Biorb Aquarium – Product Review

If you want an aquarium which is easy to setup and simple to maintain then the BiOrb or BiUbe range of strong plexiglas acrylic aquaria are worth considering.

Everything you need arrives in the box. They come with everything that you need to quickly and easily put together a fully functional home or office aquarium. Only the fish are missing but full directions and even some fish food are included.

They have a unique and extremely efficient built-in five stage filtration system with a central air lift and a replaceable filter cartridge. Biological filtration on a large scale occurs in porous ceramic beads which serve as the substrate and which house vast numbers of the good bacteria which ‘cycle’ the aquarium.

Standard for most and an optional extra for the rest ‘Intelligent LED Lighting’ is very advanced. This light source replicates sunrise and sunset and after sunset it automatically fades into a monlight blue.

They even have plant rings available which are designed to go round the central filter tube and are an array of silk plants.

Accessories include tank stands, heater pack, digital thermometer, colour swaps, silk plants, a three stage timer and even a marine pack.

The Classic Biorb is globe shaped and the range goes from the ‘Baby BiOrb’ which has a capacity of 15 litres through a 30 litre and 60 litre to the newest arrival which has a massive 105 litre capacity.

The BiUbe range is not cube shaped as you might think but very elegant cylinders. They hold around 9 galls of water and come with either a coloured top and base or as the ‘BiUbe Pure’ which is made from completely clear acrylic.

The final set in the Biorb range is the square or rectangular ‘BiOrb Life’ series, they have a clear front and back and coloured opaque wrap around top, bottom and sides. Sizes range from a 30 litre square shape to two rectangular ‘Portrait’ tanks 45 litre and 60 litre capacities.

One criticism is that they are not cheap but the main criticism was that they are all quite small tanks and not able to hold a lot of fish of any size. The arrival of the BiOrb 105 has countered this criticism, 28 galls is a respectable size for any home aquarium.

John Thomson is an aquarium expert. Learn more about the BiOrb tank visit freshwateraquariumsecretsonline.com.

Before You Buy A Biorb Aquarium Read This

The BiOrb tank is perfect for a beginner aquarist who wants a bit of a helping hand with setting up an aquarium or for people who don’t have or don’t want to spend the time buying all the required aquarium peripherals and maintaining the tank afterwards.

The unique built in five stage filter system minimises maintenance and keeps the tank water crystal clear making the whole thing look stunning. In addition they come with special ceramic ‘gravel’ which is porous and is able to hold a very large number of the friendly bacteria responsible for keeping ammonia and nitrite levels down. Maintenance wise all that is necessary is to change the filter cartridge when specified and to change some of the water every month to keep down the nitrate levels.

The biggest thing to remember is that the BiOrb tank is totally made up of relatively small aquaria compared with normal size glass tanks. The biggest mistake that you can make with a BiOrb tank is to fill it with far too many fish, much more than the filter and aeration system can handle. In a baby BiOrb even one goldfish is too many and of course they don’t get any smaller. Fish size is not the only reason for suitability for these tanks, some fish prefer densely planted aquaria or plenty of open water.

To summarise, the advantages of these tanks are:

Good design and excellent lighting effects consistent through the whole BiOrb range
They have a small footprint
They come with full instructions and everything in the box
They are 10 x stronger than standard glass because they are made from plexiglas acrylic
They come with an easy change filter cartridge
The 5 stage filtration system keeps the fish healthy and reduces maintenance

and some disadvantages:

BiOrb quality and design does not come cheap
Fish choice and numbers are limited due to their small size
The top opening of the globe shaped tanks can make cleaning more difficult

In Conclusion

Taking everything into account there is no doubt that these aquariums look great, particularly with the special lighting effects provided by the intelligent LED lighting. Provided you take care not to overstock they certainly provide easy access to the wonderful world of owning a home or office aquarium.

John Thomson is an aquarium expert. For more information on the BiOrb fish tank visit freshwateraquariumsecretsonline.com.

Getting A Fish Tank – Have Fish Who Clean The Tank

If you are starting an fish tank then keeping it clean is an indispensable task that you are going to be spending heaps of time on. So, is filling it with fish that will keep it clean for you a viable proposition? Done properly and the maintenance will be minimal. Done badly and it makes no difference!

If you want the inhabitants of your fish tank to keep your tank clean for you, then you need to consider what aspects of your tank will need cleaning for you. These will include:

* cleaning algae from glass, ornaments, equipment and plants
* removal of dead plants (and dead fish!)
* removal of extra food
* cleaning out of the snails that manage to invade your tank

But it is not merely fish that you might use to do the job for you. Shrimps and snails could also be added to a community aquarium, and certain specialist tanks, to assist with the job. Not merely do they act as extraordinary cleaners, but they can be very interesting. And by using the correct snails (such as, Apple Snails), you will not be introducing a species that will in excess of run your aquarium. In fact with Apple Snails it is very straightforward to stop them breeding as they lay their eggs out of the water. You merely remove them when you see them.

