biOrb Aquarium | Adding fish to a biOrb fish tank | Please click on 'Show More'

[@pattih7889]

Once again, I would like to thank you Mark for your kindness, patience, invaluable help and your generosity. Truly a lovely man :)

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Patti. Long time no speak. I was just wondering how things are going with you and your biOrb? Best wishes to you, Mark

[@christophertracey9433]

Thank you very much MATE need to get your arse in gear and do a few more videos for next year please Wishing you and all your family a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year and many more of them to come

[@PeanutTheBoySquirrel]

Great information, the tank looks amazing! Beautiful fish. Thank you friend

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Thank you too!

[@e.c.y4171]

Just to add, I live in the South in the U.S. and my house temperature resides at 73-75 degrees. We don’t have a “winter.” Thank you again.

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

BTW - I really want to live in a place that doesn't have a winter and has house temps of 73-75!!

[@z90012]

Love that 60L Biorb.the plants to.and your channel content.keep it up👍😊

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Thank you!! Really nice to hear from people. A big thanks for the support...I hope you find the Channel of help. Best wishes, Mark

[@NorthernMigrationTravel]

Wow that tank looks absolutely awesome mate… Great job

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

With the fish now in it really looks good. It's weird, I didn't think I liked the orb shape, but now Ive got one I've completely changed my mind. Thanks for your comment and I hope you are well my friend. Best wishes, Mark

[@NorthernMigrationTravel]

@@StepbyStep-biOrb Not too bad this end thanks mate… You should set up a website. There must be so many people who need your expertise. You could probably go out setting up tanks and make a lot of money from it 👍

[@DavidStell-rb6nl]

Thanks for sharing your videos. 🎉😊 Will some day try one of these ball aquariums .

[@amyc8112]

The tank looks amazing! Beautiful fish. I want another tank now. 😁

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Thanks Amy. The tanks now on its proper stand and looks really great. All fish are fully settled in and happy. Yes, get another tank! :). Lol

[@victoriaelizabeth222]

Yay! Never a more beautiful tank did I see! Welcome to your new home fishes and your new daddy! Look forward to seeing you set up your next biOrb Mark! Haha ;)

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hey, that made me laugh! :). All fish are doing really well and all have come out of hiding. They've even started to colour up now. So, all is looking good. I really think this will be my last tank though - they take up far too much time! Far too many water changes! Lol

[@victoriaelizabeth222]

@@StepbyStep-biOrb Glad they are doing well. Ah yes but you must really enjoy them to have 3. I’ve been looking at BiOrb plants and centre pieces today - so many to choose from. I’m definitely getting the ‘horn coral blue’ plant that you’ve got. It’s really striking.

[@peterwentworth9181]

Hu Mark, Yes very satisfying adding fish after all the work of set up. Your right about fish hiding when first added. I have Platys and they hid at the bottom for ages but came around eventually.

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Thanks Peter. All fish are doing well and have even started to colour up now. The Black Phantom have started to come out and grub around now. I always find dwarf gourami to be very shy when added to a new tank... often a week (or more) before they start to show any signs of confidence. Best, Mark

[@e.c.y4171]

A bit off the subject of the current video… I bought my 8 Gallon HALO today, with all the accoutrements from BiOrb. I am going with Male exotic Bettas. To the point, the BiOrb heater you recommended is sold out everywhere. Which polycarbonate heater would recommend? If it helps, I’m in the States as far as availability. Again, much appreciated for your wonderful videos, information, and wonderful knowledge and walk-throughs!

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi. Nice to hear from you and thanks for your supportive comments. Really appreciated. I'm sure you've realised that if you Google "suitable temp range for Betta" you will get a varying range. However, generally the low temp for the species is 72 and the upper is about 86. I think, with your house temps, and also the reduced seasonality you have, you wouldn't need a heater. With a biOrb heater (if they hadn't stopped producing them recently, but perhaps they will start again!) you would still only be getting 76 (24.5C) in an 8 gallon. Many current/alternative brand heaters on the market are ruined by an industry insistence on using thick, black, power cabling. Many heater cables don't even fit through the heater hole in the lid of a biOrb tank! If it was me, in your situation, I would def go without one!! You indicated getting male Bettas (i.e. more than one?). Is that the plan? I would tend to advise not to have more than one male. Female betta are a better option if planning to have numerous. I hope that helps you. Best wishes from across the big pond, Mark

[@tracyweiss2594]

As always, so much useful info! I love your videos and I used your tips to decorate and stock my own 30L BiOrb. Thanks for always having such well planned videos!

