Betta Sorority - BiOrb 16G Acrylic Tank

[FishyFingers]

Today is the 04/04/2012 and the beginning of my project log.

A little history...

To give you some background I am a complete noob aquarist, the last time I had a tank was probably close to twenty years ago. And I don't even remember what was in it, yes, I was that young.

My mother had a massive custom made acrylic tank in a cafe we used to own in Brighton, but that has long gone now. I distinctly remember we had a puffa fish amongst some placos and other stuff in there. It cost an absolute fortune at the time.

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Today, however marks a new start in my aquarist adventures. A new tank has arrived. This is not a hardcore "aquarist" tank, it is more like a centrepiece for the living room; living art.

** Before I go any further I would like to point out I am not interested in any mindless ranting about the style of the tank or BiOrb in general (I've seen a lot of it on some forums) and I'm just not interested unless its constructive.

The tank in question is a BiOrb Life 60 litre or 16 gallons. It arrived today. I've taken some pictures so you can see what you get the box.

I intend to turn this tank into a Betta Sorority - a challenge I know. But one I am looking forward to, I've been doing plenty of research over the last week or so and I'm looking forward to getting started and will be recording everything I do along the way.

Can I just say that the tank clarity is absolutely amazing, really makes glass look naff, at first I thought they hadn't put the panels on!

So time for the pictures...

[PhillipOrigami]

Can't wait to see what it is and help :)

[nikelodeon79]

I have no opinion about the actual Biorb tank but I will say this: Unfortunately, the tank simply isn't appropriate for a betta sorority. It doesn't allow for enough territory.

Betta sororities are difficult under the best conditions (at least a 3 foot long tank, at least 5 females, lots of plants and hiding spots, etc.) and a disaster waiting to happen in anything less than the perfect conditions.

Any chance you'll rethink your stocking plans?

[pjaldave]

+1 to nick. It doesn't seem much room for a sorority. Sorority needs 5 or more females to prevent aggression according to what i've read.

[sheamurai]

Hmm, thats 16gal? It doesn't look that big in the pics. What are the measurements, if you don't mind me asking?

[FishyFingers]

I've had lots of comments, people saying it is suitable, its not suitable, I'm certainly open to alternative stocking advice.

Height: 25 inches (63cm)
Width: 16.5 inches (42cm))
Depth: 11 inches (28cm)
Weight (Full): 144 pounds (65kg)

[CrunchyLeaf]

I believe a betta sorority was a recommendation in the OP's other post that originally asked for suggestions for this tank. I don't know what would be good as I don't have the experience, but is there any kind of fish that can benefit from height vs width in a tank?

[kilyth]

Good luck with it, whatever you do. I recently changed my BiUbe to use a proper filter because, to be honest, they're not very well designed tanks, and trapping fish under the filter was a real worry for me.

[lagoon36]

Let us know how your setup goes, whatever you decide, I have an 8 gallon life tank and it is sitting empty on my desk and I have been contemplating setting it back up but am not sure what to put in it yet

[ldoerr]

I would agree that that tank would not be sutable for a betta sororety. I have a 10g that houses 3 female bettas (used to have more, but they got picked on and died. I MIGHT be having 2 new ones arive on wednesday).

I am not sure if this tank is big enough for one or not but an Angel Fish might look nice there.