Betta & Baby BiOrb

[kilyth]

The BiOrb does have a sponge filter in the bottom, but they do recommend changing it every 8 weeks.

I have a BiUbe (the bigger one) and I use river pebbles over the ceramic medium to stop the fish injuring themselves. Though they're a bit of a pain to clean, they do look good.

I'm currently planning to get rid of the 'Ube's inner workings, fill the end with proper substrate, and put in a proper filter. It's a cylindar rather than an orb, so that'll be making the conversion a bit simpler.

[BettaBuddy101]

To be honest, imo, those tanks are overly expensive and impractical. You'll find that a cheap 5 gallon tank would be far easier to filter and clean. Not to mention plant, if you want to provide a more natural habitat and boost filtration at the same time.

I do agree with you. It's just this was an old one of mine that I'm not currently using and I didn't really want to buy a whole new setup - just making use of an un-used one. I must say though, being in the UK, I don't get Walmart, Petco or Petsmarts cheap tanks and they do seem to be more expensive.

Will the sponge in the filter by itself not filter the tank adequately, though? Surely it has bacteria in it as well as the ceramic media? The filter in my other tank has only a sponge in it.

I could cover up the ceramic media with the glass pebbles, but I must say the ceramic media doesn't look very attractive and imo, I actually thought it made the tank look dirty even if the rest was pretty clean. It would probably take up a lot more space too and I can't really afford to lose it ;)

I'm not too fussed about planting it in all fairness, I was planning just some simple silk plants. I've tried to go for a more natural effect in my other tank, so this was for something a little different.

Thanks again for all the advice :)

[kilyth]

I do agree with you. It's just this was an old one of mine that I'm not currently using and I didn't really want to buy a whole new setup - just making use of an un-used one. I must say though, being in the UK, I don't get Walmart, Petco or Petsmarts cheap tanks and they do seem to be more expensive.

I know what you mean! I'm in Dublin and I get so jealous when I hear of people getting 50 or 60 gallon tanks for $150. The same sized tank here, even second hand, would be nearly €1000.

[Aeonflame]

You should be able to use the sponge media without any problems. Instead of replacing it, when it becomes dirty just rinse it out in old tank water.

[BettaBuddy101]

You should be able to use the sponge media without any problems. Instead of replacing it, when it becomes dirty just rinse it out in old tank water.

Thanks

Does that mean the BiOrb would be fine with the glass pebbles as a substrate then with the sponge being there?

[Aeonflame]

For a 4 gallon tank with just a betta, it should work fine.

[BettaBuddy101]

That's great news :-) would a ghost shrimp or two be ok too?

[Aeonflame]

Shrimp have very small bioloads so yes.

[BettaBuddy101]

Thanks for all the advice aeonflame, it's really appriciated :-)

Hopefully with in the next few months, I can get it set up and ready for one.

to you :)

[BettaBuddy101]

* meant this