Everything Biorb Blog – Articles, Video's, & How To's

Fish tanks require several different components, before you can actually add the fish to the water. Starting with a tank, you will need to look at hoods, lights, and filters. Talk with the salesperson about your options, or check them out online.

Gravel is perhaps the most beneficial substrate for fish, because it can help maintain the bacterial colonies that balance the pH level for the fish. Live plants can also keep nitrogen and carbon dioxide levels down while keeping oxygen levels up.

A tank heater needs to be purchased for the right size tank, because some of the smaller heaters can only manage small tanks and a large heater might overdo it in a small tank. A thermometer can be placed on the side of the tank or inside the tank on the floor, depending on the type you prefer.

A water vacuum will be necessary for those usually monthly cleanings. These do not need to be fancy or expensive and are very easy to use.

Also, for catching the fish and taking them out of the tank while you clean, you should consider a fish net and a small fish bowl with a narrow neck (because they tend to jump when stressed). Finally, use water conditioner to treat the water and ensure it is ready, with pH testing strips, before you risk putting any fish in.

The freshwater tank is the most common variety of aquarium setup. For those who have freshwater biorb tanks, cleaning and maintenance can be relatively simple, as long as you start with a quality filter.

The filter should be selected for the larger range of tank sizes. For example, if you have a 20-gallon tank, you could choose between the 10-20 gallon filter and the 20-30 gallon filter. Choosing the filter that can handle more means you’ll have a cleaner tank for longer.

Gravel in the tank helps maintain healthy bacteria in the water. Bacteria may sound undesirable, but the bacterial colonies that dwell in fish tanks actually help balance the pH in the water to the level that your fish need in order to thrive.

To clean your tank, take out all of the decorations and clean them with a toothbrush and warm water. Remove the visible algae without using soap or anything that can affect the pH, when you put it back into the tank. Next, do the same with any larger rocks. Then, scrub the glass where needed, with the same toothbrush.

The gravel may be looking pretty dingy, but resist the urge to take it all out and replace it. Instead, keep the bacteria there while removing most of the waste using a water vacuum. These little hand-pump tubes are easy to use.

Pump the tube part of the vacuum up and down in the water, away from the fish, until the water starts coming of the other end of the line. Make sure, of course, that the other end of the line is sitting in a bucket, for disposal. Then, run the tube along the bottom of the tank, filtering out the waste from the gravel. Finish by changing the filter after the water goes clear again.

The right plants add a natural and realistic quality to the environment of an aquarium. But, with so many choices facing new fish tank owners, the options for plants can be overwhelming.

With many variations of both live and artificial plants to choose from, it is yet another topic that needs to be researched, before you head to the store and just buy one. Taking a little time to weigh the pros and cons, and consider the purpose and maintenance of the options, can help you make the right decision.

The positive aspects of natural plants include the fact that they can add more than just beauty to the tank. They help to balance the water and can make your fish feel more at home. They can provide additional oxygen and also manage nitrogen levels.

On the other hand, some drawbacks to natural plants are that they require pruning, nutrition, and propagation, from time to time. They can also be killed by fish that like to nibble and can transmit infections to the fish. Additionally, they will need a substrate to support their type.

Fake plants, or artificial plants, come in a variety of appearances and sizes. Usually, fish won’t nibble on these, so their integrity will be preserved. And, of course, no pruning or adding nutrients will be necessary.

With fake plants, however, you will need to maintain them by regularly cleaning off the algae buildup. They can fall apart with cleaning, or being knocked around, and generally can’t be repaired. Finally, some artificial plants look as fake as they are, making the tank seem less appealing.

Compliment your room, and add a little Yin to your Yang, with the BiOrb Grass Ring Feng Shui Kit!

This kit includes:

• 1 Grass Ring (Small/Medium/Large)
• 1 pack of Feng Shui pebbles (any color)

For use in any size BiOrb, or BiUbe aquarium.