So, what fish are you going to be looking at? There are a whole variety of species that can help, but if you look at algae eaters (look for fish with their mouths on the undersides of their heads) then straight away you know they will be eating the algae. They will also enjoy a snack on a dead leaf or animal, when they could. However, they wil as a rule not attack tank mates!

Corydoras, Bristlenose Catfish and other similar fish are all outstanding for this role. I really enjoy watching my fish of both of these groups doing their jobs and the Bristlenose are particularly good at cleaning the glass (along with the Apple Snails). If you are inundated with small snails then there are various loaches that will be your friend here. Clown Loaches are good snail eaters, but they grow quite large and need to live in a group, meaning that they are only suitable for larger tanks. For smaller tanks, a loach that is small and happy in pairs is better, or get an Assassin snail!

It is possible to help your aquarium stay a load cleaner by choosing specialist fish and feeding properly. But in the end, don’t forget that there is no replacement to proper maintenance.

By Keith Lunt. If you want to learn more about online pets pharmacy, just call over to the website!

Fish Tanks – The Key Items You’ll Require To Set Up A Fish Tank

A proper aquarium
Not a goldfish bowl or a brandy glass, you need a proper, dedicated, aquarium. One that has been built for the purpose of keeping fish. Only a dedicated aquarium will have the required seals to stop it leaking and keep it safe.

A filter
Under gravel, internal or external. Under gravel filters can be difficult to change, so for a smaller tank go for an internal filter, which hangs on the side of the glass, whereas for a larger tank an external filter is a must. These have much larger capacities than internal filters, are easier to change and should do the job much better.

A heater
Unless you are keeping goldfish (which should never be in a heated tank), you should have some suitable underwater heater to keep the water temperature steady and constant. What temperature will depend on your fish, several requiring a slightly higher temperature than others.

An air pump
Several filters have venturis fitted to them to add air to the outflow, however if the filter starts to run slowly then this does not produce enough air movement. So a simple air pump, with an air stone or similar to produce a curtain or steady stream of bubbles, is an important.

A tank scraper
Even with loads of cleaning fish, your glass might get dirty. Or if you are keeping egg layers they might lay their eggs on the side of the tank and you will need a scraper to remove them to a safer place. Either a magnetic scraper, or better still one with a holder for a sharp blade that can also be used to move and place plants in the bottom of the tank.

A background
They might look like they are there for a childish addition, but by putting a backing on the back of the tank you are giving your fish several privacy and actually making them more comfortable!

Gravel or sand
Several washed gravel or sand is needed to line the bottom of the tank. What you use will depend on how you want the tank to look and the needs of your inhabitants. But a layer of an inch or two will provide a beautiful base and somewhere for various fish to dig and even hide.

Plants
I do not like plastic plants and always go for the real ones. Yes, they might not last forever, but they help to keep the water clean by using the fish wastes as their own food! And feed them occasionally with aquarium plant food and they will last longer than you expect.

A gravel cleaner
All of that gravel and sand will not keep itself clean, you will need to syphon up the dirt with a special syphon. And not merely a piece of plastic – just the proper equipment does the job properly!

Written by Keith Lunt. If you want to know more about online pets pharmacy, just call in!

Related articles

• Techniques To Select Your Beginner Fish Tank
• How To Care For Tropical Fish Tanks
• Freshwater Aquarium Algae – Causes and Solutions

Techniques To Select Your Beginner Fish Tank

If you are thinking of keeping fish then one of the most important decisions that you will be making will be the aquarium that you will use. Out of all the equipment, it is the most difficult to change in the future. So, how do you select it and get it right?

Getting your choice of fish tank right is important. They are expensive and if in a few months you decide that you should have bought a different one, starting again can involve going back to basics.

So, what characteristics of your tank should you be looking for? Well for starters, consider:

* capacity
* shape
* depth
* access

Let me look at those in detail.

Fish tank Capacity
The bigger the better. Look at the space that you have available to you and work out what is the biggest tank that you might fit in that space. This is not being greedy – it is looking after your inhabitants the best.

The reason is that the bigger the capacity the less percentage damage is done when something goes wrong. Add an extra algae pellet in a goldfish bowl and the water will be ruined. Add some extra in a 6 foot tank and the effect is minimal. Likewise, if your air supply, filter or heater stop working then the extra capacity will mean that it is longer before the levels go bad.

Depth
Whilst a very tall, narrow, columnar tank might look impressive, does the depth of the tank match what you want to be keeping in it? If you are keeping Corydoras, for example, they cannot thrive in a deep tank. These extraordinary little fish, whilst being bottom dwellers, need to dash to the surface every so often. Likewise a heavily planted tank with live plants just growing off the gravel might look empty on top. Think around what you want to put into the tank and research the suitable depths.

