Biorb Tube 35 litre with LED light (Amazon): geni.us/wDGsFvq Biorb Tube 35 litre with colored LED lights (Amazon): geni.us/TtJtmb Biorb Tube 35 litre various models (Ebay): ebay.us/NqAvUf This is a much better design when compared to the 'orb' shaped tank as there is more swimming space here. However, that means that the base area is much larger and so requires more media to properly cover the foams in this upgraded filtration system. Biorb 'orb' shaped upgrade: ua-cam.com/video/82d0gMD3WAU/v-deo.html The two options for covering the foams were the Biogravel and the Aquatic Soil - both of which can be found below: Biogravel (Biohome page): www.filterpro.co.uk Aquatic Soil (Amazon): geni.us/SA7pBX Aquatic Soil (Ebay): ebay.us/cHOgKp Sorry, Google / UA-cam see fit to send me almost no notifications for comments so you're best bet to reach me is to phone on 07772848730 or send an email to sales@filterpro.co.uk (Richard) Biohome products and foams: www.filterpro.co.uk FilterPro site has links to worldwide distributors. Amazon Reviews: amzn.to/392EZ2g INSTAGRAM: bit.ly/2KAk1fx WHAT IS A FULL CYCLE? *If someone tells you the aquarium nitrogen cycle ends with the production of nitrate that is incorrect - please read on* A full cycle is completed by bacteria - the aerobic part of biological filtration which processes ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate followed by an anaerobic part which processes nitrate into soluble nitrogen which bubbles off to the atmosphere. Therefore it requires a suitable amount of excellent quality filter media to be able to provide the environment for both aerobic AND anaerobic bacteria - that is what Biohome ultimate does perfectly but even with such good media there are limitations and we recommend the following amounts for different stocking scenarios: (1 US gallon = 3.8 litres) (1kg = 2.2 lbs) Average community tropical aquarium = 1kg per 100 litres Average coldwater aquarium = 1kg - 1.5kg per 100 litres Predator aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres Large cichlid aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres Malawi / Tanganyikan aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres Marine aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres Average mixed fish pond = 1kg per 200 litres Average koi pond = 1kg per 150 litres Avoid using any products which claim to remove, detoxify or bind ammonia, nitrite and nitrate as they will have a noticeable starving effect on the bacteria which will manifest as an inability to achieve a full cycle due to a low population of bacteria on a starvation diet. Let Nature do the work and as long as you have a suitable sized, well set up filter there is no reason why a full cycle won't be achieved. You may be disagreeing with the above figures but remember that the recommendations are for a FULL CYCLE not half a job - achieving 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite is quite easy since aerobic bacteria grows freely on any surface but the anaerobic bacteria responsible for COMPLETING the cycle needs more a specialized habitat. Size a filter properly, set it up sensibly and you will have perfect water - it's that simple....and your filter won't be the dreaded 'Nitrate factory'. If you have a filter you'd like me to feature in a video then please contact me on: sales@filterpro.co.uk 07772848730 (Richard) Anyone who sends a filter (UK only at present) will have it upgraded and returned to them for free and the only cost you will pay is how much it costs to ship it to me - I'm helping to boost your filter and the resulting videos will hopefully be useful to viewers all over the world so it's a win/win. The following videos will be useful to anyone interested in learning more about filtration, bacteria and making the conditions for your fish as good as possible: Sizing a canister properly and filter set up: goo.gl/om19un Looking INSIDE different filter media: goo.gl/hZWS6c Bacteria and filter media: goo.gl/123gAF How to clean an aquarium: goo.gl/bPMhvh Aquarium tips / filtration playlist: goo.gl/pXgqVj This channel is purely a hobby for me so I will never ask viewers to donate money for any of my projects or charge anyone for information - information should be shared freely and I certainly don't consider myself an 'expert' in anything I pursue as a hobby so please do your own research, never accept anything as 'fact', reject anyone claiming to be some sort of authority or 'expert' and make your own minds up about anything you wish to study. We all are on a long path of learning......... FILMING EQUIPMENT: Panasonic HC-VX870 HD camcorder geni.us/3UwE +Rode stereo microphone: geni.us/4OL Zomei Z666 tripod: geni.us/1a1af3 Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI mini tripod: geni.us/87f7 Feel free to share or link any of my videos on facebook, twitter, forums etc. for the benefit of others as I am not on any of those sites. See you next time. Pondguru
I thought you had quit putting out videos. Today I was scrolling through my subscriptions and saw this video. I want you to know I so appreciate your training. I have modified every filter I have from tanks in the house to ponds outside, using your philosophy. Others ask me how I could have thought of doing that? My standard response... "there is this guy from over the pond called the Pond Guru" he teaches me much of what I know.
