biOrb Aquarium | Intelligent Heater

[@peterjones4112]

Another great video Mark. I've added one of these to my xmas list. I nearly gave up with my biorb following a number of disasters in the early day. Thanks to your channel all of my past issues are history! I might even get a second tank! A big thank you.

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Many thanks for the comments... really appreciated. I'm glad the channel has helped get things going in the right direction. Sounds like that xmas list is going to get big! Don't forget to add all the plants, fish etc you also need added to it! :)

[@------S------]

I bought this Intelligent Heater after watching your video, it's really lovely and straightforward to set up, also no more black cable!!!

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Yes, just drop the heater in the tank... wherever you fancy and ditch the thick black cable. :).

[@pjuk]

Hi Mark, thanks for the video. Had 2 of these over the years, both suffering same outcome, after maybe 2 or 3 years just stop heating. Still getting power, light still on but no heat output. Tested in a cold bucket of water and stayed completely cold. Oase didn't wanna know when I asked them about it. Now I've got an Aquael Ultra in both my tanks, also plastic, black and quite discreet against the black side in Flow or Life tank. And best of all an actual temperature light not this confusing multi flash thing! Oh and only 25ish pounds.

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Peter. I hope you are well. Interesting to hear about your experience with this heater. I run them in all my tanks and (touch wood) I've never had a problem with those four. The oldest one I purchased is about three years old. I have one that was second hand purchased (but looked well used) so I'm not sure of the age of that. That one runs fine too. The only problem I've had is that one runs at a temp of 23C. I was going to return that one but then decided it was actually good to have one on a slightly cooler side for one of my tanks. Yes, cost is a big difference, compared to many other heaters, though. Best wishes, Mark

[@PeanutTheBoySquirrel]

Its a great Heater to have, great feature and not too bulky. Thanks friend👍🏼

[@SarahWalton-xo7sg]

Didn't know biorb do a heater like this. Thanks for doing a video on it. I'm very impressed and it solves the issue I have about other heaters being so obvious in my aquarium. What a great product. I've added one of these to my Christmas list. I'm with you, I'd rather spend more to get something far less obvious and ugly.

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Thanks Sarah. I have them in all my tanks, despite the cost! M

[@dynamics9000]

This is one of the greatest and beautiful videos I have watched today..thanks for sharing=====

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Wow, thank you!! :)

[@pamuppal4468]

Thank you Mark, I love these heaters and so glad they are available again. Your Biorbs look great and I'm curious as to what you have instead of ceramic media.

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Pam. Would be interesting to know how easy they are to get from your side of the big sea. They are easily available in the UK but only from a very limited number of suppliers/outlets. The ceramic media that I have in the tank is a new one that I'm testing at the moment. Actually I'm testing a number of similar products and plan to do a video soon on the best alternative to using the standard biOrb Ceramic Media. Watch this space! :).

[@pamuppal4468]

Same in California, limited to certain places that sell Biorb products, but are in stock. Look forward to seeing your next video.

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Pam. One of my subscribers, from the USA, is trying to get a biOrb Intelligent Heater but is saying they are struggling to find any retailers that stock it. Are you aware of any? Thanks, Mark

[@pamuppal4468]

@@StepbyStep-biOrb the intelligent heater doesn't seem to be available anymore, you could ask your friend to look at 'everything Biorb website' they do have them on their website but are currently out of stock, your friend can sign up to get an email alert once they are back in stock. Alternatively there are heaters available that work well in Biorb, which can be hidden in media usually made for Betta tanks.

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Thanks Pam. I've passed that info on. Best wishes, Mark

[@peterwentworth9181]

Hi Mark, I really would like one of these heaters. Mabey l can convince my wife it is a good buy, by saving energy money over the years.