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Thanks Tracy, I very much appreciate your comments. The biOrb Catalogues are a good to place to look to get ideas and to make sure the things you order are the right size for your tank. Great to hear from you and thanks again for watching. Best, Mark

[@donnabenvin7294]

Hello, again thanks for the information 😊

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

My pleasure! :)

[@foltz-art]

Super Duper looking tank Mark its so wild wild wild !! Your always amazing and so informative Kool fish choices I dig this! Your the Best! My Heck I bet them fish are loving there new water world! ✌😎💯% 🐟🐟🐟🐟🐟🌊

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

All those new fish are happy in their new World. They have soon worked out my feeding regime... and they don't let me forget when I'm running a bit late! Thanks as always my friend.

[@foltz-art]

@@StepbyStep-biOrb That's so funny I know exactly what you mean, heck my fish 🐟 🐟 🐠 go crazy like,around 5:00 or so there like little Piranhas haha 🤣🤯😳😱😹👾😜

[@goodgravy3047]

How do you clean the interior surface from algea? Looks like it would be a nightmare.

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi. It's probably the same as any aquarium with the best approach being to minimise algae /diatoms in the first place through limiting water conditions which promote growth and to place the aquarium in a place that avoids direct sunlight. Other than that, the best approach is wiping the inside of the tank during a weekly water change - 2 minute job (easy with a 30 and 60 litre but not so easy with the bigger 105 litre version!

[@goodgravy3047]

@@StepbyStep-biOrb I clean the glass of my aquarium weekly with a tool designed for that. On a flat plate of glass, not a sphere, which the same tool wouldn't work on. Even a scraping tool would have difficulty due to the non-flat shape.

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

For biOrbs, the best approach is to use biOrb cleaning pads. As I mentioned, it is 2- minute job to clean the inside of the glass. I wouldn't recommend any form or tool or scraper (which is ideal for glass aquariums where algae is an issue). biOrbs are made of acrylic and standard aquarium tools and acrylic aren't a good match. I personally avoid the issue through controlling my water quality input... I don't really suffer from algae. Alternatively, the easy way to keep algae back is to add a couple on nerite snails. Hope that helps. Best, Mark

[@christophertracey9433]

Hi Mark, quick question I wondered if I have you any experience with adding shrimp to a Biorb? Have you ever done a video? Because I can't seem to find one. I've now got my tank looking really nice, lots of real plants which are doing well attached to stones or Bogwood and a couple of female Dwarf Gourami, I took out the males because they were stressing out the girls. I also have some of those Snails that you suggested and they are happy and growing, you ust have to be careful when doing water changes because they are tricky little sods Ha-Ha I am now looking for my next additions and thought some Shrimps might be nice Thank you in anticipation Chris

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Chris Really great to hear that your tank is now sorted and everything is looking good. Regarding shrimps. Yes, indeed, I have experience with various shrimp species. By far the best to add are Cherry as these are substantially less sensitive to water parameters. They are generally happy with pH 6.0 to 8.0 and are fine with temps from about 18C to 30C. Most aquarium water quality aspects are roughly the same as for most aquarium fish. I would normally suggest not to add them until a tank is settled down, say three months after being cycled. Which is roughly the time you are at. Red Cherry are better (i.e. redder) on dark substrates as they will adapt to reduce their colour on pale substrates (but, same goes for most other shrimp varieties) General problem: Shrimps and aquarium vacs are not always a good combination! You have to keep an eye on where the shrimps are in the tank when using a vac. Your problem: It can vary between individuals but... Dwarf Gourami will very often enjoy killing and eating shrimps (and can happily become obsessed with hunting out every single one until there's none left!). Sometimes everything can all be fine for months, but then shrimps suddenly become flavour of the month! There is a chance that shrimps would be fine, but a bigger chance they wouldn't! It could all end up being an expensive way to keep your DGs well fed! LOL Hope that helps. M

[@christophertracey9433]

@@StepbyStep-biOrb Hi Mark, thank you very much as usual for your excellent feedback, it certainly would be an inexpensive way to feed the little sods, unfortunately since I first posted I've had another one put her fins up just don't know why water is really good good mixture of food just didn't seem herself for a couple of days, lethargic and swimming around the bottom but looking straight up? by the time that I sorted out my recovery tank it was too late. I understand what you're saying about the vac I have a bit of a similar problem with my snails I was actually more worried about them getting caught in the filter as I have heard this can be a problem when they are small please put on your list to do a video about keeping shrimp I'm sure will not be the only one that would watch it. Chris

