BIORB COMPATIBLE UPGRADE KIT

[@pondguru]

Click 'SHOW MORE' for full video description and important links - watch in HD PLEASE NOTE: amount of biogravel required for the biorb upgrades is dictated by the base area, not the volume of the tank as it is used as a substrate to cover foams. Therefore: 15 litre requires 1.5kg 30 litre requires 2kg 60 litre requires 3.5kg 105 requires 5kg Above figures are based on the 'orb' shapes tanks - the 'life' and 'flow' rectangular tanks require 3.5kg and the foams would be cut to the full size of base. Biorb upgrade kits: www.filterpro.co.uk ('Filter Kits' page) Biorb gravel cleaner: geni.us/0YMWPJJ Ornament to cover central filter plate: geni.us/WWBqb (to make removal of central filter easier - less chance of biogravel falling into filter chamber) How to set up a Biorb aquarium.....Making one of the most troublesome aquariums work properly? That is the task being completed in this video and it also shows a unique, highly porous 'Biogravel'. Feeding frozen and sinking foods is now possible with this upgrade as the food will not be lost under large sharp media (Biorb 'lava rock'). Great range of frozen food here: geni.us/LNA8 (select type - loads to choose from) Full kits for 15 litre, 30 litre and 60 litre orbs and external filters can be found at this link: www.filterpro.co.uk The Biogravel and foams are also available separately from www.filterpro.co.uk The Biogravel is made of the same material as Biohome filter media (sintered glass). Full video on that media to follow. I will ship worldwide but to save on shipping costs please check out these links for other Biohome suppliers: US supplier: www.greatwaveeng.com AU Supplier: www.genesisgroup.com.au CA Supplier: www.angelfins.ca Apologies for the long video but there is a load of important information to get in there and I really like to share as much knowledge as possible to promote greater understanding of the filtration process. Check out how to set up an external filter here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqSknoZ6aNyJmMk Everything you could want to know about moving bed filters here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/epOqiKNpbMmdkLM Biohome questions and answers here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3isXqyYhtR9o8k Thanks very much for watching an appreciating the video - please share it with anyone who has a biorb or similar aquarium. Your support is awesome but as I get hundreds of comments every day I may not be able to reply to everyone. Contact me by email on [e-mail] or on 07772848730 regarding biohome any time. Thanks for watching and appreciating the videos. A FEW COMMON QUESTIONS: Do I need to take the medium/course foam rings out from under the gravel to clean them? (rinse in siphoned tank water, if so how often?) - It is basically creating an undergravel filter so as long as the substrate (biogravel) is cleaned with a gravel cleaner that will remove the vast majority of uneaten food / fish waste from the biogravel and upper foam so the foams don't need to be removed unless you want to do a deep clean which I recommend doing every 12 months or so. So far I don't know anyone who has done that as they don't want to disturb anything which is working well. Ideally the gravel cleaner would be used once a week to remove waste from bottom of tank, just as it would with a normal tank - that will remove waste, do a small water change and freshen up the tank. Do I need to take the fine filter pad out to clean, if so how often? - That is just like the cleaning of the 'normal' pad for biorbs. When it is clogged it will need replacing but since you have so much filtration prior to water hitting that fine pad it could go for many months before it needs replacing - every tank is different but most will go 4-6 months before the pad needs replacing. Check after 2-3 months and if you think it would go longer next time just extend cleaning intervals to suit - no point cleaning / replacing a clean filter. Do I need to replace the foam or fine filter pad, if so how often? - See above with regard to fine pad in central filter, outer foams should last a good 18-24 months before they lose their 'bounce' but will still function as an undergravel system beyond that. If I’m taking out the foam or fine filter pad. Do I need to take out my fish before doing so to be safe? I don’t want to kill it. - If you are removing the fine pad in the centre then that can be done with fish in no problem but removing the outer foams will involve taking out the biogravel so ideally that would be done when the tank had been drained and fish removed for duration of work - muck could be stirred up when the system is pulled apart so best to do that when fish aren't present. Is the air pump that comes with the BiOrb unit sufficient? If not what power air pump will be best? - Yes the standard air pump will be fine as water flow is not restricted by the undergravel system.

[@shellyp.b.7921]

Great video. Do you have a video with it all hooked up as well?

[@pondguru]

No, but I will be doing a follow-up video showing a marine / hard water option soon and may as well film them running. Glad you like the idea.