The Shape
Within reason, capacity and depth will have limited your choices of shapes, however there are still plenty of choices to think around. Probably a corner tank, or one with a bevelled front? Tanks with rounded panes of glass might be a lot more difficult to clean with your magnetic algae scraper, whilst depending on your room shape and access around the tank, a square or corner fish tank may be best.

Access
You will need to be able to reach into the tank to clean it, feed your fish, maintain equipment, remove dead fish and plants, reorganise ornaments and so on. Look at the hood and how easy it is to remove. Think around how you will reach in when you need to and what happens when (as you will) you drop something down the back of the tank and need to retrieve it!

Written by Keith Lunt. If you want to know more about online pets pharmacy, just call in!

Related articles

• Freshwater Aquarium Algae – Causes and Solutions
• How To Care For Tropical Fish Tanks
• Fish Tanks – The Key Items You’ll Require To Set Up An Fish Tank

Great Tank Friends For Bettas

This article goes through fish that definitely should not be joined with betta fish, as well as several sea life that may work. If you are searching for the best sea life that can stay with your betta fish, Sea Creatures that can Live with a Betta. A lot of people mistakenly think that goldfish or other sea creatures are acceptable tank mates. Unfortunately, betta fish have very specific requirements that determine which sea life they can share a tank with. For example, while they will not attack a goldfish, goldfish prefer cooler water and produce a lot of waste, making them a poor choice of tank mate for your betta fish.

Most of the sea creatures talked about below are incorrectly thought to be a good match for bettas, but are not for these reasons:

- they need a different water temperature than a Betta

- they require a different pH balance

- they produce too much waste to keep your tank clean

- they are too active and will keep your betta on edge

- they may attack or bite your betta

This compilation of sea life may be alright to stay with a Betta:

Zebra Danios

Zebra Danio is a sturdy creature that can handle some betta antagonism. Despite this, they may annoy or nip at your betta, so aren’t a great match. Additionally, they enjoy a school of similar fish and thrive in a cooler water temperature. If you do choose to pair them with your betta fish, make sure your tank is big enough!

Wild or Feeder Guppies

These Guppies are dull colored and timid, so can be a terrific match for your betta. However, attempt to stay away from the vividly colored Guppies with flowing fins, such as Fancy Guppies. Your betta may feel competitive with him and start to attack.

Neon Tetras

Neon Tetras thrive in warm, acidic water and plants, so enjoy identical tank environment as betta fish. They are a fish that prefer a school of friends that prefer larger groups, and could also occassionally bite at your betta fish’s fins. Therefore they sometimes are a good match, and sometimes are not – it’s best to examine how your betta fish reacts as soon as you add a Neon Tetra prior to pairing them permanently.

Rasboras

Rasboras are similar to Neon Tetras in that they love similar tank conditions but are a creature that needs more of their own species to be happiest. Their high activity level means they are far from perfect tank mates, but in a sizeable tank the match could work.

Listed here are sea life that really shouldn’t cohabitate with your betta fish, despite what you may hear from others:

Gouramis or Cichlids

Gouramis and Cichlids share a lot of the same traits as bettas, but are unfortunately also a very combatitive and territorial fish. Therefore, it is wise to keep them away from your betta fish.

Chinese Algae Eaters

When they are small, these creatures are ok to match with your betta fish. Unfortunately, when adults they turn aggressive and territorial, and will also be too big to place in the same tank as your betta.

Platys

Platys will frequently bite betta fish. They also enjoy a higher pH. Generally, they are a bad mate for both their temperment and their water requirements.

Goldfish

Goldfish are usually believed to be a great tank companion for betta fish, but they really are not. They love colder water, which your betta will not enjoy, and to top it all off they generate lot of waste and can really dirty your tank. These conditions will shorten the life expectancy of your betta fish by a great deal.

Two great posts that will assist you to prevent, spot and administer medicine to any betta fish illnesses are Betta Fish Illnesses.

Helpful Tips for Choosing a Healthy Betta Tropical Fish

For anyone who considers themselves Tropical Fish Tank enthusiasts you should be familiar with the very popular tropical fish called the Betta or also known as ‘The Fighting Fish”. Without a doubt this is the most popular and common fresh water tank fishes that is available on the market. It is a common occurrence for people just starting out in this very popular hobby to start with their first fish being a Betta tropical fish. Along with its popularity it is also one of the easiest fish to take care of and its beauty is unsurpassed.

If you decide to go ahead and purchase a tropical fish for your tank and you decide on a Betta tropical fish, don’t put another Betta in the same tank. This is because Betta’s are a very aggressive and territorial fish and they will attack each other, sometimes there battles will be to the death. You especially do not want to put a Betta in the same tank with other aggressive fish. However there are times you can place some Betta’s with other fish that are peaceful.