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Sorry to hear about the fish Chris. Was this one of your dwarf gourami? Dwarf gourami disease (DGD) is a very common problem with this species and I have always struggled to find fish that don't end up with it. It is a result of uncontrolled inbreeding within the fish supply trade. Unfortunately there is no cure and fish that have it tend to perish in less than a month. However, to me, the classic sign of DGD is when an infected fish swims around in a very hyperactive and uncontrolled way, although this doesn't exactly match to the behaviour you observed. M

[@christophertracey9433]

Good morning Mark, funny you should mention that they were swimming very erratically short sharp bursts around flying around the tube so I am fingers crossed that the other one hasn't got it. On a much happier note, my Zebra Horn Nerite Snails that are not supposed to breed in freshwater have just given me 2 little babies, and is no way could have come from anywhere else as I have not put anything in the tank that they could have come attached to. No doubt they will be food first something but fingers crossed they might be able to hide out way for a little while if they pop their little heads out and I can catch them I will put them in my recovery tank on their own. Chris@@StepbyStep-biOrb

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Chris. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Best wishes, Mark

[@pamuppal4468]

Another great video and lots of useful information. Your tank looks so beautiful and the fish you chose will be so happy. So true about Zebra danios, once they are in you can't catch them, I have the long fin ones and although you can see them at times keeping still in the tank as soon as you try to catch any they can move at lightning speed, after 45mins I gave up 😂, I love them, they bring so much life to the tank and eat food very quickly so less falling to the bottom, they did great through the cycle like you said they would, my tank was also cycled after 4 days, using your method, I have noticed that the nitrates do rise more quickly in the tube compared to my Halo, I'm guessing it's because the base has a larger surface area so I will definitely be needing the auto gravel vac for this one, how long would you wait in a new tank to use the gravel vac?

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Aww thanks Pam x. Yes, those zebra danios really move (and they do anyway) but trying to catch them is a different world. The smaller they are the more difficult. Luckily I don't do it that often! Anyway those three are back in their tank with their mates (after having a short 60L holiday!). Feeding... You should try giving them live food - they go totally mad!!! All the new fish seem happy and are colouring up very nicely. The black phantoms came out of hiding (by the next day) and now are also active all around the tank. If your tank is cycled then use a vac as soon as you like. I use my vacs weekly on each tank just to keep on top of waste and I do that (using the filter bag attachment) prior to doing my water changes (again using the vac). I have a higher nitrate level in my tap water then I'd like to have, so cleaning this way really helps me to keep nitrates and TDS right down. Great to hear that your tank cycled so quickly too. It's always good to get that well and truly out of the way and then just let the tank settle down and mature\season. Best wishes, Mark

[@pamuppal4468]

@@StepbyStep-biOrb I will definitely try live foods with them, going to attempt hatching baby brine shrimp, I have frozen foods which the guppies in my other tank love. The black phantoms are very beautiful. I will definitely be using your bucket idea to acclimate fish to tank temperature, genius yet so a simple way to save time and lessen the stress on fish especially when you have multiple bags to add. I will start using the vac in that case, the tube comes with 3 large bags of ceramic media (a lot of work to wash but worth it to do properly). Enjoy your new tank and Look forward to seeing your next video.

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Thanks Pam. I'm planning to do a video on raising mosquito larvae (when the weather warms up a bit here). If you have any outdoor space it is a very easy thing to do and provides free food for a long period of time. Fish go mad for them (and they're free!). All fish still doing well and happy and have quickly worked out that if they see me it potentially means food! It's nice to know my role in life! lol

[@pamuppal4468]

@@StepbyStep-biOrb definitely interested in learning how to do this from your upcoming video, luckily it's always warm and sunny in California. The quality of the food impacts the health and wellness of fish. I would recommend Dr Bassleer range if you have available to you, the medium size pellet is the nano size for reference.

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Thanks Pam. I can certainly get Dr Bassleer feed, but I can't say I've tried it. I think the product range is very limited here in the UK though. The main one seems to be the product Bio Fishfood Cavar. There is another that is garlic based. I will certainly look into getting some and trying it though. My fish must think they live in a restaurant! I rotate 5 different feed products, one type per day. I can't really say they have a favourite as they happily eat all of them (even the new fish). But... when I've given them live larvae that all changes and that becomes their number one option. It is that or nothing! I get very dirty looks from them if I even try to give them processed fish food when there is a live food alternative available. Lol. M

[@leanneking9622]

I live in a hard water area and have a water softener system. How do I go about this please?

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Leanne. It is very unlikely that you will be able to use the water that has passed through your softener (especially if this is a salt based system). If you have access to the water supply (before it goes through the softener) then you would be better focusing on the use of that in an aquarium and matching the fish you get with the water quality you have (i.e. hard water fish species). Hope that helps. Best, Mark

[@leanneking9622]

@@StepbyStep-biOrb Thanks very much Mark. I have an outside tap would this work?