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Good luck with that one! :). Well, it's nearly Xmas so stick it on your list to Santa! As usual, thanks for watching. Best, Mark

[@foltz-art]

" Oh yeah this is super dope cool!! ✌✌✌ I definitely want the new Biorb intelligent heater what a groovy item ♨️🎚🌡🐟🐡🐠 I dig all the specs too I especially like the cutoff feature that's just super! Thanks for showing this . Happy week to ya Mr. Mark* 🦈🌊✌🧡

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

They are certainly different from the "normal" heaters on the market. The super thin white cable is really cool and you can just dump them at the back of your aquarium. The flashing red lights... I just ignore. Life's too short to be counting those! lol .Great heaters though... but at a cost! Thanks for watching Mr Foltz :)

[@foltz-art]

Your always super Amazing Mr. Mark 👏 and you have helped so many people with there tanks and fish care bless you tenfold your golden 😎✌🐠🐡🐠🐟🐟

[@paulamackie6778]

Hi Mark. I bought my intelligent heater from ebay 1 week ago for £90. I see they are now £130 !!! Crazy. I guess it is unique. Very pleased with it I might add 😀

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Paula. Yes, so much for RRP on these! That went out the window some time back! Demand and availability forces up cost! I can't say my Channel has helped with this scenario I'm afraid! Wish I was on commission... LOL . Seems to be a monopoly approach to charging for these and this through a very limited number of retailers. But it certainly is a great heater and very well suited to a biOrb. Best, Mark

[@goncalosantos9767]

Hello Mark! Another great vídeo. I saw in the comments that you are testing new medias in your tanks! Tell us about in the next videos! I would like to see you unboxing and reviewing the new model of Biorb tanks, the Biorb Loop! Best wishes from Portugal!

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Goncalo. Many thanks for watching. Yes, currently testing but might not be covering this topic just yet. Yes, I've seen the new tank but I have no plans to add that one to the tanks I have. I think i'm at my limit when it comes to tank numbers and buying them :)

[@mollys360kitchen7]

So fantastic video 👍

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Thanks for the visit... much appreciated. Best wishes, Mark

[@amyc8112]

Thank you for this info. Glad to hear they brought it back. Off topic question. What type of ceramic media are you using in the Biorb to the right of you in this video. Is that a 30L flow? They look like round balls. Are those new?

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Amy.. Thanks for watching and for commenting. In terms of the ceramic media, I am "long testing" a couple of media products at the moment. Normally I don't produce videos on any products unless I have tested them properly and am sure they work well. I plan to do a video soon on an alternative to using the standard biOrb Ceramic Media. Swapping over from an existing media to a new media is very problematic if not done correctly (new tank syndrome) so I will need to cover that subject too. Watch this space! :). The tank you mention is indeed a 30l Flow. On the subject of tanks....I will be producing a video on biOrb's new Loop soon.

[@FabiX_PL]

hello, I have a little last question, can we put real plants in a biorb aquarium? if we can really I need information, thank you very much ^^

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hello again. Not many plants are suitable and many will also need a soil based substrate. But this video covers the ones most suitable: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oICTaWuoZ9Kgo9k. If you are getting plants from a supplier, it might be worth you treating them before adding to your tank (to avoid adding pest species). In that case, also see this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3mqp39uatilmqc. Thanks, Mark

[@FabiX_PL]

@@StepbyStep-biOrb okay thank u very much ☺️

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Your'e welcome! I'm always happy to help. Anything else, just shout! M

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

I'd suggest that you focus on getting a variety of anubias. Also, get plants attached to volcanic rock, rather than driftwood, as driftwood will add tannin (brown colouring) to your tank's water. This sort of thing is what I mean: amzn.to/3SAAGj0 and amzn.to/3SC9xfz

[@robinschotte4727]

Great video. Is the transformer of the new heater suitable to power the "new style" Biorb light and air pump? Because they have a different plug style?

