adding any further equipment. All lights including the blue LEDs for moonlight are integrated into the hood. Other features of the BioCube include a built-in sump, viewable sump windows, dual cooling fans and high flow water pumps.

Oceanic BioCube HQI

The BioCube HQI Series takes it a step further by integrating a Metal Halide light fixture onto the hood. The metal halide light makes it possible to support a wider variety of organisms including small polyp stony (SPS) corals and Tridacna clams which demand high color temperatures. The metal halide light that comes with the HDI series BioCubes puts out 14,000K. Other components which separates the HQI Series from the standard BioCube is the built-in refugium chamber and protein skimmer.

JBJ Nano Cube

Another extremely well designed aquarium, the JBJ Nano Cube is a all in one self contained aquarium designed for the micro reef. With its filter chamber at the rear of the tank, the Nano Cube integrates a modular surface skimmer and sump combo plus a 3 stage filtration system. Lighting system consist of 24 Watt 50/50 CF Lamp + Remote Ballast and  two Nite Vu LED Moonlights. This 12 gallon glass aquarium provides panoramic viewing with rounded corners. All JBJ Nano Cube models come with two standard cooling fans. Sizes available in 6, 12 and 24 gallons.


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biOrb Decorations
June 21st, 2010 | Author: admin

BiOrb decorations come in a wide assortment of plants, rocks and ornaments. When decorating your biOrb, you’ll want to take into consideration the amount of space you have to work with, the type of fish that are going into the biOrb and whether or not you want to go with a completely natural look or a look that is unique to you. The decorations that come with a biOrb kit are meant for the basic set-up which is typical with all-in-one kits. However, many people divert from the basic set-up and customize their biOrbs into something totally different.

If your plan is to mimic the natural environment of the fish you are placing into the biOrb, there is a nice selection of plastic aquatic plants made just for the biOrb. Most of these synthetic plants are modeled after aquatic ferns and amazon sword plants found in nature. For the dedicated aquarist, you can even place live aquatic plants  such as the red wendtii crypt,  which makes a good beginner plant and is usually  available at your local pet store. The options to go with live or plastic will depend on the amount of maintenance time and dedication you are willing to put into your biOrb.

Creating a biOrb that is unusual isn’t too hard when there are neon colored plants, rocks, balls and ornaments designed to get your biOrb lots of attention, good or bad.

For gravel, the choices are basically unlimited as you can go with made for biOrb pre-packaged pebbles, pebble sculptures , feng shui pebbles or aquarium gravel from the pet store. If you decide to go with gravel from the pet store, be sure the gravel does not contain fine particles otherwise the filtration system may become clogged. Options for alternate filtration systems are available if you want to go with sand or other fine substrate. For more info, check out my post on alternate biOrb filters.

BiOrb ornaments add a whole new dimension to the aquarium and is really just a matter of individual taste. Treasure chest,  fake divers, volcano’s, anchor’s, etc. are all really at the discretion of the biOrb owner. Some take it over the top and add a combination of these ornaments while others prefer to be subtle and use just one to spice up a biOrb.

The possibilities for designing your own unique biOrb are limitless and will separate you from other biOrb owners. Below is just a small list of some of the more popular biOrb decorations.

biOrb Plants:

biOrb plant pack, blue/purple 2 plants

biOrb Autumn fern plans – 2 pack

biOrb Red/Pink plants – 2 pack

biOrb pebbles:

biOrb Decorative Feng-Shui Pebbles – Midnight Black

biOrb Decorative Feng-Shui Pebbles – Flame Red

biOrb Decorative Feng-Shui Pebbles – Jade

Ornaments:

Medium biOrb Pebble Sculture

Medium biOrb Corral Sculpture

Small biOrb Corral Sculpture decoration

biOrb Spanish Dancer

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biOrb Accessories
June 19th, 2010 | Author: admin

There are many different types of biOrb accessories. The most popular accessories are the replacement parts for the biOrb. Regular maintenance will require you to change out the filter cartridges every so often  and therefore you’ll need replacement filters. Mechanical and electrical parts do breakdown and because of this pumps, air stones, lights and filters are all sold separately for the biOrb and biUbe fish tanks.  Just about any type of biOrb accessories you can think of  is available for biOrb and biUbes, from cleaner pumps to tube guards. biOrb accessories such as the biOrb Intellegent 12 volt intelligent light are great for those who want a complete hands off 24 hour daylight moonlight funciton for their biOrb.