Had a biorb for years without issues, tried your upgrade and it turned into a nitrate factory, gone back to the original design, regular maintenance is the key to success with these tanks and don`t buy a new kit each month just rinse the sponge and hoover the media
@@terrylpreddy3399 I kept up my maintenance, the sponge underneath can never really be fully cleaned, this guy has never owned a biorb in his life I bet whereas I have had them for years without issue till I changed over, never had any issues since I changed back.
@@tigerlilly5232 you must work for them cos there's no way you would've had time to watch, try his method and find out. He's totally right and you're arguing with common sense
@@Hooker-mma No I don`t work for them and I did have time and it turned it into a nitrate factory just like a few other peoples I know, he even says himself that you have to change the sponge after 18 months because it won`t clean up correctly as you can never fully get the dirt out of it. You must be his best mate to bother writing back to me a year after I commented.
I don't mean to be critical, but I felt from the start that it will be an advertisement of biohome products. 5kg of biogravel is £65! He says in the video that it is the only option to achieve full cycle filtration. We are talking about a 35L tank! 5kg of biogravel or lava is an absolute overkill. All you can keep in a tank of that size is one betta or 5 neons, and with weekly water changes all you need is that small sponge filter which was there originally to keep ammonia, nitrites and nitrates at zero. These fish will produce a tiniest amount of waste that will be diluted easily with a 60% waterchange. if you use this set up, you will have no chances of planting anything in the substrate because you will have to uproot your plants to remove those black sponges for cleaning, so using planting soil as he suggests is pointless!
I love the idea of doing what Pond Guru says using the aquarium soil over carbon foam instead of the nasty ceramic media that you usually have with BiOrbs. I like that the gravel will be so much easier to clean, will look nicer, I can plant in it , my snails won't overturn and get stuck in it (unlike they do in the big ceramic media). But I have to agree with the above comment. If I use real plants in the soil, how will I go about cleaning the carbon foam underneath with out disturbing the established plants? Also, how will I prevent the small spheres of aquarium soil falling into the filter holder when I change it and also getting into the gaps on the side of the filter holder and blocking them? I'd love it you could address these questions please?
Thank you so much for this video!! I have a Baby Biorb and the substrate is a nightmare as you said. I want to get bigger biorb but before I do I have searched for months for a new substrate, you just solved my problem. I am going to do this and I'm going to share this video on Facebook. I've been searching for this fix for a year now! Thank you so much from across the pond.
The rock is for an anaerobic type of bacteria. This can take up to 4 to 6 months to develop. It does a good job at nuterlising the Ammonia and nitriatis and reducing nitratas. it's not for mechanical filtration. The middle sponge would grow aerobic bacteria fast. It is the only real mechanical filtration in the tank, so it needs to be cleaned regularly. The rock is fine with the odd gravel vac. I personally think ita a good filtration. My shrimp and snails help break down leftover over foods around the stone to also aid the filtration.
if they revised their product line with better medium and released tanks bigger than 120L, then they'd get more attention. However they get most of their revenue from their bespoke accessories.
Hey 👋 great video When will you be releasing the complete tour of the huge pond filter and how the water in the pond is looking? Hope you are well! Stay safe.
Great Recommendations! I was thinking of adding mesh/foam to my biorb base since I have replaced the ceramic media entirely with small gravels but seems that the filtration was kinda horrible due to the gravels interfering with the filter. The ceramic media is horrible for owners who put small fishes as they simply swim within the gap for fallen food and get killed when they got stuck. Will add in the foam during my next tank maintenance!
Hi Rich, hope you're keeping well in this cold weather! I'm sure it's no problem from the real men of the North West! Would love to see some giant pond filters. Very cool. Hope you're keeping well and thank you for the delivery of Biohome over Christmas! Best Wishes
Hi I purchased a biorb life 60 and watched this video so decided to copy with the aqua soil on a larger scale. Am just wondering how often would you change the sponges ?
Just wandered if pondguru answers these comments. I also wander how often you have to completely empty evert to clean it all. You would have to completely disrupt everything including plants, fish, substrate. Does anybody know ?
Thanks for this information! I just added the foam around my filter. At what point will I need to change this? Feels like it's going to be a lot of work when it's time to change but I love being able to use the pebbles I wanted to with this biOrb.
If i have a biorb already with fish in, can i upgrade the filter and put in the biogravel or should i keep my original biorb media because it already has the bacteria? How often do you replace the sponge in the middle? How long do the big sponges last before needing rinsing? Thnks
Hi mate, it’s abit off topic for the video, but I just wondered what happened to your detecting videos! You made the best content on UA-cam in mine and a lot of other people’s opinions! Cheers
For a cost friendly option could you use both the bio gravel and the aquarium gravel mixed together? Because that would help for those of us who want to plant real plants at the bottom. Also was that a carbon pad you cut for the bottom?