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Yes, that would work - as this will be water directly from the source supply. Sometimes kitchen taps also provide un-softened water (as drinking water). You would need to do a water quality test of the garden tap water (ideally using an API Freshwater Test Kit) to establish what the water supply quality is. If your water is from a mains supply, you should be able to get a water quality summary from your suppliers website. It might also be worth testing the kitchen tap water to see if that is also untreated. Let me know what your water quality readings are (i.e. mainly pH and nitrate) and I can advise what fish would be a good match to the water you have. Best, Mark

[@paulamackie6778]

Hi again Mark. My new biirb classic set up for 5 days looking slightly cloudy. I washed the media and decor well in treated tap water. Added fish on Saturday 4 zebra danios and bacterial booster. Otherwise all looks well. Water parameters good. Waiting for nitrates to rise. Do you think it will clear?

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Paula. I don't this relates to the media (i.e. it isn't dust, due to poor rinsing). Basically you have what I would call "Very Early New Tank Syndrome" and is very typical in the first period of setting up a new tank. . The cloudiness is caused by free-floating bacteria and microbes all trying to establish themselves in the tank and taking full advantage of free minerals and nutrients. If you watch my video about filling and decorating the LOOP you will see it. This creates the appearance of cloudiness. The beneficial bacteria, when they begin to take hold will start to dominate the tank and will filter the water and create water stability. Beneficial bacteria will out compete the bacteria/ microbes you can currently see. So, at the moment, your tank is a free-for-all. This may last for a week or more (but often within several days) before it clears. Beneficial bacteria only begin to multiply once they've adhered/fixed to surfaces within the tank. This can take a couple of more days to happen. For the large part, the bacterial product you've added is still in suspension within the water column and, as a result, is not properly active (which is why it is important not to undertake a water change during this early period - as that would remove bacteria you've added). It is a little bit of a waiting game. My LOOP is now fully cycled with fish - it is now as crystal clear as you can get! :) Hope that helps. M

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

The key thing to keep an eye on initially is ammonia and nitrite levels. If these begin to rise a bit too high, pull off feeding the fish (as adding too much food in the early stage will push both of these things higher).

[@paulamackie6778]

That's very reassuring and makes total sense. Thanks again

[@janetbrevig8191]

Hi. How many fish is safe in a 4 gallon biorb

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Janet. There isn't really a specific answer to that one. It depends on the size (at maturity) of the fish species intended and also the quality of your tap water. I tend to advise the "one inch per gallon rule" to roughly work out the maximum fish numbers to add as it does provide a good starting point to establish an initial "not to exceed" number. Note that the rule relates to the body size of the fish (excluding tail) at full maturity. Most aquarium shops sell young fish... so they will grow!). Generally, a 4 gallon aquarium is not designed (not able) to support many fish due to its small size. Based on the above "rule" a 4 gallon tank would support 4 guppy size fish, or something like a single Betta. Generally, the nearer you go to having a maximum number of fish (or indeed overstocking) the more difficult the tank will be to maintain in terms of its water quality and to control issues such as algae growth. In terms of water quality, the better the tap water quality the more fish the aquarium can support! For example, tap water with an already high nitrate level will support far less fish. Hope that helps. M

[@isabelcristinanunesfrantz8770]

Parabéns Mark!! Incrível!!!

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Obrigado Isabel. Estou muito feliz que tenha gostado. Obrigado por seu apoio a este novo canal do KZbin. Com os melhores votos, Mark.

[@timleirsleirs5846]

Hi Mark. Great channel!! Very helpfull for a beginner like me. So, bought a biorb life 45, ran it for a week and then went to the fishstore. (Temp ok, bacto start, aqua safe in there) I was adviced to start with neon tetras, which wasn't the best option I learned now.. (tds 70-120 as I learned from you) Tap tds around 270, ph 7.2 Did a waterchange yesterday and tds allready above 300 ppm. I orderd a zero water filter and will give that a try. What would be a good tds for waterchanges? And should I increase them to get tds down? I learned you adviced 1/3 zero water max..