[@lisamcnaywasmazzone8867]

Loved your vid , Mr GURU ....ive just purchased a second hand biorb life 60l and so glad i came across this before i wasted money on those stupid middle filters , i was actually going to try similar to what youve done but wasnt sure if i could , as i say soooo happy i came across this , only thing im unsure about is the fine filter in the middle how often do i clean that please and i carnt find the white /cream pads where did you get those from and how much of this Biohomme do you think i will need x

[@alicebaird2039]

My Betta Fish got pulled down under the biorb media in to the bottom of the filter!! Have ordered one of these kits as soon as I got him out! Disaster !

[@richardbunt2278]

Like

[@Roxyfullify]

I just want to send out a huge thank you!!! We purchased our son a BioOrb second hand not thinking how difficult or expensive this bowl would be. We followed your instructions and the tank has never been so happy!!! Thank you, thank you, Thankyou!!!

[@Sithehandyguy-London]

I came across this a few years ago and since upgrading the tank about 4 years ago, the plants, fish and snails are flourishing. I am using fine gravel but there's a healthy layer of dirt underneath now. Part water changes about every 2 months and clean any muck off the surface and I don't really need to test levels very often now. Feed them every 2-3 days and a few extra flakes at the weekend Great upgrade.

[@adamwaind5057]

Love the idea, what I'd do slightly differently is I'd cut a hole in the ring of foam and place a potted plant like a crinum. And then put the media on so you can have areas that would have plant substrate and stuff like that. Thanks for the brilliant advice. You earned a new subscriber.

[@Gwentheknitter]

I have been an aquarium enthusiast for over 10 years. Bioorb has always been on my list of aquariums to tackle but I have been afraid of investing the time and money to have everything die. I only like planted tanks so I am gonna give this a go this Black Friday!! I am really excited. This planted Bioorb will be my Christmas present to myself. I think I have the light situation sorted out too. Thank you!!

[@pondguru]

Yes, the newer lights are better but due to the highly disturbed surface the light is refracted so easy-care plants are the way forward.

[@paula1758]

THIS IS THE BEST!!! This was my first real tank- it's running FANTASTIC and is completely stable! I've had it since 2014. It's just BEAUTIFUL! These are a PAIN to clean with the substrate falling into the center, BUT this upgrade is FANTASTIC!!! I do also have some planted plants so that helps, but this works so well!!! This substrate is like MAGIC!

[@pondguru]

+Zac olive I wouldn't ever keep goldfish in the small biorbs but the 105 you could get a couple of fancies as there's a bit more swimming space there.

[@LowTechTank]

love this video! Brilliant

[@andrewgardener9900]

I really appreciate the advice that you give regarding the filtration system of the Biorb. Many thanks

[@ThousandYardStare]

(my other channel) no worries and I'm glad you found the video useful as I make the video to help people.

[@carolynanderson2934]

I have the 4gal BioOrb and was at my wits end with it. Out of a dozen fish, only 4 have managed to survive and for some reason the water just stayed murky, even with a new (expensive) filter. I call them the little troopers. lol. Anyways, I was trying to figure out how to pimp up the filter system and viola, here you are. AND I had the biohome stuff already and used it in my little minipond outside which has been fabulous! Today, I stuck some in the filter (just grasping at straws), but will order more and try this set up. Thank-you for the video! C

[@rebeccagraham2013]

I've just done this and already my fish are super happy and it looks great!! It has inspired me to keep live plants after refusing to for years. I can't recommend this enough!

[@pondguru]

Very good to hear and I am working on a saltwater version of this system not as the upgrade kit sold by biorb for marine use addresses none of the filtration problems. I'm glad you're happy with the kit as it was something born out of years of frustration with the biorb tanks.

[@JDL__99]

@@pondguru I’m quite new to fish keeping but I’ve just set up the biorb with the ceramic media, now I’m thinking of changing to this system , how would I go about changing it as I have some fish in my tank already? Only 4 guppies so far though

[@pondguru]

@@JDL__99 As long as you give the bioravel a good wash before use (soak overnight, rinse and repeat) and drop all the old water out into a suitable container along with the fish, plants etc. you can set up the new system and simply replace all the old water, fish etc. and top up with fresh water. Most people put the old ceramic media on top of the biogravel for a few weeks to ensure that the bacteria can spread out into the biogravel then after a 3-4 weeks the old ceramic media is removed. That will be a smooth transition.

[@brian807]

Brilliant video - you might have mentioned it but do have to change the large sponges? Or the original biorb one?