The bottom foam is just a coarse foam which happens to be black - it's not a carbon foam but if you wanted to use carbon it would be best to use it in the central filter where it can be easily changed. Ideally carbon would be swapped out every 7-8 weeks but it's something you don't need unless you need it (e.g. if you have staining from bogwood or need to soak up residual treatments after treating the tank). It is fine to mix different types of media / gravel in this set up as long as it is all roughly the same size (gravel shape). For this tank the cost to fill the bottom of the tank with Biogravel may be prohibitive but the tank has a very large base area. The 30 litre version of the tube tank and standard / halo Biorbs only takes around 2kg of Biogravel as opposed to the 5kg it takes to properly cover the base of the 35 litre tube tank.
@pondguru I have a BiOrb 60l orb shape in my classroom and would like to go this direction. So, if I am understanding correctly, if I do the filter pimping, I can put the aquatic soil over the filter and go with that? I am not thrilled with the BiOrb, but it was funded by parents/grandparents and want to make sure I am using it.
(my other channel) It is best to go with some sort of gravel as opposed to aquatic soil since you will need to clean the tank using a gravel cleaner once every 1-2 weeks. If you have aquatic soil sitting over gravel it will get mixed up every time you clean it. There are very few plants which do really well in Biorbs due to the limitation of the lighting system so sticking with hardy plants is the way to go. Java moss, Java fern, moss balls, Anubias, Vallis etc. will do fine in Biogravel and Java fern / moss can be strapped to bogwood for easier removal if you choose to do a deep clean.
(my other channel) By using a gravel cleaner for maintenance once a week the muck will be drawn out of the gravel and lifted from the upper foam. You shouldn't need to strip any thing down for a good 18 months if the tank is maintained properly.
I did everything you said to do but with biorb cube 60L, sides the carbon shit. Thank you first off. Now, I used fritzyme turbostart 700, biohome bacteria starter balls, fritz 700, and fueling the bacteria with fritz fishless fuel... holy fuck the results are in. This is the third consecutive day after adding over 2.0 ppm ammonia via fishless fuel and getting 0 ppm ammonia 24 hours later.... now Im about to add plants and diy a light onto the cube. Will do one good dose of ammonia before sending for my cherry shrimps. After the shrimps are happy, Im getting some rummynose tetras. After they all have acclimated I'll pick up a male full moon betta. Going for red and green aesthetic. This video saved my biorb which honestly I shouldve returned after it murdered my danios. Poor little fellas didnt stand a chance against the ball, [cube], of death. Thank you and thank you great wave engineering!
I want you to pimp the led of biorb halo 15. I really like it but the light is just a meh. Im looking into completely removing the led that comes with it and just attaching led strips.
I'm not a fan of any of the lighting options for Biorbs and the crazy disturbance of the water surface refracts lots of the light. I'd be interested to hear how you get on with any changes.
It sounds like the “soil” product is actually volcanic rock that is sized small and tumbled into little spheres. It’s actually hard and shouldn’t dissolve.
Yes, lots of people have done similar set ups for the cube tank version of the Biorb. A block of foam approx 1.5" thick would be cut about 1" smaller than the base size then cover with substrate.
@@pondguru awesome! I found your biogravel on Amazon, but not the aquatic soil you showed in the video. I was thinking of mixing the two. Do you know if the aquatic soil is still available? And where would I find the right foam?
@@clynnwelton Amazon is a very expensive place to buy the Biogravel. I have it on the FilterPro website www.filterpro.co.uk if you're in the UK. If you're not in the UK then I have direct links to the main distributors half way down the landing page (flags are links). The aquatic soil or something similar should be available on Amazon. The link for the aquatic soil in the video description / pinned comment works for me so I'm assuming you're not in the UK?
@@clynnwelton Sadly? lol - not living in the UK should be something which is celebrated since the country is circling the drain now and are heading for an economic and social collapse. If I was younger and hadn't made such a good place here I'd move tomorrow (probably to an island in the Mediterranean).
Hello I just upgraded my booth 16 gallons biorhythms with exactly what you recommended spend over $100 on the biohom gravel and after 3 weeks I put 1 beta male and 4 other small fishes but my question is how often I should clean the bottom and change water??
It doesn't really matter although good quality granulated carbon will probably be the most efficient when compared to pellet carbon. Whichever one you use it will have to be swapped out every 7-8 weeks if you choose to use carbon.
OK I get that your making it filter better but I see no proof of any fish hurting them self's on the biorb specific ceramic media they actually recommend, why else would they recommend it ?
(my other channel) That is the main gripe of Biorb owners - their fish damage themselves, get stuck under the Biorb media or get stuck in the central filter ... or get stuck in the bubble tube if there is no (after market) cap on it. They're literally balls of death - just search Biorb problems online. Biorb (Oase) are now selling an 'upgraded' media which solves none of the maintenance issues - it's just a rounded version of a big media. Food still gets stuck underneath it and it can't properly be cleaned without being removed. More problems = more sales for monthly 'special' foams, treatments and fake upgrades. I'd rather solve the problem at source and save people money (and dead fish).
Sorry I thought I replied to this ages ago but my comments keep getting deleted by UA-cam - the foams and fine pad I used are from my FilterPro website as I sell them there in 11" x 17" size but similar foams are available all over the internet at various quality and cost.