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Robin. I'm afraid not. The plugs for the newer biOrb lights and air pumps are different and not compatible with the Intelligent Heater transformer. For most of my tanks, the air pump and lighting (MCR) are running off a separate power supply. Best, Mark

[@sandrineruffieux2508]

Hi Mark. Thanks for your videos. They really help mento set my Biorb. I may be stupid but I don’t understand how I can make the heath higher. Could you please help me?

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Sandrine. Thanks for visiting the Channel and i'm glad that you've found the videos of help. In terms of raising the heat, are you talking about the biOrb Intelligent Heater? If so, this is a pre-set (i.e. factory determined heater) so it already comes at a set temperature range and can't be adjusted. Typically, the Intelligent Heater will maintain a water heat at between 24C to 25C (on tanks up to 60L size). So the temp is not adjustable. To be able to alter the temperature within a tank you would need an adjustable heater. I show some of these types of heaters in my other video comparing different heater types: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHWriXqcdsysf5Y. What is the temperature that you have and what size aquarium is it? What temperature are you trying to achieve/reasons? Best wishes, Mark

[@duncanfraser9979]

Hi Mark I have my 105 litre sitting unboxed and waiting to go(upgrade from my 60), with it only been 50w are they suitable for the 105? I didn’t like the original biorb heater and blew my first one up before I submersed it so I’m currently using a 100w hygger I think it’s called great wee heater has plastic covering round it to protect fish and also cuts out when out of the water really good heater from my experience I like the idea of it been discreet but just wonder if it would do the job on the 105. Hope your well Cheers and thanks for all your great videos they’ve kept my fish alive for the best part of a year now :) Duncan

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Duncan. Great to hear from you again. Congrats on the new 105. They are an amazing looking tank. In terms of this size of tank, the biOrb Intelligent heater just wouldn't have enough power to retain the necessary heat. Even using two of them would not be suitable as a tank needs a heater able to heat the total volume of water normally. So, it needs a 100w to match the tank size. I'd say the Hygger you have will do a good job at this. Hygger products are very good. I have one of their Ultra Silent air pumps on one of my tanks and it runs faultlessly (and is very quiet). Best wishes to you. Mark

[@paulamackie6778]

Hi Mark. Just for information. I contacted biorb about the intelligent heater. They have stopped producing it due to the change from AC to DC. Some retailers still have them and selling at inflated prices. I have asked whether they will bring out a DC version. Waiting on reply. I do hope so as its so unique.

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Paula That's interesting as it was biOrb themselves that originally contacted me directly last year to say they were bring it back into production (this is because I had previously moaned to their marketing guy that they had stop selling it). But, what you say might be the reason why the very limited number of shops that do have it are hiking up the prices well beyond RRP.

[@paulamackie6778]

@Step-by-Step I did get a reply back saying they will not be reproducing it on DC format which is a shame. I'm surprised someone else like hygger hasn't looked into a similar option. It's the white cable that's the unique thing, isn't it ?

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Interesting. I thought they would have been thinking about doing that. It is a great design that works well with maintaining the clean lines of a biOrb. biOrbs are to some extent a design feature for the home, that also supports fish. Shame if they cant follow their design led approach for their tanks by revising this heater. But, as you say, it is the white fine cable more than anything - what is at the end of it (as long as it reasonably sized and can work happily sitting on top of the media) doesn't make a lot of difference.

[@paulamackie6778]

Someone could make a fortune - ?? You maybe

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Me? No way....I'm clearly not put on this World to make a fortune! LOL.

[@sophieabudabat4721]

Hi Mark, on a completely different subject; with these possible power blackouts which we may be having this winter - how will this affect our Biorbs and what can we do to lessen the impact? Appreciate that this is not the topic but 😬

