Biorb Life 15L Portrait

[Nstocks]

Hello,
 
I'm looking at getting back into fish keeping, having had a 100L tropical tank as a teenager and learning a lot about them. (I also heavily researched marine tanks but cost got in the way)
 
I'll admit  'traditional' fishtanks don't interest me  - Reef one have expanded their range a lot since I last remember and the portrait 15L suits my budget, space and design. (as a designer myself!)
 
My question is, would stocking it with a few plants and 3-5 guppies (or tetras) be a good idea? I know there is controversy about these tanks related to the surface of the water where most gasses escape and I know they can be adopted. 
 
It's not something I'm going to rush into (visiting a fish store at the weekend to see if they still appeal to me) and researching all the requirements is of the utmost importance to me - I know many 'newbies' just cram in all the pretty fish and hope they survive.
 
Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[Mamashack]

hi Nstocks and

to TFF!
Can't keep much in a 15L apart from maybe a few shrimp and/or snails. Far too small for any fish tbh so you'll need a bigger tank if you really want fish. Apart from being too small for fish, it's also difficult to keep a small tank stable. Much better to start with a bigger tank as any mistakes are diluted by the larger volume of water.
Be wary of what your LFS advises - most are more interested in getting you to part with your money than giving sound advice. That's one reason why forums like this are in existence.
Glad you have decided to research before buying as it can save a lot of heartache later.
Invest in a liquid test kit and check the pH of your water supply, then try to choose fish to suit your water rather than trying to make your water suit the fish you think you want.

 

[TallTree01]

Yeah, no fish in a 15 liter, a biorb especially.
I want to advise against them. I've had biorbs and slowly moved them all out my house

They cannot compete with a well scaped traditional aquarium. Their filters are rubbish. Really, rubbish. Their lights struggle to keep any but the most basic of plants alive and the acrylic is a pain.

 

[Ch4rlie]

Hmm, I used to have a BiOrb Flow 15l for the intention of setting up a shrimp only tank.
 
While the design of the tank is aesthetically pleasing to look at and does look good in most homes. The actual design of the filtration system leaves something to be desired to be honest in regards to using any other substrate other than the rock media that is provided.
 
Here is a link to one of my threads that will explain more about the filtration system, particularly the last page of that thread.
 
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/424592-biorb-flow-15-litre-shrimp-tank/
 
Hope that helps.
 
BTW this is the same filtration system on all the BiOrb tank designs available. 

 

[Nstocks]

Thanks for the replies!
 
I agree that with 15L shrimp and plants are the only option really and looking at cherry shrimp I think I'd be happy with that! 
 
Main problem is the filter, where I don't really want the rocks that come with the Biorb, but instead black gravel for some contract between a white tank red shrimp and green foliage....
 
Hmmm, it makes me wonder how people convert these things to marine! They must have a sump to at least try and filter the water better. (in addition to rocks). I really wanted one for my desk in my bedroom - they seem peaceful and interesting but I don't want to wind up with having to buy new livestock or worse, not using the tank at all. 
 
Is there anything similar to biOrb that would work better, that has an internal filter, similar design and not too expensive? Also with regards to the design, are lids inhibiting to the quality of filtration? Since it;s on my desk in my bedroom I'd really prefer a lid to keep the noise and any splashes out. 
 
I've seen a few of these around but I'm not sure if the filtration is much better than the biOrb and admittedly I would prefer a taller tank due to space limitations. (which I know may not be as good as a wider tank)
http/www.completeaquatics.co.uk/fluval-edge-23l-white

 

[TallTree01]

If you really like the orb design but find the filtration undesirable, throw it out.
Rip out the filter and put in a nice internal.

 

[Nstocks]

Slightly off topic but if these were half the price, I'd rather have one tbh. http/www.biorb.co.uk/products/terrariums/biOrbAIR
 
I've been looking around but there is nothing that comes close to this (that is available to purchase). I could probably buy any of the biOrb tanks and convert it by removing the filter and just adding plants.
 
Hmmm, I think I need to see one of the tanks in person first... I have just built a mockup though haha!
 
https/www.dropbox.com/s/j60cuvfiu8i83de/photo.JPG

 

[Ch4rlie]

£400 for that BiOrb Air  Ridiculous price!
 
I like TT suggestion of removing the central air filter that comes with the biOrb but finding a filter that fits and looks good may be troublesome....
 
Maybe a nano external filter might be good.

 

[Nstocks]

Does anyone know of a internal submergible (tiny) filter for the Life 15Litre? Could adding a more powerful air pump provide better filtration?
 
EDIT: I've found this: http/www.rocketaquatics.co.uk/Aquael-Fan-Filter-Micro.html
 
Also if I use a internal filter, I understand I can remove the Cylinder and provided ceramic media? By replacing the ceramic media I would have better options for plants too.
 
Any recommendations for a tiny heater too since too much heat can kill shrimp. 

 

[TallTree01]

Seeing as they're only a few shrimp, I think just a basic sponge driven filter would suffice.
For heaters you should get the smallest you can find, generally 5 watts is as small as they make them.