How true is that with this type of tube tank fishes can become blind? I went to my aquarium store to ask for this substrate and when I shown the tank type they say this is not good for all fishes. I bought a 15L Biorb tank but not yet started the setup and that make me worry If I made a bad purchase.
Loads of people plant directly into the substrate, yes. Whether a plant needs CO2 is down to the type of plant and for Biorbs you're best to go with easy care plants which don't need special care (e.g. Java moss, Java fern, Mossballs, Anubias, Vallis etc.)
Curious where I might buy the foam you are recommending for the Biorb in the States? It looks like filterpro is still not sending internationally. I recently purchased a Biorb and would like to pimp my filter as you suggested.
Hi just been watching your biorb 35lt tube upgrade kit just wanted some of your excellent advice about changing the air stone when they wear out and how often do you change the carbon and centre sponge also do you part the bio gravel to get to them been watching your videos excellent stuff regards ian
I wouldn't use it as a nano tank I'd convert it into a fluidized media filter connected via in line to my sump. Alot of those small kiddy tanks are just not practical.
I was wondering if I, using a rigid mesh, raised the sub straight above the intake line of the filter would that produce a better flow and therefor a cleaner cycle?
Hi just watched your video and you've reaffirmed everything we've ever thought about the poor filtration of BiOrbs for years. I have had several different shapes and despite the extortionate price of some of them, I do love them. Currently have the 35l tube, been running it since May and have to say am struggling with small fish losses and consistent nitrate/nitrite spikes despite partial water changes every other day at the moment. Unfortunately the Biogravel is probably not financially viable but will certainly go with Aquarium soil before I give up on this expensive hobby once and for all. I've put so much money in so far have not much else to lose but somebody probably is gonna get my tank for a song via ebay if this doesnt work. Appreciated your video though, well explained thanks!
Biorbs are absolutely awful. Recently picked up a common goldfish and a ryukin from one of these 😫 you’d get so much more for your money buying a tank like clear seal or something and making a nice scape with a DECENT filter
Biorb Tube 35 litre with LED light (Amazon): geni.us/wDGsFvq
Biorb Tube 35 litre with colored LED lights (Amazon): geni.us/TtJtmb
Biorb Tube 35 litre various models (Ebay): ebay.us/NqAvUf
This is a much better design when compared to the 'orb' shaped tank as there is more swimming space here. However, that means that the base area is much larger and so requires more media to properly cover the foams in this upgraded filtration system.
Biorb 'orb' shaped upgrade: ua-cam.com/video/82d0gMD3WAU/v-deo.html
The two options for covering the foams were the Biogravel and the Aquatic Soil - both of which can be found below:
Biogravel (Biohome page): www.filterpro.co.uk
Aquatic Soil (Amazon): geni.us/SA7pBX
Aquatic Soil (Ebay): ebay.us/cHOgKp
Sorry, Google / UA-cam see fit to send me almost no notifications for comments so you're best bet to reach me is to phone on 07772848730 or send an email to sales@filterpro.co.uk (Richard)
Biohome products and foams: www.filterpro.co.uk
FilterPro site has links to worldwide distributors.
Amazon Reviews: amzn.to/392EZ2g
INSTAGRAM: bit.ly/2KAk1fx
WHAT IS A FULL CYCLE?
*If someone tells you the aquarium nitrogen cycle ends with the production of nitrate that is incorrect - please read on*
A full cycle is completed by bacteria - the aerobic part of biological filtration which processes ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate followed by an anaerobic part which processes nitrate into soluble nitrogen which bubbles off to the atmosphere.
Therefore it requires a suitable amount of excellent quality filter media to be able to provide the environment for both aerobic AND anaerobic bacteria - that is what Biohome ultimate does perfectly but even with such good media there are limitations and we recommend the following amounts for different stocking scenarios:
(1 US gallon = 3.8 litres)
(1kg = 2.2 lbs)
Average community tropical aquarium = 1kg per 100 litres
Average coldwater aquarium = 1kg - 1.5kg per 100 litres
Predator aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Large cichlid aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Malawi / Tanganyikan aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Marine aquarium = 1.5kg - 2kg per 100 litres
Average mixed fish pond = 1kg per 200 litres
Average koi pond = 1kg per 150 litres
Avoid using any products which claim to remove, detoxify or bind ammonia, nitrite and nitrate as they will have a noticeable starving effect on the bacteria which will manifest as an inability to achieve a full cycle due to a low population of bacteria on a starvation diet.
Let Nature do the work and as long as you have a suitable sized, well set up filter there is no reason why a full cycle won't be achieved.
You may be disagreeing with the above figures but remember that the recommendations are for a FULL CYCLE not half a job - achieving 0 ammonia and 0 nitrite is quite easy since aerobic bacteria grows freely on any surface but the anaerobic bacteria responsible for COMPLETING the cycle needs more a specialized habitat.