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Sophie. Sorry for the delay in response. If you don't mind, I will answer this one by pointing to something that probably gives a fuller answer: aquariumstoredepot.com/blogs/news/fish-tank-power-outage. The level of concern depends on the length of time the power is down for. The key thing "initially" is air supply (I do have a back-up power supply that can run my air pumps) a cheap battery air pump is the easiest solution to maintaining air supply. Tropical fish will deal with a slow reduction in heat to some extent. The obvious thing is to heat the room, containing the tank, to a reasonable ambient (room) temp to help maintain tank water temp. To some extent, temp variation, is dependent on fish species. Quoted temps, for fish species, are normally describing their preferred temp range, rather than what the species will cope with. For example, warm water species, such as Betta (i.e 25- 30C), will normally prefer a higher, and fairly limited, temp range. However, depending on the length of time, they will cope with lower "room temps" or say 21C for a reasonable period of time. Hope that helps. Mark

[@sophieabudabat4721]

Thank you, useful article. I’ve bought a battery powered air pump as you suggested, I didn’t know they existed.

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Not a problem. I'm glad it helped. It's always worth having a back-up battery air pump. It means you are covered in a scenario of power loss, pump failure etc.

[@paulamackie6778]

I would ĺike thus but not sure about the connection. My connectors are single round plug. Will this work with the hub. If not how do I connect to power?

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Paula. Yes, the transformer wouldn't work with the later round plug light and pump fittings. So, it is basically the same situation you would have with having any heater. You would need a socket for the heater and then another one for the plug to power your lights and pump. The transformer doesn't need to have everything plugged into it... just the heater. I have the intel heater working in all my tanks, with only one of those where I am able to plug everything into the single transformer. With all the rest I do the standard approach and run off two sockets. Best, Mark

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Just to add, I run my tanks off short extension leads rather than directly plugged into wall sockets. So i just use a short extension lead (ones with two sockets) and run this off a single wall socket. If that makes sense! :)

[@paulamackie6778]

Lovely thanks

[@paulamackie6778]

I have one on order. Can't wait.

[@jimmymature1976]

What’s the media in the left hand tank?

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Jimmy. It's actually a ceramic media product that I'm quality testing at the moment. I plan to release details of it if/once I am convinced it is a good product, and is one that is better than the standard biOrb ceramic media . Best wishes, Mark

[@DanielBarclay-ve9rj]

Hi Mark, I recently purchased one of the biorb intelligent heaters after watching this video as I love the fact they are so discreet and just wanted to ask do any of your powerpods hum loudly? It seems to stop if I sit it on the front edge but want to ask before I consider returning it.

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Daniel. I have 4 tanks running on these (and a couple of spare). In all cases I can only pick up the sound of a hum if I hold the power pod within close proximity to my ear (closer than about 3 inches). . There is no noticeable sounds emitted beyond that. First time I've had that question too... air pumps always top the pile of concerns over noise/sound. Questions: does the unit emit sound when picked-up off the ground (i.e. it is not resonating against a hard floor, all of mine sit on carpet)?; and, does the hum still exist if you remove the outer case covering (it should just unclip from the unit)? Sounds like you might need to return it for a replacement. Best, Mark.

[@DanielBarclay-ve9rj]

@@StepbyStep-biOrb Hi Mark, Thank you for getting back to me, the noise randomly started after about 45 minutes of running, once I picked it up the noise continued until it was given a small light squeeze on the sides. I did remove the outer case and have noticed one side of the main casing was slightly sticking out from the middle and since squeezing that back in the hum seems to have reduced dramatically. I agree I think its going to be best returning it and then trying to find a different heater with a long power cable, which doesn't seem to be very common :( .

[@markkenny3596]

Hi Mark Thanks for another great video. What is the biggest tank you could use these in, I love them as they are so discreet. I have a 60litre tank but need to get an additional 105l tank soon. Presumably this won't be enough to heat the bigger tank? Could I use more than one?

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Mark. That's a good question! As you saw in the video, the heater always maintains a constant 24.5C in my 60. But I'm not so sure re a 50W in a 105. I'm sure it would get it up to temp but is likely to be constantly running and at full throttle! I will ask biOrb and let you know (hopefully tomorrow). Two Intelligent Heaters? - That's a lot of money for one tank! Lol!