By choosing a healthy Betta tropical fish, you should have years of enjoyment. The reason behind this is because its lifespan would be much longer. Now some helpful tips that should aid you in searching for a healthy Betta fish would include checking out the cleanliness of the pet store where you plan to purchase your fish. Try to look around and see if the place is clean and if the other animals being sold at that store are well taken cared of. Take a look at the cages also if they are clean then try and get an idea of how the people that work there feel about the animals.

If the store seems clean, and the employees look like they take care of the animals under their care. Next would be to check the cleanliness of the aquariums. Is there a brown and green substance (which is algae) on the glass? Are the fishes happy, healthy and swimming around? If you see these aquatic creatures simply sitting at the bottom of the tank or gasping for air, this is not a good sign. Make it a point too, to ensure that the areas where they bag the fishes are very clean. Most of the time many people miss this – which should not be the case.

As for the appearance of the Betta tropical fish, their color should be bright and lively. Make sure too, that there are no tears in their fins and examine the fishes in a well lighted area. Make it a point that the eyes are clear and not bulging. Above all you want to avoid anything that looks like cotton or crystals that look like salt.

If the environment and the fish pass all of these with flying colors, then you can happily purchase the Betta fish and start taking care of it in the comforts of your home.

Are you a lover of Tropical Fish Tanks? The first step is picking out a healthy Betta Tropical Fish which makes it easy from the beginning to enjoy your hobby. Learn all of the tips and find out all of the secrets that make this hobby more enjoyable and rewarding? Visit=>
Tropical Fish Tank Secrets

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• Tropical Fish Information – All About Classification
• 3 Freshwater Tank Fish For Tropical Aquariums Described
• 3 Tropical Freshwater Fish That Are Great For Your Aquarium – B to C

How To Care For Tropical Fish Tanks

If you are one of those individuals who enjoy the type of pets that you can hug, cuddle and play with, such as cats, dogs and even birds, then you might wonder why tropical fish tank lovers are so into their aquatic pets given that they can’t even walk them, hold them, or take them out.

As someone who used to think that way, I have become a convert. I still love my furry friends but acquiring an appreciation for aquatic creatures gave me a sense of joy, tranquility, peace and a sense of accomplishment – after all, I did become more responsible when I started my tropical fish tank hobby.

Now if you are a lover of nature, this is definitely a fun hobby to have. Your tropical fish tank will bring you much closer to nature – in the sense that you can imagine how the ocean or sea probably looks like with all those wonderful creatures underneath it. Blue and crystal clear waters topped off by beautiful and vibrant colors of water creatures swimming around and enjoying the environment that you have created for them is pure bliss. The feeling of delight and pride will overwhelm you.

There too many reasons to even count why fish lovers enjoy taking care of their aquariums and underwater life. Above all the beauty and sense of peace that is created in this enviroment. It also allows you to relax and explore the depths of your mind and some even find themselves having this feeling of connection towards nature and life.

Now to truly enjoy and appreciate your new hobby, as a beginner, it is best to start with a fresh water fish tank since this is easier to maintain and take care of. Some of the more common and easier fishes to care for would include the Beta tropical fish, Guppies, Neon Tetras, Danio fish, Gourami fish, Bristle nose Catfish, and Cory Catfish – just to name a few.

When it comes to the things you need to consider when starting this hobby, you need to know the basics such as the right tropical fish for your tank, knowing the correct tropical fish temperature, and knowing how to set up your aquarium properly. Other things that you might want to consider when it comes to your tropical fish tank hobby would be how to add your fishes, having ample knowledge on fish diseases, and how to treat these diseases. Moreover, you can also try to learn how to take care of your aquatic friends when you are away.

As for your aquarium, you need to consider things such as having knowledge on community tanks and pumps while having a routine schedule for your tank. You should also know how to solve water problems and how to do tank maintenance. Moreover, you need to consider how to maintain your tank when you are away on vacation. Aside from that, you should also have an idea on where to place your tank and your water setup among many others.

Now if you already have these covered, you are more than ready to start this new and wonderful hobby! Have fun so that you can make the most of this wonderful experience and try to not take it too seriously. Once you have started down this path you will never be able to turn back – setting up and acquiring your aquarium and aquatic creatures respectively!

There is no better enjoyment in the world than to sit and watch your Tropical Fish Tank. Do you want to learn the secrets that will make this hobby more enjoyable and prolong the health of your tropical fish? Visit=>
Tropical Tank Fish

Related articles

• Tropical Fish Information You Need to Know – All About Classification
• Tropical Fish Information – All About Classification
• 3 Freshwater Tank Fish For Tropical Aquariums Described
• 3 Tropical Freshwater Fish That Are Great For Your Aquarium – B to C

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