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Tim. Many thanks for your kind comments. So, yes, neon tetras are not an ideal fish for cycling or even adding to a new tank. They are best (normally) added to a mature tank that is a good plus 6 months old. I think your pH is fine (you could add a little bit of tannin just to soften the water a tiny bit - but not too much tannin to avoid your water going brown/yellow). If your tap TDS is 270, mixing with 1/3rd zero water will get that down to about 180 and will also help reduce GH of the tap water down (which is also good). I know people with tetra tanks running at 200 without any issues and long lived/healthy fish. So, try doing a 1/3rd tank water change using 1/3rd zero and 2/3rds tap water. Then carry on doing weekly water changes (of zero and tap) of around 1/3rd of the tank. Note it may take several weeks (or more) for this approach to really start to show in your tank though. If your TDS is rising rapidly, this is normally indicative of having too many fish or over feeding or having a build up of waste under the ceramic media. If you use a vac to clean under the gravel this should also help a fair bit. I wouldn't overly pursue getting the TDS to be in the sweet spot for wild tetra - it is often just about making things a bit better. Let me know how you get on after doing a month's worth of water changes etc. I hope that helps. Mark

[@timleirsleirs5846]

@@StepbyStep-biOrb Thanks for the advice Mark 👍, and the quick reply! Should have mentioned the tank is on it's third week know.. And fish are doing great. But will try my best to make things better for them. How many tetras did you put in the new tank?. Was it 4x5? Love the look! And will probably get one to. 😄

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Can I check what your tap nitrate level is and what the nitrate rises to in the tank just prior to doing a water change?

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Not a problem Tim. I added a total of 14 young tetras in this video. But bear in mind I'd fully cycled the tank before I added them (using z danios).

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

If you are not sure how to add some tannin. The easiest thing is to use some oak acorn caps. You just need to find an oak tree! There should still be some acorn caps on the ground from last autumn. Just give them a 24hour soak in either zerowater or tap water (with aquasafe applied). You only need to add about 2 or 3 caps to a 45l tank. They will slowly release tannin into the water but not to the extent that it will discolour your water between weekly water changes. The caps should sink after the 24 hour soak but, if not, it is just a matter of putting your hand in the tank and placing a piece of ceramic media over each cap to hold it down. It is worth replacing the caps, with new ones, every month or two as the tannin released will drop over time. Best, Mark

[@SjefVanOekelDraaftDoor]

Hi Mark. Here already some more questions. 1) I have 6 rasboras and 1 DG in my FLOW 30 L. I really like the DG and would like one more. Is this a good idea or will there be too many fish? 2 The rasboras are of the same kind. Can they be mixed with different kind of rasboras or will this give problems. 3) Unfortunately the hardness of the tap water in my area is very high. Is there something I can do about this or isn't it a problem for the fish and the aquarium? Thank you once again! 👍

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi R 3000. In terms of DG, I would stick with the one. They are fine with any other species but can be less so with their own species. I prefer them to be added as a one-off fish. With the fish number you have, you are probably towards the max of what a 30 litre can generally support. A 30l is a very small tank! I wouldn't advise you to add more than what you have already. Although this largely depends on your nitrate levels after a week. What are they? Ideally nitrates should be less than 15ppm after a week (i.e at the point of needing water change). If you have less than 15ppm after week , and your current fish are fully grown (mature), adding more fish is possibly okay. The larger tanks (60, 105) are far better suited to having higher fish numbers if you want to have a large fish population. The alternative is, to do what I do, and have more than one biOrb! :-) One thing to add ... DG are very prone to getting Dwarf Gourami Disease (DGD). I can almost guarantee that you will have this issue! Sorry! DG tend to be fine for up-to 12 months but often will come down with DGD, which often leads to a slow death. I love DG (one of my fav. fish!), but have now given-up on them as I have always had this horrible issue - despite many sellers claiming their supply doesn't have it. Unfortunately that isn't the case, and there is very little you can do about it when it happens. I'll keep all my fingers crossed that your fish is fine. In terms of rasboras. Great fish! I would generally say that ALL community fish tend to get on well together regardless of species. They will often group happily regardless of species. Other rasboras will be fine mixed together. They simply prefer to be in a group with other community fish! Check out a freshwater compatibility chart if you need to double check anything you are adding together: www.aquariumindustries.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Freshwater-Fish-Compatibility-Chart.pdf In terms of fish, my advice, on the Channel, has ALWAYS been to only choose fish that are a good match to your water supply. Rasboras (i.e. wild fish scenario!) are certainly associated with much softer water (and the same with DG). But, most shop bought fish will be fully acclimatised to be okay with a broader range of conditions. If adding "soft water" species to a hard water scenario the best thing to do, would be to add a level of tannins (to help soften the water a bit). Bog wood is probably the best, but this will add coloration (a tint) to the tanks water. My preference, if having fish not well suited to my water, would be to add a few acorn caps to the tank, as these will probably not result in a brown colouration of the tank's water. I have large oak tree in my garden so I am lucky to have an abundant supply of tannin from Autumn onwards, if I needed to adjust water.. I hope the above covers what you asked! Best, Mark