[@markkenny3596]

@@StepbyStep-biOrb ok please let me know if Biorb have responded. Cheers

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Mark. Sorry for delay in getting back to you. biOrb say they wouldn’t advise using the Intelligent heater to heat a Biorb 105, as the heater just wouldn't have enough power to do so. Even using two would not be suitable as a 105l would need a heater which is able to heat the total volume of water normally. Hope that helps. Best, Mark

[@lf683]

How do I change filter on these please and do you know if lights can be replaced? Thanks

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi. If you mean the sponge filter etc, see my video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3bSnpp7epelrsk. All biOrb lights can be replaced or upgraded. See my video on standard and MCR lighting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3elZGxsaN-coMk. You should be able to get all biOrb replacements via suppliers on Amazon: amzn.to/3TI6K5x. You need to make sure the replacement lighting is the correct one for your tank model/size and also that it has the correct electricity connection (plug type). Hope that helps. Thanks for watching. Mark

[@ZaraThompson-pb2sk]

No longer available from Amazon. Any other ideas? I'm in New Zealand trying to source one.

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi Zara. I think it relates to poor distribution beyond Europe. In the UK they are available via Amazon (UK) and eBay (UK). The main retailer in the UK is a shop called Aquacadabra. I'm not sure if this shop would ship to NZ? The only suggestion I have is to contact Oase biOrb directly to see: if (a) there is a supplier that stocks these in NZ or (b) they would be able to help/ship one out to you. BTW the price of these has shot up recently!! Best wishes, Mark

[@FabiX_PL]

hello, I love your videos but, I wonder where you found this gravel in the aquarium on the left, thank you for your answer ^^

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Hi. It's actually a ceramic media product that I'm quality testing at the moment. I plan to release details of it if/once I am convinced it is a good product, and one that is better than the standard biOrb ceramic media . Best wishes, Mark

[@jimmymature1976]

Does it just have the media or sponge too?

[@MrSniperjet]

just fyi, 50Watts is, well, 50 Watts, it doesnt matter the voltage... heating water to a given temp will cost (take the same energy) regardless of the voltage... this one is no more or less efficent than any other one.... #justsayin

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Thank you MrSniperjet... that's a really wonderful comment. I didn't work that one out! Thanks for the correction. Help please!! So, question: Why does the biOrb heater have such a fine cable compared to every other heater on the market... and why don't other heaters use similar less obvious cables? It is the cables I hate more than nearly anything else!! Thanks, M

[@MrSniperjet]

@@StepbyStep-biOrb its even more confusing than that... the LOWER the voltage for a given wattage the MORE actual current is used (same power (watts)) so generlally if you use high watts and low voltage then you need thicker cables... hence the national grid use 132'000 volts to deliver town/cities lekky so they can use smaller and reasonable cables, and why your car starter motor (at 12v) had massive thick cables... realisically in this instance 50w in all is tiny... so even at 12v thin cable is fine..as for those at 240v direct inside the tank its usually due to electrical isolation and safety in that there is a lot of plastic around the copper to add protection, also that at 240v the market available of the shelf cable is generally bigger as its intended to cope with much higher loads. in simple terms the biorb cable is "all copper/metal" and liitle plastic.. vs say ehiem 240v heaters that are small core copper/metal and lots of insulation...

[@MrSniperjet]

geez my grammar, that reads back dreadfully... #soz

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Wow! Great info! That helps answer the question I always raise about heater cable thickness. That's really great input to the Channel. A big thank you! Best wishes and thanks for finding time to add comments. Much appreciated. Mark

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Never a problem! :) Thank you. Best, M

[@mySydan]

huge transformer. Not sure why they felt it had to be so big.

[@StepbyStep-biOrb]

Yes, I agree. I'm not sure if it does more than just being a transformer though... but yes it is big. It acted as a single point for the whole aquarium so it powered everything...the lights, air pump and heater. Thanks for watching and for commenting . Mark