BIORB SETUP & GENERAL BIORB QUESTIONS
How do I set up and establish my biorb aquarium so it is healthy?
Should I put real plants in my biorb?
What type of plants should I put in my biorb?
Should I put artificial plants in my biorb?
Will I need to clean the whole aquarium?
What is the biorb airstone?
Can I wash the service kit sponge?
Does the biorb service kit (filter) contain activated carbon or Zeolite?
Do I have to keep the ceramic media provided?
Can I put aquarium gravel in the biOrb?
Will changing the biorb filter cartridge kill the filter bacteria?
Why do I have to keep the biOrb out of sunlight?
Can a heater be added to the biOrb to make it suitable for tropical fish?
Can I use a longer airline for my biorb?
How do I set up and establish my biorb aquarium so it is healthy? Back to top
Should I put real plants in my biorb? Back to top
There are several benefits to growing real plants in the aquarium. Plants feed off nitrate and phosphate, helping to keep levels low and algae at bay. They also provide hiding places for fish, add interest to their environment and a tasty snack for some fish.
What type of plants should I put in my biorb? Back to top
Unless you convert your aquarium for plant growth some species can be very difficult to grow. Trial and error is often the only way to find good plants for your aquarium. Try inexpensive bunches of hardy plants and stick with the ones that work.
Fast growing stem plants like Elodea densa or Cabomba aquatica, often sold as ‘goldfish weed’ or ‘oxygenators’ take in nutrients through their leaves rather than roots. They will fight with algae for food and cope with well filtered aquariums.
Generally, fish like to graze on soft, bright green plants. Tougher varieties, or fast growing plants usually withstand the attentions of fish, however, some fish will destroy any plant.
Very bright green or red plants generally need more specialist lighting in order for them to thrive.
Selecting several plants of different heights will add interest to the aquarium for you and your fish. Buy plants that are fresh and healthy.
Should I put artificial plants in my biorb? Back to top
Plants can be difficulty to grow and many people prefer to choose artificial aquarium plants. There are many to choose from, usually made from plastic or silk, and can look very realistic. Although they do not have the benefits of live plants, they never die and can be taken out and washed when dirty.
Will I need to clean the whole aquarium? Back to top
Providing you follow instructions with regard to feeding, fish selection, location and maintenance you should never need to empty and clean the aquarium. If you do ever need to do this you should keep at least 1/3rd of the old water and clean the ceramic media in dirt water taken from the aquarium (never clean ceramic media in tap water).
What is the Biorb air stone? Back to top
The air stone is the small white cylinder at the base of the biOrb. The air stone breaks up the air being forced through it into a stream of bubbles.
Can I wash the service kit sponge? Back to top
If the biorb filter sponge gets dirty before a change is due it can be washed. However the chemicals in the filter cartridge only remain ‘active’ for a limited period, after this period toxins, which have been absorbed, may be released back into the water. Therefore the cartridge should be replaced.
Does the biorb service kit (filter) contain activated carbon or Zeolite? Back to top
The biorb filter cartridge contains activated carbon and resins which should be removed before using aquarium medications. Leave the sponge in the cartridge to continue trapping dirt and replace with a new cartridge when the treatment period is over.
Do I have to keep the ceramic media provided? Back to top
The ceramic media provided with your biorb aquarium is essential for biological filtration. It is your fish’s toilet, bacteria will colonize the media and consume toxic fish waste making the water safer for your fish to live in. Without this, the water in your biorb aquarium would become polluted very quickly.
Can I put aquarium gravel in the biOrb? Back to top
Reef-One advises against putting gravel, sand or small stones in the biOrb. Gravel is likely to reduce filtration and may become lodged in the filter cartridge casing. However, if you do use other gravel of ceramic media in your biorb or biube, make sure it is big enough not to get stuck in the bottom of the aquarium.
Will changing the biorb filter cartridge kill the filter bacteria? Back to top
No. The filter cartridge provides mechanical and chemical filtration. Biological filtration is provided by the ceramic media therefore it is not affected by the biorb's filter cartridge.
Why do I have to keep the biOrb out of sunlight? Back to top
All round fish bowls have a magnifying effect. While this adds to their appeal, if placed in direct sunlight they produce a focal point of light that can scorch/burn materials and possibly cause fire. Direct or strong daylight can cause excessive algae growth and cause temperature fluctuations within the biorb aquarium making life uncomfortable for fish.
Can a heater be added to the biOrb to make it suitable for tropical fish? Back to top
A 50 watt biorb heater kit can be added to the biOrb with the aid of a Reef One Biorb heater stand. There is a snap out section in the light unit into which the cord can rest.
Can I use a longer airline for my biorb? Back to top
Anything longer than 3-5 meters will require a larger air pump. Always attach the new airline to the pump end of the existing airline, not the biOrb end. Trim the end of the tube you detach from the pump and use either a straight airline connecter, or better still a one way valve.
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