Size a filter properly, set it up sensibly and you will have perfect water - it's that simple....and your filter won't be the dreaded 'Nitrate factory'.
If you have a filter you'd like me to feature in a video then please contact me on:
sales@filterpro.co.uk
07772848730 (Richard)
Anyone who sends a filter (UK only at present) will have it upgraded and returned to them for free and the only cost you will pay is how much it costs to ship it to me - I'm helping to boost your filter and the resulting videos will hopefully be useful to viewers all over the world so it's a win/win.
The following videos will be useful to anyone interested in learning more about filtration, bacteria and making the conditions for your fish as good as possible:
Sizing a canister properly and filter set up: goo.gl/om19un
Looking INSIDE different filter media: goo.gl/hZWS6c
Bacteria and filter media: goo.gl/123gAF
How to clean an aquarium: goo.gl/bPMhvh
Aquarium tips / filtration playlist: goo.gl/pXgqVj
This channel is purely a hobby for me so I will never ask viewers to donate money for any of my projects or charge anyone for information - information should be shared freely and I certainly don't consider myself an 'expert' in anything I pursue as a hobby so please do your own research, never accept anything as 'fact', reject anyone claiming to be some sort of authority or 'expert' and make your own minds up about anything you wish to study.
We all are on a long path of learning.........
FILMING EQUIPMENT:
Panasonic HC-VX870 HD camcorder geni.us/3UwE
+Rode stereo microphone: geni.us/4OL
Zomei Z666 tripod: geni.us/1a1af3
Manfrotto MTPIXI-B PIXI mini tripod: geni.us/87f7
Feel free to share or link any of my videos on facebook, twitter, forums etc. for the benefit of others as I am not on any of those sites.
See you next time.
Pondguru
Thank you. Good knowledge share and informative as always 👍🏻👍🏻
I just got a 15 gallon biorb how much biogravel will I need?
@@syberspy9 The 60 litre / 15 Gal. orb takes 3.5kg biogravel to properly cover the foams.
instaBlaster.
You’re going to have to destroy your scape every time you need to clean that course sponge
I would just leave out the sponge. I don't think it is needed there.
@@Itsjustme-Justme you need mechanical fil
When you gravle vac it will suck dirt out of the sponge
By using a gravel cleaner you clean the top sponge no problem - no need to remove it.
I thought you had quit putting out videos. Today I was scrolling through my subscriptions and saw this video. I want you to know I so appreciate your training. I have modified every filter I have from tanks in the house to ponds outside, using your philosophy. Others ask me how I could have thought of doing that? My standard response... "there is this guy from over the pond called the Pond Guru" he teaches me much of what I know.
Had a biorb for years without issues, tried your upgrade and it turned into a nitrate factory, gone back to the original design, regular maintenance is the key to success with these tanks and don`t buy a new kit each month just rinse the sponge and hoover the media
Am pretty sure he isn't telling people to stop doing regular maintenance. It's just a filter upgrade same work but better results.
@@terrylpreddy3399 I kept up my maintenance, the sponge underneath can never really be fully cleaned, this guy has never owned a biorb in his life I bet whereas I have had them for years without issue till I changed over, never had any issues since I changed back.
@@tigerlilly5232 you must work for them cos there's no way you would've had time to watch, try his method and find out. He's totally right and you're arguing with common sense
@@Hooker-mma No I don`t work for them and I did have time and it turned it into a nitrate factory just like a few other peoples I know, he even says himself that you have to change the sponge after 18 months because it won`t clean up correctly as you can never fully get the dirt out of it. You must be his best mate to bother writing back to me a year after I commented.
Cheers as always. Please do some follow up vids on your giant pond filters 🙏🏻👍🏻❤️
Didn’t need to call you after this little treat popped up! Thank you! 🥰
I don't mean to be critical, but I felt from the start that it will be an advertisement of biohome products. 5kg of biogravel is £65! He says in the video that it is the only option to achieve full cycle filtration. We are talking about a 35L tank! 5kg of biogravel or lava is an absolute overkill. All you can keep in a tank of that size is one betta or 5 neons, and with weekly water changes all you need is that small sponge filter which was there originally to keep ammonia, nitrites and nitrates at zero. These fish will produce a tiniest amount of waste that will be diluted easily with a 60% waterchange. if you use this set up, you will have no chances of planting anything in the substrate because you will have to uproot your plants to remove those black sponges for cleaning, so using planting soil as he suggests is pointless!
I love the idea of doing what Pond Guru says using the aquarium soil over carbon foam instead of the nasty ceramic media that you usually have with BiOrbs. I like that the gravel will be so much easier to clean, will look nicer, I can plant in it , my snails won't overturn and get stuck in it (unlike they do in the big ceramic media).
But I have to agree with the above comment. If I use real plants in the soil, how will I go about cleaning the carbon foam underneath with out disturbing the established plants? Also, how will I prevent the small spheres of aquarium soil falling into the filter holder when I change it and also getting into the gaps on the side of the filter holder and blocking them?