These are just some of  the items that can be purchase separately for the biOrb and biUbe.  These kits are necessary in keeping a healthy biOrb and biUbe aquarium. Below are accessories every biOrb owner should carry as either a emergency back-up or for replacing parts.

Heating:

biOrb Tropical Heater Pack

Maintenance:

biOrb Cleaning Pads

biOrb Cleaning Pump

biOrb Scratch Remover Polish Accessory Pack

Filtration:

biOrb Service Pack

biOrb Ceramic Media

biOrb No Algae Service Kit

biOrb 12 volt Air Pump

biOrb one way air valve

Lighting:

biOrb 12 Volt Intelligent Light

biOrb Light Kit 12 volt Blister Pack

biOrb Light Bulb Pack – Halogen 10Watt

Electrical:

biOrb 12 volt Transformer

Salt Water biOrb:

Marine Conversion Kit

Marine Service Kit

As you can see from the list, biOrbs and biUbes are not just some fad, here today gone tomorrow, but a growing market with many different types of biOrb accessories available that you would find with the more high end aquariums and tanks.

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Biorb Fish – Fish for a Biorb?
June 13th, 2010 | Author: admin

cichlid

Now that you have your new biOrb, you’re probably wondering what type of fish to populate it with. In this article, I’ll go over the many different types of fish and other marine organisms that will go hand in hand with your new biOrb.

Tropical Fish (Fresh Water)

There are many different species of fresh water fish that will make perfect biOrb fish. Really the only restriction to be concerned with is the size of the fish and the amount that are going to live inside the biOrb. You also need to make sure the species of fish are compatible with one another. As mentioned in the previous article, biOrb fish tanks come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For smaller biOrbs, like the baby biOrb, you should choose the smaller fish species such as Barbs, Tetras, Bettas and Guppies. Also, you don’t want to cram too many fish inside. Placing too many fish into a small biOrb all at once will cause high levels of ammonia which are deadly to fish. You’ll want to condition the water first, then add fish gradually. Personally, I have just a few fish inside my 4 gallon biOrb and everything is balanced just right.

For larger biOrbs, fish species like African Cichlids, can do very well and make great biOrb fish. However, even with a larger biOrb try not to place too many fish in the tank.

Marine Fish (Salt Water)

Marine fish will need a higher level of care and commitment than their fresh water counterparts. With that said, there are quite a few marine fish that are hardy and can adapt to the adverse conditions of a new aquarium environment. Knowing this will help you prevent marine fish fatalities and wasted money while you start your marine biOrb. One of the hardiest marine fish species are the Damsel fish. Because of this, Damsel fish are often the first choice among marine aquarist to start a new tank. My personal favorite is the blue and gold Damsel. The only drawback with Damsel fish is that they are very aggressive.  They usually pick on weaker fish so you must take this into consideration when mixing different marine species in a biOrb. Damsel Fish are found throughout the worlds coral reefs.

Other species that make good biOrb fish include, Clownfish, Pseudochromis and hermit crabs. All these fish, including hermit crabs,  are good starter fish because they too can tolerate new tank conditions very well.

Again, you will need to do is take the size of the biOrb into consideration when choosing fish. Damsels and Clownfish being the smaller species will go well with the  smaller biOrbs.

Salt water or Fresh?

So, should you go with Tropical or Marine fish? If you are a complete beginner my advice is to start with fresh water fish. Not only is it the least expensive route, it’s much easier to kick-start and maintain than a marine aquarium. However, if you  really want marine fish and even coral make sure you do your research and know everything there is to know about starting and maintaining a marine aquarium including fish care before jumping in. Doing so will save you a lot of time,  money and grief.

For more information on starting and maintaining a marine biOrb the right way, check out my article on  “Salt Water Aquarium Advice”.  If you need detailed expert advice on how to care for fresh water fish, we recommend you visit  “Fresh Water Aquarium Answers”.

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biOrb Light for the Marine Aquarium
June 13th, 2010 | Author: admin

hight intensity biorb lighBiOrb lights come in many different voltages and intensities. For tropical (fresh water aquariums) the standard halogen light that is included with the biOrb starter kit will suffice. However, in this article I’m going to discuss a biOrb light specifically for the marine (salt water) set-up. As with all marine tanks, the intensity and brightness of the light is key for the survival and growth of live rock,  coral and other calcareous organisms. Your goal for marine lighting is to simulate natural daylight.