[@SjefVanOekelDraaftDoor]

@@StepbyStep-biOrb Hi Mark, thank you and I'm sorry for my late respons. I stick with the 6 rasboras and 1 DG. Didn't know this about the DGD, but let's hope my DG won't be affected and can live a long happy life. I only have my aquarium for about 2-3 weeks now and the nitrates are still less than 15ppm. I don't know if the fish are fully grown but of course I'll take care of the water quality. Thanks for now - there will probably come more questions over time 🙂 All the best to you, Roel

[@lewisjones9889]

Ive just added my first 3 phantom tetra! Got my water sample tested at the aquarium and they said it was spot on and recommended the fish. They look well enough but they barely move… they are just sort of treading water a few inches from the bottom. Any advice? Yours look like they adjusted straight away! I climatised them as the video suggested!

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Lewis. If your water quality is a good match (and I'm sure the aquarium shop have advised correctly), and you've acclimatised the fish.... I think all will be okay. It can take several days (and more) for new fish to settle in. Many new fish can also go into hiding at the very back of the tank for at least a week. Fingers crossed, all will be fine. Let me know how things go or if you need any help. Best wishes, Mark

[@lewisjones9889]

Thanks so much Mark! Do you have any recommendations for food? The aquarium advised the Tetra Prima Granules, and while the fish seem to enjoy them...if they don't catch them while they're floating they sink and sit on the ceramics, and the fish won't feed from the bottom. If the fish don't see them, then they won't eat. If they do, I can tell they love it. I can't picture how I'll ever be able to keep it clean! @@StepbyStep-biOrb

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Lewis. Ideally you need food that will stay at or near the surface for as long as possible - although live food is the ultimate as the fish will clear it all up. I tend to use Bug Bites Tropical Flakes (which I crush to some extent) and Hikari Tropical Micro Pellets (semi-floating) when I'm trying to keep food up in the water. But, as you say, the fish tend not to get it all before it sinks. A gravel vac is the best solution for removing waste that falls on or below the ceramic media.

[@lewisjones9889]

@@StepbyStep-biOrb thank you Mark! I will look into those and I think you have a video on the best gravel vacs so will watch that and invest!

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Lewis. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Best wishes, Mark

[@duncanfraser9979]

Hi mark,hope your well.love your videos and from someone with adhd it’s surprising how I’ve managed to watch (nearly) all your videos and taken a lot of information in,been a great help…I’ve just about set up my tank got a biorb 60 with the big blue biorb centre piece and some driftwood going to get some plants and possibly attach at different levels…I’m really happy with it the only thing is I wanted to check properly with someone who knows there stuff the mix of fish I’m looking at. So I’m gonna go for a betta, last of course :) also thinking of 6 neon tetras,4 platys, 6 golden barbs and 3 mollys. Is this ok do you think? Really enjoy your videos and I hope to hear back All the best Duncan

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Duncan thanks for watching and supporting the channel. Much appreciated. Great to hear you're about to set-up a 60l. My initial thoughts on the species you are looking at are that they are a mix of species that have different preferences of water hardness and pH. Livebearer fish (platys, mollys) prefer harder water with a higher pH (7.0 to 8.5). Barbs and neons prefer softer water, pH 5.0 to 7.0. Betta pH 6.0 - 7.5. So, you would be better choosing either low pH or high pH species rather than mixing the ones you have suggested. The choice of which is best should always determined by your tap water pH - as it is far easier to match your fish to your tap water. Neon tetras are highly sensitive and like very stable water conditions. They are best added after the tank has matured (for say 6 months) . If your tap water has a medium to high nitrate level then you may need to reduce the numbers of fish you are planning to add to the 60L. Alternatively, just go with half the number you mentioned when you first add fish initially and then see what that number of fish does to the water quality after a week. You can then start to judge how many more to add. In terms of fish species and numbers, the best (and very basic) starting point is knowing what you tap water pH and nitrate level is. Can you test it and let me know? I hope that helps. Best wishes, Mark

[@duncanfraser9979]

Thanks for the reply mark, my tanks been set up for about 2 months already I have a few projects on and I don’t want to rush the process. Id rather get it right my nitrate levels are next to nothing and ph has been consistently 7. I think I’m gonna add the plants and give it some time again and see if anything changes. The tap water is slightly hard but I have bought some products ready to bring it down if necessary. I’ve dedicated a shelf in the cupboard and keep all my products in boxes and have a basin solely for washing ornaments etc. cheers

[@duncanfraser9979]

