Product Description

The biOrb™ combines the looks of a traditional fish bowl with the performance of a 'hi-tech' aquarium. The 8-gallon fish bowl incorporates a clever and easy to change filtration system that has been designed to provide maximum benefits and fish keeper. biOrb's stylish, globe-shaped design will prove an eye-catching feature in any location. Together with its low maintenance and strong, safe construction will appeal to all age groups in both private and business sectors.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #119172 in Pet Products
• Size: 8-Gallons
• Color: Silver
• Brand: biOrb
• Model: 822728000441
• Dimensions: 17.00" h x 16.00" w x 16.00" l,

Features

• Self-filtering aquarium keeps water healthy and clear for months at a time
• Built-in filtration system uses 5-stage method combining biological, mechanical, and chemical filtration
• All supplies and instructions included
• Silver trim looks great in home or office
• Measures 16 x 16 x 17 inches; covered by manufacturer¿s warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
The sophisticated biOrb combines the appearance of a traditional fishbowl with the performance of a high-tech aquarium to bestow the soothing sensation of swimming fish at home or at the office. It requires very little maintenance, and all supplies, including a halogen light and an air pump, are provided. Water, fish, and plants (if you want) are all you need to supply. The unique, built-in 5-stage filtration system combines biological, chemical, and mechanical filtration to keep the water healthy and crystal-clear for months between simple filter changes. The filter cartridge conveniently lasts up to 8 weeks, so cleaning the BiOrb is quite easy. Since the filter is barely visible at the bottom of the globe, it causes no obstruction of the underwater view when the biOrb is filled. The durable, globe-shaped Plexiglass acrylic design allows a perfect 360-degree viewing angle, and the built-in 10-watt halogen light built into the lid provides full observation of the swimming fish any time of day. The silver trim lets the biOrb blend into any desk, counter, table, shelf, or mantel. It measures 16 x 16 x 17 inches and is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.

Customer Reviews

Easy!
I totally recommend this aquarium kit for anyone just starting out in the fish-keeping hobby. Vitually everything you'll need comes in the box. However, when I bought my BiOrb a year ago, there was no heater included. If you want to keep tropical fish, you will likely need to purchase BiOrb's heater kit if they haven't yet decided to include a heater in the package. You can purchase a small heater at any good pet store, but it's likely to be a bit of an eyesore in the BiOrb.

I keep 3 dwarf African frogs and one dwarf puffer in the BiOrb and there is ample room. Cleaning day is about every 8 weeks and is generally only a matter of changing a few gallons of water and taking out the old filter cartridge and putting a new one in. The tank is well-aerated and you never see fish gasping for air at the top. Plus, it's a gorgeous tank.

My only complaint is that when I bought the BiOrb, I had no idea that they would soon come out with a 16-gallon version. I definitely would have gotten the larger tank, since with the smaller one, you have to severely limit the number of fish or aquatic creatures you keep in it. With the 16 gallon tank, you can have double the number of pets. Still, I'm very happy with my BiOrb.

VERY Unhappy with this Aquarium
I have owned a Baby Biorb ($69.99) for 10 months now, and I am VERY UNhappy with it. Irreconciliable personality conflicts among fishmates prompted me to purchase a second acrylic tank (10 gallons at only $49.99) within 2 months of purchasing the Biorb, so I am able to report on the comparative performance of the 2 rival tanks. The Biorb is superior to the other tank in ONLY 2 ways: 1) Its silver plastic accents are more attractive than the standard black plastic accents of the 10-gallon tank; and 2) The Biorb's biological filtration system (the ceramic media foster bacterial growth and proliferation, unlike the plain gravel in my other tank) sped up the aquarium's cycling process, whereby the Biorb had fully matured in exactly HALF the time required by the other tank. Now for the BAD news: The Biorb's poorly engineered filter set-up necessitates lifting the soiled filter from the BOTTOM of the tank for replacement, at which time the disturbed filter releases appalling pollution into the tank. The replacement filter barely stands a chance of removing the residual pollution, let alone maintaining a healthy environment for the next "4 to 8 weeks." As a result, I am finding myself replacing the filter an average of every 2 to 3 weeks, which - at $9.99 to $10.99 a pop - becomes ridiculously expensive, and the aquarium's water is perpetually yellow and unattractive. The other tank, on the other hand, boasts a filter set-up on the SURFACE of the water. I simply lift out the soiled filter - only $6.99 a pop - and replace it. No harm done. While the makers of the Biorb claim that the 360-degree view it affords of the fish inside really places Biorb ahead of the competition, I find that my second all-clear hexagonal tank likewise boasts
a 360-degree view. If I had it to do over again, I would NOT invest in a Biorb. The long-term expense is prohibitive, and the performance is poor.

Good Baby
Have to disagree with the other reviewer here ... I purchased a Baby biOrb recently for my new Betta, after having my first betta living in an airless bowl for a couple years. I simply got tired of cleaning a stinky bowl every week. As a result, I went shoppin for a new tank with a bubbler and filter system and found the Baby biOrb.

While I agree that the maintence costs are significant at $132/ year (if you need to change a filter every 4 weeks), the costs balance with ease of maintenance. Personally, my experience with cleaning the Baby biOrb was a snap with the optional suction hose. Took me fifteen minutes to clean the tank, drain the grimey water and add new water. Couldn't have been much easier. And, I am not sure how anyone could have a problem swapping filter cartriges unless they have motor skills issues.

I also built a noise dampening box for the air pump - my only real complaint is that the "whisper quiet" pump sounds like a mini jackhammer after about five minutes.

Great product and looks awesome.