Fish-Only or Reef biOrb

Firstly, you need to decide if you want to go with a fish-only biOrb or a reef biOrb. Lighting for a reef biOrb can be used for both.  If you are just entering into this hobby and plan on adding live rock or coral later after you’ve gained some experience with a marine tank, go with lights designed for reef.  Doing so will save you some money down the road. On the other hand if you only plan on setting up a fish-only biOrb, then you can definitely go with a less expensive biOrb light. Prices for higher intensity lights range in price from$40 to $150. Choosing the right biOrb light will dramatically enhance the fish’s natural colors resulting in a stunningly vibrant biOrb display.

Fish-Only biOrb

For those of  you who have no intention of running a reef biOrb and just want a fish-only setup, the biOrb Light Kit 12 Volt Blister Pack will do the job and then some. The Blister Pack produces white light similar to daylight at a low 12 volts. This light is compatible with 8 and 16 gallon biOrb and biUbes. With a fairly low price tag. it will definitely bring out the natural colors  in a fish-only marine tank.

Reef biOrb

If your planning to set up a reef biOrb containing both coral and live rock, your reef is going to need plenty of light. Corals especially will need a simulated 24 hour lighting cycle in order to thrive as they would in their natural environment. To accomplish this you’ll need a special biOrb light. The biOrb 12 Volt Intelligent Light contains 3 ultra bright LEDs that produces a color temperature of 6,500 Kelvin closely simulating daylight in tropical regions. This biOrb light also contains one blue LED for simulated moonlight. The biOrb light will closely emulate  sunrise, daylight, sunset and moonlight which in my honest opinion, is a very cool feature. A timer on the biOrb light will allow you to adjust the amount of daylight hours to your specific needs. There’s nothing complicated to set up, simply plug it in and the automatic timer will cycle at the same time each day.

Now that you are armed with this insightful information, you can now easily determine what type of lighting you’ll need to foster the growth of a healthy marine biOrb aquarium.

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BiOrb Filters
June 13th, 2010 | Author: admin

Depending on your set-up, fresh or salt water, the filter included with the biOrb kit is mainly intended for coarse gravel which is good if that is what you prefer. However, for a marine aquarium, the use of fine sand and live rock can easily clog the included filtration system. In this article, I’ll go over some alternative filtration systems that will work fine as biOrb filters if you decide on using sand.

Duetto Multi-Filter DJ-50

For medium sized (8+ gallons) biOrbs and biUbes the Duetto Multi-Filter DJ-50 is a 3 stage in-tank filter. This is a good alternative to the regular biOrb filters. It measures just 5 5/8”H x 1 ¾”L x 1 ½”W. This filter provides Mechanical, Chemical and Biological filtration in easy to replace cartridges. You can position this filter horizontally or vertically depending on the arrangement of your biOrb.

Duetto Multi-Filter DJ-50 Specs:

Height: 5.625”
Width: 1.5”
Length: 1.75”
Tank sizes: Up to 10 Gallons
GPH: Adjustable 18 to 55
Filter Replacement Type: Cartridge

Fluval U1 Series Under Water Filter

Fluval U1

Another option is the Fluval U1 Series Under Water Filter. It’s compact design allows the filter to fit in tight spaces which makes it a good option for possible biOrb filters. This filter uses a powerful 3-stage filtration and circulation system for hard-to-filter aquariums. It features a 3-way flow control spray bar that allows you to create water movement anywhere you need it. Filter replacement is easy due to its handy flip-top.

Fluval U1 Series Under Water Filter Specs:

Height: 5.75”
Width: 2.25”
Length: 2.75”
Tank sizes: Up to 15 Gallons
GPH: 65
Filter Replacement Type: Cartridge

I’ve just covered two possible solutions. However, there are a few more options out there that would make good biOrb filters.

Final Tip

When shopping for a in-tank or submersible filters, Make sure the filter will fit into your biOrb before making a purchase. You can do this by taking note of the measurements and verifying if those measurements are compatible with your biOrb. The filter should be able to fit inside the biOrb along with decorations, live rock and other items with plenty of space to spare. If you are still unsure whether or not the filter you have chosen will fit, your best option is to visit your local Aquarium Store and have them help you find the right filter.

Category: biOrb Filters  | Tags:  | One Comment
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