Also with the live bearers i think I would stick with one sex possibly just one species aswel either molly or platy

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Duncan. Your'e very welcome. Yes, get some real plants in there. The plants on wood should help to soften the water for you (and slightly lower the pH). Your tank water will get a brown (tea!) colour, between water changes, due to the tannin released from the wood. You might not need to add any "pH down" type products as the tannin will help with this. Rather than chems, you can also add acorn caps (you just need to find an oak tree) - thats what I do! Sounds like you have everything sorted and I really like the idea that you are taking your time at this stage. Best, Mark

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Yes, go for all males if that's at all possible. Livebearers are very prolific at producing fry. The male/female thing is very easy with fish such as guppies/Endler's! M

[@hassinai]

Hi mark, hope you can help and advise - I’m new to having my own aquarium (I’m what you would call a beginner). I went to pets at home and purchased the Biorb life 15l (rectangular). On purchasing the tank the sales person advised I could use premium aquarium gravel (more like sand). I purchased the pets at home brand. However I am yet to set my biorb up but after watching a few of your videos Ive noticed you suggest and use the gravel (that comes with the biorb). Is it a must to use the gravel stones that come with the biorb or could I use the premium gravel? Hope to hear back.

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Hassina. Really nice to hear from you and thanks so much for checking this with me first. I'm afraid that the sales person is totally (and stupidly) incorrect! biOrbs have, what is called, an undergravel filtration system. This system requires the passage of water down through the ceramic media (i.e. the substrate) and then towards the central filtration system. The approach relies on the movement of water (and waste) through the many spaces and gaps within the substrate material. If you were to replace this material with another finer substrate (such as aquarium gravel, sand or soils) the water flow would be greatly impeded and the system would fail to work properly. The other important thing is that the Ceramic Media forms the main biological filter of a biOrb (it is where the beneficial bacteria required for a healthy aquarium live). It offers a massive surface area for bacteria to populate and has structure perfectly suited to house this bacteria. Aquarium gravel or sand does not provide a suitable substrate to support beneficial bacteria. As you are new to having an aquarium I suggest that you stick with the biOrb Ceramic Media supplied by biOrb. If you need any help with setting up and cycling your new biOrb or advice on which fish to add... just shout! Best wishes to you, Mark

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Take the sand back and ask for a refund! I suggest that you might also want to find another aquarium supplier that can offer good advice and no be focused on making money through additional sales! :-)

[@hassinai]

Thankyou so much. Sadly I already opened prior to watching your videos but luckily I awaited on your advice. Keep the videos coming- they are helping a beginner!

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Argh! That's a shame... but luckily not too much expenditure. Lessons learned and all that! If in doubt, always check with me first! If you would have gone along with that advice you would have an aquarium unable to support any fish what so ever! I could laugh out loud, but it is fairly serious that a supplier is advising so badly.

[@sirbarneythethirdbobbyandme]

Hi Mark , such a beautiful engaging aquarium...tetras are such a beautiful fish . I love my glowlights , I've recently got my tiger barbs rehomed . I have dwarf gouramis now which has brought peace back to the aquatic galaxy ..yes I am interested in a biorb . My question is , artificial plants v Real live plants ? . I assume using real live plants will require much more substrate and fertilizer . When would you clean the filter on this system ? Every two months ...kind regards Hugh and Sir Barney the third my famous little Jack Russell terrier

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Hugh (and Sir Barney) :). Great to hear from you and to hear that your tank is going well. In terms if plants. Most aquatic plants will need a suitable rooting media (soils/sands) and would need fertilisers/ CO2 etc. As such, these plants are not suitable for a biOrb unless the tank was converted to allow for such substrate. biOrb use an under gravel filter system so conversion would alter how a biOrb would function. I have heard both positive and negative reports on these conversions (concerns relate to how these conversions perform in the longer term). The most suitable plants for a biOrb are those that do not need a substrate. My video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oICTaWuoZ9Kgo9k covers the key plant types that are suitable for a standard biOrb set-up (I have these sorts of plants in all my biOrbs). Plants based on lava rock are the ones I would recommend (plants attached to wood tend to release tannins and cause water discolouration. I hope that helps. Best wishes to you. Mark

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Oops. I missed your last question... In terms of the biOrb filter. I would normally suggest replacing the sponge and also the filter medium every 2 to 3 months (this depending on fish numbers/species etc). I tend to undertake weekly water changes and during these I take the sponge out of the filter and give it a squeeze clean before putting it all back in. Hopefully this video covers the subject: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3bSnpp7epelrsk Best, Mark

[@sirbarneythethirdbobbyandme]

Thanks Mark for taken the time to reply ...I enjoyed your videos and especially when you were acclimatising new fish . The love and care for these sentinel creatures you showed was beautiful . I learned alot from that even though I been a aquarist for a long time.. Thank you Hugh

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

It's a pleasure Hugh. Great to get your support on the Channel and great to hear that you have also been an aquarist for a long time. Thank you for taking time to contact me and for your positive comments , much appreciated. Best, Mark.

