BiOrb Cleaning and Mods
Several months back I finally broke down and got a BiOrb for my desk. I had been wanting one since I first saw them online a few years back. For those that have no idea what I am talking about, it is aquarium made by Reef One. It is actually pretty high construction and I have been happy with it. It pimps out any computer desk in style, and makes for a nicer look that a standard tank on the desk. The whole pitch that they sell you on is its super low maintenance. All they direct you to do is a small water change every week or two and replace the filter every 3 months. There claim is actually true and it is extremely low maintenance to keep. With all things though there is always something you would like to change about it. Today I had to get another filter for the tank and decided to opt out and just clean the filter that came with it under the tap. I can’t imagine this will be bad as it looks just the same as any other foam tank filter (mind you it is a circle). Because I was in the pet store though I decided to pick up some small things for it. The first thing I picked up was a Check Valve for the air pump. I keep the orb on my desk above my computer so it kinda worried me that there was a tube with the potential of splashing water all over the computer.
The check valve was a pretty easy install and just creates a one way flow. Air can go out but water can’t come back. This makes me feel some what better about the whole setup and I really think it should just be included with any air pump.
The last thing I got was an acrylic scrubber by Top Fin. I was kinda worried about what to use on the orb and didn’t want to scratch it all up. Reef One sells what look like wet naps to clean it, but the price was a little to high for my liking. The Top Fin one cleaned up the side in no time and didn’t make any marks on the tank at all.
July 1st, 2007 at 6:12 pm
Dumb question: Where did you get your BiOrb? I’m not sure where they sell them in Canada (I’m in Toronto)…
Thanks!
November 30th, 2007 at 11:25 am
I ended up picking it up at Petsmart
March 4th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Good thinking, the filters cost an arm and a leg, so i had wondered if cleaning the foam would work. Would you say it did?
March 9th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
Yah it works but I still get a new one every now and then. You have to clean the tank more often, cause the chems that ome on it dont stick that long.
June 13th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
when u have a biorb and u get a water pump with it can u just place it on a desk and it the wire just come on the base and beable too plug in
June 14th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
the tube for the air is actually in the base and comes out the back. I am not sure if this answers your question or not?