Bi-Orb Fish tanks.....

[dan1981]

Anyone got one?

Sort of self contained self cleaning fish tank. Thinking of getting one.

Do they use alot of electricity etc etc are they any good?

Dan

[ali_kat]

Not a clue, but I keep looking at them so watching this for answers now too

[Nolar Dog]

Used to have a couple.

The 30ltr one with tropical fish in and a 60ltr one with coldwater fish in.
Never noticed howe much electricity they used, same as any tank I assume?

They look great and the fish seemed healthy. Not an expert though by any means.

[ali_kat]

Are they cat proof?

[dan1981]

Normal cat or Ali Kat proof?

[Six Fiend]

I've got one same as pic above. It's not totally self cleaning, needs filter change and some of the water every 6-8 weeks (depends if you have fish who crap lots).

My guppies are very happy little chappies and it makes a great feature at night with the light on.

The pumps can get a bit noisy but over all I like it lots

[Nolar Dog]

ali_kat said:

Are they cat proof?

Yes. It would take a very clever and determined cat to get the lid off.

[clarkmagpie]

the new square ones look rather swanky

[Mark300zx]

They are generally not recommended in fishkeeping circles, some fish do not like the distortion of vision the circular bowl gives them and keel over and die, also the surface area needed for oxygenating the water isn't great either. There are some other tanks available that look pretty funky but don't have the disadvantages that this type have!

[ali_kat]

Nolar Dog said:

ali_kat said:

Are they cat proof?

Yes. It would take a very clever and determined cat to get the lid off.

You mean like a Burmese/Siamese cross?

My two can open closed doors, the type with round doorknobs

[Gretchen]

My friend had one of these, she loved it, was very impressed and it looked really good...



Until all the fish died within a few months. Then it looked a bit rubbish if i'm honest.

[Garlick]

I've had a cylinder biorb for years to house my two goldfish. The fish are now 11 years old so they seem to like it.

Not exactly maintenance free, but easy enough. Pumps fail every year or so, but are 15 quid to replace.

Couple of tips, keep away from too much sunlight otherwise algae becomes an issue and replace air stone fairly regularly

[ukwill]

I like the look of the BiOrb Life http://www.reef-one.com/biOrb-Life

I've never kept fish before though and don't have the slightest idea about fish maintenance. That's what kinda stops me from getting one. If it were relatively straight forward I'd get one I think.

Edited by ukwill on Sunday 8th February 14:22

[Jasandjules]

They just seem a bit small to me for a fish.

[Puff Puff]

I saw them this afternoon in Dobbies Garden Centre (only car park still with some snow) They come in various sizes but even the largest I saw didn't look very big. I'd rather have a rectangular tank, was quite tempted today but OH not keen - yet...

[Furyous]

Not really a fan of them. With the spherical nature, you dont get to view the fish properly. Need to be very carefull on stocking density too.

For costings, see here :
Electricity cost calculator

[dan1981]

Cheers guys.

I do like them - hadn't seen the square ones before - like them too.

The missus won't let me have a cat so goldfish it may be......

[n3il123]

Had one for about 2 1/2 years with the same 2 fish in it.. all going well.. change the filter, stick a bit of cleansing stuff in, all good... look quite happy for goldfish

[g3rrd]

dan1981 said:

Cheers guys.

I do like them - hadn't seen the square ones before - like them too.

The missus won't let me have a cat so goldfish it may be......

That is not very fair. You should be allowed to have your own pet, afterall she has hers...

[dan1981]

g3rrd said:

dan1981 said:

Cheers guys.

I do like them - hadn't seen the square ones before - like them too.

The missus won't let me have a cat so goldfish it may be......

That is not very fair. You should be allowed to have your own pet, afterall she has hers...

Go on then...