Biorbs...

[jennybugs]

...don't laugh...anyone got one? www.biorb.com

I'm a prospective newbie and am thinking of getting a Tropical BiOrb 30 to start me off gently, having had 'goldfish' when I was younger.

Just wondered if anyone has one and what their opinions are/were of it?

Thanks

 

[OohFeeshy]

My opinion- spend your cash on a proper tank While marketed as 'easy' and 'stylish', the huuuge price tag, tiny volume and maintenence problems means you're far better off with a rectangluar tank. A 30l tank isn't large enough for most fish, add to that the Biorb is round (so lower surface area and less swimming room) and has a sharp substrate (so no bottom feeders or fish with delicate fins), you end up with a choice of.... almost nothing.

 

[celaeno]

good luck cleaning algae off the inner surfaces of the bio-orb!

 

[lozronz]

I never think you can see the fish that well unless they are right in the middle, it bugs me trying to see what they are upto and I imagine it would stress the more timid fish being totally exposed from all angles.

Jump in at the deep end! (No pun intended!) Get a four footer and make it a proper feature in a room! The bigger they are, the easier they are to keep.

 

[celaeno]

The bigger they are, the easier they are to keep.

and the higher the water bill!

 

[lozronz]

Have two less baths a month!! Or turn the tap off when your cleaning your teeth apparently we waste 13 litres a day doing that!

 

[adamgreen240]

Have two less baths a month!! Or turn the tap off when your cleaning your teeth apparently we waste 13 litres a day doing that!

biorbs are rubbish

get a proper tank

 

[J4MES]

Biorbs are NOT rubbish. They are great if you are restricted for space etc. Biorbs are in my opinion easy to clean and look good when properly cared for.
There are hundreds of options for a 30l aquarium.

platys
corys
tetras
guppys
rasboras
bettas
tiger barbs
dwarf gouramies
chocolate gouramies

The list goes on....

I agree a rectangular aquarium is more versatile and in some cases, easier to care for. I have the 60l Biorb and so far have had zero problems with it.
So lets say you get one.
Fish:
2-3 platys
4-6 tetras
3 corys.

Or you could go for a Species setup.
There are plenty of options to choose from.
BiOrb 4/5 (loses a mark for lack of people noticing how good it is.)

J4MES

 

[jennybugs]

Thanks for the honest opinions! It's good to hear mixed views

I am akin with J4mes opinions (as a starter tank). I am initially looking for a few small fish...tetras or the like...I haven't the room for a 4 footer Lozronz, much as I'd like to, and I shower rather than bath, with a friend if possible, as it's more 'water friendly'

 

[cheesy feet]

I would have to agree.I think its cruel to keep almost any fish in a 30L.Plus you would have to do very regular Water changes

 

[jennybugs]

I'm not planning a massive community of fish...just a few to start off.

 

[SuperColey1]

I think for the price that a Biorb 30 is, and the shape of it (viewing through the glass is not great) you could get a 60 or 70L kit with filter, heater, and extras. They only have virtually the same footprint size, and are much easier to handle, and look better, and the glass doesn't distort the fish. (Or you coul get a 125Ltr for about £120 brand new)

Much cheaper to buy a tank off ebay, and then clean it!!!

 

[n3ont3tra]

platys --too big, too active
corys --sharp substrate hurts their barbels
tetras -- not much room for a proper school
guppys -- too active... reproduce like crazy
rasboras -- too active, no room for a proper school
bettas -- sharp substrate could tear their fins
tiger barbs -- need at LEAST a 30g tank.
dwarf gouramies -- Are very prone to illness these days, even if you get a healthy one, it's still not much space
chocolate gouramies -- fussy about water quality, not good for a small tank

Sure, you could get it to work with some fish, but they'd still be happier with a longer tank. 10g are good for beginners that don't have much space. But remember -- bigger is better for a first tank. Get the biggest tank you can afford and accommodate.

 

[mark.w.jones]

Fact: Back in the eighties Biorb used to make those cool lightning balls that were attracted to your fingers.

 

[dwarfgourami]

Not everybody can have a 4 footer, obviously, but if you are going to go for a 30 ltr, a rectangular 30 ltr will still allow more fish (greater surface area+ more swimming space) and be easier to maintain, so I'd go for that. A 60 ltr is even better if you can manage it- that's 2 foot x 1 x 1, and will give enough room for most small community fish. A 30 ltr is really only suitable for what you might call nano fish: microrasboras (not the common harlequins), endlers, pygmy corydoras, sparkling gouramis, male guppies, certain gobies, and of course the ubiquitous betta. Also shrimps or African dwarf frogs (in the rectangular, that is).
Whatever you do, please ignore the suggestion of tiger barbs- IMO it is cruel to keep this active and boisterous fish in anything this small.