[@sirbarneythethirdbobbyandme]

@@StepbyStep-biOrb it's incredible Mark , bingo hit me last night when my questioned was answered ,typical 😁. I had found the video of suggested plants for the biorb ...bingo , I have always been annoyed with my anubias constantly been dislodged and roots out of the soil . You hit the nail on the head as the roots dont like been in the soil but travel . Bingo , finally it made sense . They obviously have some roots that hold them ... I do like Microsorum mix (some java in the mix)..So you could have a small piece of bogwood in the biorb with some anubias tied to it . I have heard of aquarists glueing them but what glue and what part of plant do you glue . Nature and humans constantly learning . Hugh and Sir Barney the third

[@victoriaelizabeth222]

Hey Mark. Hope you are well. We’ve had one of our new Zebra Danios die. I can’t believe it, we’ve had them less than a week! We tested the water straight away, everything was within normal parameters. We removed the dead fish, did a 10 litre water change and suctioned up some tank debris. Is there anything else I should do? I am hoping you are not going to say complete water change?! Haha Oh also, you may remember I was asking about the air flow. I changed the air stone, I’d say the air is coming through more like normal now, although bigger bubbles than before. Fish don’t seem to mind it and it’s not making the water choppy. V.

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hey Victoria. Really sorry to hear that! I think I'd put that down to part of the risk of getting new fish. I would normally say if new fish are fine after two weeks... they are fine for much longer. I don't think this is a result of anything you have done. What you did following the loss of the fish is probably more than most people (including me!) would do. I don't think there is a need to do a larger water change, on the basis that this is probably just one of those things. Normally, a dead fish can result in an increase of ammonia (but, if left for a day or two before removal). I take it the other new and existing fish are all acting fine? But, on the good news front, glad to hear that your air flow is back to how it should be. That all sounds great. M

[@victoriaelizabeth222]

@@StepbyStep-biOrb Thanks for the prompt reply :) Yes all other fish are acting as normal. The other two z danios chase each other! I’m glad I’ve probably done more than I needed to. Have you lost any fish?

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

I don't tend to lose any really (lost many fish due to "old age" in the past though). Occasionally, with new fish, I've had the one or two get lodged in the ceramic media But I'm aware that can sometimes be a problem with some new fish and I've been lucky enough to spot them and save them. The key ones I've lost in recent years have all been dwarf gourami. They all end up with dwarf gourami disease, which is something that cant be treated and is blamed on inbreeding within the fish supply industry. I've tried different suppliers in the hope of finding a supply that is disease free but I always ended-up with fish that have it. A big shame as they are stunning fish.

[@victoriaelizabeth222]

@@StepbyStep-biOrb That’s very interesting. Another reason I want to change to the pearl media. I can’t stand the media that comes with the bi orbs. Horrid! I think it’s hard to clean the debris and sharp awkward stuff. Enjoy your weekend.

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hope you have a great weekend too. I'm sure you'll like the new Pearl Media. It is a long overdue change from biOrb. As well as being easier to clean with a vac, I'm finding that it also doesn't trap as much waste underneath it...as the water flow down and through it helps to draw waste material to the central filter better.

[@ffxfgxsfxxxg2419]

Can you explain how many fish you added to the tank. They seemed to fill the tank up to the exact amount I want to add as well

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi. This is a 60l tank and I added 4 species of tetra - total number of fish was 14. In this case I fully cycled the tank before adding the tetras (using zebra danios). If you plan to undertake a fish-in cycle I would suggest starting with about 5 fish initially. Once the tank is cycled you can then look to add more, say another 4 or 5 and then add a further number a week or so later. All additions of fish should be supported using a bacterial product to help increase the beneficial bacterial colony. The number of fish that will work in a tank is mainly determined by several things: the fish species/size; the size of the tank; and, the quality of the water supply. For example, water supply with a high level of nitrate would limit the number of fish that the tank can easily maintain (or it would certainly increase the amount of maintenance required and the amount of water changes needed). I hope that helps. Best wishes, Mark

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Applying the yardstick of '1" of fish per gallon rule' a 60l could support about 16 x 1" fish (based on their size at maturity). With a poor quality water supply, I would suggest having a lower number than this. M