I'd love it you could address these questions please?
Does this guy ever reply to the comments?
Thank you so much for this video!! I have a Baby Biorb and the substrate is a nightmare as you said. I want to get bigger biorb but before I do I have searched for months for a new substrate, you just solved my problem. I am going to do this and I'm going to share this video on Facebook. I've been searching for this fix for a year now! Thank you so much from across the pond.
You're so generous mate, been using your products and always satisfied. Appreciate it
The rock is for an anaerobic type of bacteria. This can take up to 4 to 6 months to develop. It does a good job at nuterlising the Ammonia and nitriatis and reducing nitratas. it's not for mechanical filtration. The middle sponge would grow aerobic bacteria fast. It is the only real mechanical filtration in the tank, so it needs to be cleaned regularly. The rock is fine with the odd gravel vac. I personally think ita a good filtration. My shrimp and snails help break down leftover over foods around the stone to also aid the filtration.
how do you replace the filter by the tube without having to remove all the gravel? Does it get everywhere?
I would like to know this as well. I know this is old, but if you figured it out let me know please and thank you.
Biorbs in shops never have fish in them, there is a reason for this, they are crap at being fish tanks !
if they revised their product line with better medium and released tanks bigger than 120L, then they'd get more attention. However they get most of their revenue from their bespoke accessories.
Question is how do you clean the outer sponge without ruining the scape and uprooting the plants
Use plants on wood, or rock.
Gravle vac to suck the dirt out of the sponge
Hey 👋 great video
When will you be releasing the complete tour of the huge pond filter and how the water in the pond is looking?
Hope you are well! Stay safe.
How is the giant outdoor filter going? Any updates?
Great Recommendations! I was thinking of adding mesh/foam to my biorb base since I have replaced the ceramic media entirely with small gravels but seems that the filtration was kinda horrible due to the gravels interfering with the filter. The ceramic media is horrible for owners who put small fishes as they simply swim within the gap for fallen food and get killed when they got stuck. Will add in the foam during my next tank maintenance!
Hi welcome back happy New Years
Can you mix the soil and biogravel to get the best of both worlds? @pondguru
Looking well my friend.
Nice little upgrade.
It just looks like a pain in the arse to maintain.
I think so too. That sponge will need a proper de gunge at some point. Biorbe well over priced pain.
Hi Rich, hope you're keeping well in this cold weather! I'm sure it's no problem from the real men of the North West!
Would love to see some giant pond filters. Very cool.
Hope you're keeping well and thank you for the delivery of Biohome over Christmas!
Best Wishes
Can you do a video on a nitrate rector including the bio gravel please
Can you put in Bio Gravel without the large carbon sponge? Doesn’t seem like it would be easy to replace the sponge everytime.
I love this. How often do the pads and center filter need changing?
Excellent upgrade thanks
Hi I purchased a biorb life 60 and watched this video so decided to copy with the aqua soil on a larger scale. Am just wondering how often would you change the sponges ?
I enjoy all your pimp your filter videos.
Just wandered if pondguru answers these comments. I also wander how often you have to completely empty evert to clean it all. You would have to completely disrupt everything including plants, fish, substrate. Does anybody know ?
Thanks for this information! I just added the foam around my filter. At what point will I need to change this? Feels like it's going to be a lot of work when it's time to change but I love being able to use the pebbles I wanted to with this biOrb.
If i have a biorb already with fish in, can i upgrade the filter and put in the biogravel or should i keep my original biorb media because it already has the bacteria? How often do you replace the sponge in the middle? How long do the big sponges last before needing rinsing? Thnks
Just wondering what your thoughts are on plenums? Do you think having a low flow undergravel filter with biogravel might achieve a full cycle?
Hi mate, it’s abit off topic for the video, but I just wondered what happened to your detecting videos! You made the best content on UA-cam in mine and a lot of other people’s opinions!
Cheers
For a cost friendly option could you use both the bio gravel and the aquarium gravel mixed together? Because that would help for those of us who want to plant real plants at the bottom.
Also was that a carbon pad you cut for the bottom?
The bottom foam is just a coarse foam which happens to be black - it's not a carbon foam but if you wanted to use carbon it would be best to use it in the central filter where it can be easily changed. Ideally carbon would be swapped out every 7-8 weeks but it's something you don't need unless you need it (e.g. if you have staining from bogwood or need to soak up residual treatments after treating the tank).
It is fine to mix different types of media / gravel in this set up as long as it is all roughly the same size (gravel shape).
For this tank the cost to fill the bottom of the tank with Biogravel may be prohibitive but the tank has a very large base area. The 30 litre version of the tube tank and standard / halo Biorbs only takes around 2kg of Biogravel as opposed to the 5kg it takes to properly cover the base of the 35 litre tube tank.
Would the main circular underground filter chamber need to be taken out at times to be cleaned though?
