Total Beginner - Tank Advice Please

[lily1980]

Hi All

Myself and my husband have wanted a tropical tank for a while (neither of us has had one before) and we are trying to decide on the right tank for us. In an ideal world we would have a larger tank as I think they are better looking and I understand they are easier to maintian but we do not currently have the space for this. Currently the type of tanks we like are the Fluval Edge 46l or the Biorb (this is both from a size and look perspective). I've searched this forum and I'm aware that we would be limited with the amount type of fish we could put in these tanks - I'm also aware that some people really dislike these tanks but I'm not sure if that is because they are overpriced or if they are just not a healthy environment for fish.

From your experience, if you were having to buy a smaller sized tank what would you go for - what is best for the fish, easiest to maintain?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks
Lily

 

[New-FishBoy]

What size Biorb were you thinking of getting? As a rule in general, the easier tanks to maintain are tanks with more volume and tanks with bigger footprints (lengthxwidth). The bigger footprint plays a part because it allows more space at the surface of the water for gas exchange to take place. In your case, since you are restricted on volume, you want as big a footprint as you can get.

 

[lily1980]

Probably the 60l Biorb - but then I guess because of the shape of the Biorb that there would be less footprint so may be more difficult to maintain?

 

[New-FishBoy]

Well, with the extra 14l in the biorb, it would be easier to maintain. However, because of the less gas exchange in the footprint, you would not be able to keep as many fish.

 

[Essjay]

The biorb also restricts the kind of fish you can have. The small bottom area isn't suitable for bottom dwelling fish, and because the rocks on the bottom are part of the filter media where most of the bacteria live, you can't replace it with a smooth substrate that bottom dwellers need.
The other complaint I've heard of with both tanks, especially the biob, is that the small opening in the top makes tank maintenance that much harder.

 

[lily1980]

I think the Biorb seems to not be the one to go for. Maybe it is best to go for a rectangular shaped tank and perhaps the Fluval Edge 46l is also an issue as whilst is it bigger that the 23l it seems to be in height rather than width.

Are there any other smiliar sized tanks you would recommend?

Thanks again.

 

[DrRob]

Biorbs are somewhat difficult to maintain, although they do make quite a statement, as said above they limit the fish you can keep.

Aquaone make the aquastart range, which is far more practical, and the arcardia arcs are lovely bits of kit.

 

[delta]

What's the size of the space you have available for the tank ?

 

[fluttermoth]

Have you thought of looking at the new AquaNano 40, OP?

It's a 40cm cube, which holds 55l, so it's a nice size for a small tank and in it's favour are the really good filtration system, which is huge, and hidden in it's own compartment, where you can also hide the (included) heater and the fact that, as a conventional shape, you don't have to worry about poor gas exchange.

Of all the small tanks around (and I looked at a lot when I was wanting to buy one for myself last winter, and I speak as someone who's son owns an Edge, as well!) the AquaNano is the best thought out, from a fishkeeping point of view.

 

[lily1980]

Fantastic - I'll have a look at the Aqua Nano and the Arc - I really like the look of them too.

 

[vikkibanks]

personally i wouldn't have a biorb given to me, my parents have one and they have had nothing but trouble with there's from the very beginning .... took um 4 months to cycle it, then has soon as they added the fish the ammonia etc went off the scale and no amount of water changes fixed this problem, suffice to say the fish are slowly going down in numbers. I have the juwel 180l rio tank, and its SOOOO much easier to maintain and keep under control, the bigger( not height) the tank the more surface area.... = less problems and low maintenance ... takes couple of weeks to cycle , even through my cycle my levels were not too bad.


End of the day its up to the individual i guess, and what you like the look of, but i defo say the bigger the tank the better!!!