@pondguru I have a BiOrb 60l orb shape in my classroom and would like to go this direction. So, if I am understanding correctly, if I do the filter pimping, I can put the aquatic soil over the filter and go with that? I am not thrilled with the BiOrb, but it was funded by parents/grandparents and want to make sure I am using it.
(my other channel) It is best to go with some sort of gravel as opposed to aquatic soil since you will need to clean the tank using a gravel cleaner once every 1-2 weeks. If you have aquatic soil sitting over gravel it will get mixed up every time you clean it.
There are very few plants which do really well in Biorbs due to the limitation of the lighting system so sticking with hardy plants is the way to go. Java moss, Java fern, moss balls, Anubias, Vallis etc. will do fine in Biogravel and Java fern / moss can be strapped to bogwood for easier removal if you choose to do a deep clean.
Can I use sand in this setup? Reason is to introduce shell dwellers fish.
I’m curious ,What are your thoughts on BCB anoxic filtration?
I know this is old but wow thank you.
(my other channel) No worries and I'm glad you found the video useful.
Best of luck with the tank.
Hello, would this exact setup of your modification work with this tank as a saltwater tank with fish only?
How would we clean the sponges when theyre burried?
(my other channel) By using a gravel cleaner for maintenance once a week the muck will be drawn out of the gravel and lifted from the upper foam. You shouldn't need to strip any thing down for a good 18 months if the tank is maintained properly.
I did everything you said to do but with biorb cube 60L, sides the carbon shit. Thank you first off. Now, I used fritzyme turbostart 700, biohome bacteria starter balls, fritz 700, and fueling the bacteria with fritz fishless fuel... holy fuck the results are in. This is the third consecutive day after adding over 2.0 ppm ammonia via fishless fuel and getting 0 ppm ammonia 24 hours later.... now Im about to add plants and diy a light onto the cube. Will do one good dose of ammonia before sending for my cherry shrimps. After the shrimps are happy, Im getting some rummynose tetras. After they all have acclimated I'll pick up a male full moon betta. Going for red and green aesthetic. This video saved my biorb which honestly I shouldve returned after it murdered my danios. Poor little fellas didnt stand a chance against the ball, [cube], of death. Thank you and thank you great wave engineering!
I want you to pimp the led of biorb halo 15. I really like it but the light is just a meh. Im looking into completely removing the led that comes with it and just attaching led strips.
I'm not a fan of any of the lighting options for Biorbs and the crazy disturbance of the water surface refracts lots of the light.
I'd be interested to hear how you get on with any changes.
Do the curved walls make it hard to see the fish?
Is this clay based soil? I’ve always wanted to try a set up like this but was told it disintegrates with undergravel filters. 🤔
It sounds like the “soil” product is actually volcanic rock that is sized small and tumbled into little spheres. It’s actually hard and shouldn’t dissolve.
@@helenjohnson7583 okay thanks 🙂
@@benshaw3891 But I definitely would check out the product first to be certain.
I have a 60 cube. I would love to be able to convert it like this and make it useable again.
Yes, lots of people have done similar set ups for the cube tank version of the Biorb. A block of foam approx 1.5" thick would be cut about 1" smaller than the base size then cover with substrate.
@@pondguru awesome! I found your biogravel on Amazon, but not the aquatic soil you showed in the video. I was thinking of mixing the two. Do you know if the aquatic soil is still available? And where would I find the right foam?
@@clynnwelton Amazon is a very expensive place to buy the Biogravel. I have it on the FilterPro website www.filterpro.co.uk if you're in the UK. If you're not in the UK then I have direct links to the main distributors half way down the landing page (flags are links).
The aquatic soil or something similar should be available on Amazon. The link for the aquatic soil in the video description / pinned comment works for me so I'm assuming you're not in the UK?
@@pondguru I am not, sadly.
@@clynnwelton Sadly? lol - not living in the UK should be something which is celebrated since the country is circling the drain now and are heading for an economic and social collapse. If I was younger and hadn't made such a good place here I'd move tomorrow (probably to an island in the Mediterranean).
Hello I just upgraded my booth 16 gallons biorhythms with exactly what you recommended spend over $100 on the biohom gravel and after 3 weeks I put 1 beta male and 4 other small fishes but my question is how often I should clean the bottom and change water??
Do you have to change the large sponge on the bottom?
What type of carbon would you have ised if you didn’t use the pad? Pellets? Granulated?
It doesn't really matter although good quality granulated carbon will probably be the most efficient when compared to pellet carbon.
Whichever one you use it will have to be swapped out every 7-8 weeks if you choose to use carbon.
Though about making it in 1-3 mm size, black and a bit denser so you could plant in it well?
OK I get that your making it filter better but I see no proof of any fish hurting them self's on the biorb specific ceramic media they actually recommend, why else would they recommend it ?
(my other channel) That is the main gripe of Biorb owners - their fish damage themselves, get stuck under the Biorb media or get stuck in the central filter ... or get stuck in the bubble tube if there is no (after market) cap on it.
They're literally balls of death - just search Biorb problems online.
Biorb (Oase) are now selling an 'upgraded' media which solves none of the maintenance issues - it's just a rounded version of a big media. Food still gets stuck underneath it and it can't properly be cleaned without being removed.
More problems = more sales for monthly 'special' foams, treatments and fake upgrades. I'd rather solve the problem at source and save people money (and dead fish).
Thank you so much for this video.
What kind of foam are you using in the video and what kind of pad(white) did you place inside the filter?
Sorry I thought I replied to this ages ago but my comments keep getting deleted by UA-cam - the foams and fine pad I used are from my FilterPro website as I sell them there in 11" x 17" size but similar foams are available all over the internet at various quality and cost.
Won’t the mulm just block the porous nature of bio gravel ?.
In the other biorb video you had a small filter ring below the large ring. Why did you skip it here?
It increase the PH or any water chemistry???
I keep Discus fishes and it is established tank, now i want to use this Bio-Gravel as a full tank gravel.
How true is that with this type of tube tank fishes can become blind? I went to my aquarium store to ask for this substrate and when I shown the tank type they say this is not good for all fishes. I bought a 15L Biorb tank but not yet started the setup and that make me worry If I made a bad purchase.
Would it be OK to put aquarium soil on top of the biogravel? Say like fluval stratum to make a layer of soil on top or would that block the filtration
Does this biogravel can hold plants? If so is it required co2 for plants to remain healthy ?
Loads of people plant directly into the substrate, yes.
Whether a plant needs CO2 is down to the type of plant and for Biorbs you're best to go with easy care plants which don't need special care (e.g. Java moss, Java fern, Mossballs, Anubias, Vallis etc.)
Curious where I might buy the foam you are recommending for the Biorb in the States? It looks like filterpro is still not sending internationally. I recently purchased a Biorb and would like to pimp my filter as you suggested.
Great video!
Hi just been watching your biorb 35lt tube upgrade kit just wanted some of your excellent advice about changing the air stone when they wear out and how often do you change the carbon and centre sponge also do you part the bio gravel to get to them been watching your videos excellent stuff regards ian
I wouldn't use it as a nano tank I'd convert it into a fluidized media filter connected via in line to my sump. Alot of those small kiddy tanks are just not practical.
I was wondering if I, using a rigid mesh, raised the sub straight above the intake line of the filter would that produce a better flow and therefor a cleaner cycle?
Do you do an upgrade kit for the Cube biorbs? specifically the 60l?
Hi!
Great video!
Was wondering if you can do the same filter mod, but with a marine setup, using live large particles crush coral?
Yes that would work using the same principle of an under gravel filter, no worries.
Would FWVAL Stratum work for the gravel?
can you put sand for substrate ? thanks ^^
Very informative thank you so much
this video was extremely helpful! this made my tank thrive much more 👍👍. thank you!
Nice one - I'm glad it helped make the tank function properly.
Best of luck with the tank and thanks for the feedback.
I have a biorb flow but would like to convert it to a marine tank for a clownfish pair. Is this possible with this type of tank?
Definitely not practical. Taking centre tube out to clean would be hassle enough nevermind the under gravel sponge
All you need is a gravel cleaner to clean the tank.
Very awesome video so helpful I appreciate your information bless 🙌 you brother 🙏 and have a fabulous Christmas 🎄 holiday ✌💚❤🎁🧑🎄🤶🎅🥳🐟🐟🐟🐟🐠🐡🐚
That must be a bitch and a half to maintain. Every time you want to clean that filter, you'd have to destroy your entire set up! What's the point?
Thanks ☮☯️🎬🏆🌈🐟🌱🌿
Hi just watched your video and you've reaffirmed everything we've ever thought about the poor filtration of BiOrbs for years. I have had several different shapes and despite the extortionate price of some of them, I do love them. Currently have the 35l tube, been running it since May and have to say am struggling with small fish losses and consistent nitrate/nitrite spikes despite partial water changes every other day at the moment. Unfortunately the Biogravel is probably not financially viable but will certainly go with Aquarium soil before I give up on this expensive hobby once and for all. I've put so much money in so far have not much else to lose but somebody probably is gonna get my tank for a song via ebay if this doesnt work. Appreciated your video though, well explained thanks!
Thanks 👩🌾🌊☯️🎉🌠
Brasil !!!!
Biorbs are absolutely awful. Recently picked up a common goldfish and a ryukin from one of these 😫 you’d get so much more for your money buying a tank like clear seal or something and making a nice scape with a DECENT filter
Really hate these things, definitely no fish just plants maybe a snail or shrimp 🦐
I have the 105 and have tetras in it and have had no issues at all
Mmmmmmmuck
You've ruined it. Every substrate grows useful bacteria. The deeper the better.
biorb is overpriced rubbish in reality
first or nothing