[@PAULMADFISH]

Hi Richard ive been away for ages came home this weekend to this absolute gem of a vid the bio gravel looks awesome. Love the shots of the media in microscope view id love to see the entire range compared against other medias to show people why it works so well. thanks again for bringing another great product to us

[@pondguru]

I will be doing a video specifically on the media as it is incredible stuff for the DIY filters and using inside hollow ornaments.

[@lucyblayney2208]

Have to say you're a life saver, I used the biogravel to line the bottom of a Fluval Chi, and I put some of the bioballs from my existing 160 ltr tank in the top of the filter - an idea which was inspired by your moving bed filter in a water bottle video. I now feel alot more confident that this tank is more than able to deal with 3 male Tiger Endlers and the Cherry Shrimps that live in there. Thank you so much for your great inventions and ideas, and for selling us the means to do them ourselves at home.

[@lucyblayney2208]

Just realise Bioballs are actually big plastic balls... I meant I used some of your little filter media balls that looks like Malteasers (the ones you used in the mini moving bed filter video) in the top of my chi filter. My bad :)

[@pondguru]

Lucy Blayney No worries and good to hear you're experimenting with the filter. Best of luck with that.

[@sandrai7218]

I saw the video and on the back of that, bought the upgrade kit for my 30 litre biorb. I have now been running it for about 6 weeks, and added 6 Endlers and a ghost shrimp a week ago. I plan on adding another 3 Endlers and possibly a couple more shrimp in a few weeks time. The water quality is very good with ammonia and nitrites consistently at zero, and nitrates very low. The water is crystal clear and the fish/shrimp appear very happy. I'd certainly recommend the upgrade kit!

[@sandrai7218]

I found one of my Endlers dead yesterday and it had no visible signs of infection or disease. I tested the tank water in my Biorb 30l classic which showed PH at 8.2. Ammonia and Nitrites are 0, Nitrates are 10ppm. As a double check I also tested my incoming mains water supply which is 7.4 so something is happening in the tank. I live in a very hard water area. Any advice on correcting the problem please will be much appreciated.

[@MrSepture]

hi spoke with you way back still have my very old given biorb 60 my up date is home made air filter stuck to side but the very old plastic lid kept shorting so this week removed wiring to light for the third time ,holding a halogen bulb ,using a transformer converter I rewired with the correct wire ,then on hunt for replacement halogen for LEd bulb and every thing is working fine ,so it has saved me the basic £22 cost so it can be done

[@pondguru]

Nice one - you will get the bulbs online.

[@helsbels285]

Love this!! Thank you will definitely do this if I use it again. I had a biorb for years I switched to a 140L tank (£5 off Facebook..mental) as was given corys and some neons when a friend wanted to get rid, the biorb wasn’t suitable for the corys. Anyway on emptying the biorb my 5 Colombian red fin tetras had become 35+ The filter media and pebbles in the bottom allowed them to hide from predation. I couldn’t believe ve how many were hiding down in the bottom. My most successful unintentional needing to date 😆

[@towzone100]

I'll have to say. I purchased this upgrade for my Biorb and WOW! My numbers are always zero, with the exception of PH. I would never think of having a tank this size because they end up being toxic but after receiving it as a gift I did some research and find this media. It is amazing. Its now the only substrate I use.

[@simons1542]

I’ve been struggling with a biorblife60 for 4 months. I’ve had 2 deaths and enough water changes to hide a moderately sized nuclear submarine. One month in to this change (with a full rectangular run of coarse on top of medium with a replacement home cut fine foam filter and your substrate with ceramic beads) I’m gobsmacked by the results. The fish are thriving, the tank no longer smells of death and I’m no longer blaming myself for the tears from my daughter. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!!!!

[@milliecox4346]

Hi can uou tell me where I can buy the biorb up grade kit from please .

[@markymark3075]

Hi - Been running the upgrade for 4 months now, amazing results - perfect water quality. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@pondguru]

No worries - glad you're pleased with the system and I wish the manufacturers would consider improving the filters in these tanks as it would save millions of fish each year.

[@sweetdreamstime2266]

@@pondguru I am just beginning my journey with biorbs and so have very limited experience. I love all the new things I'm learning from Richard, though the concern is that Biorb recommend removing any ceramic media smaller than pea sized, as this can get stuck in the filter area preventing you from being able to insert and close the air tube, please can you explain how we can overcome this? Can you also create a video on how to clean the black foam filter and biogravel, and how often this should be done? I envisage this being quite tricky for me so would find a video most useful. Thank you.

[@ThousandYardStare]

@@sweetdreamstime2266 (my other channel) As far as cleaning he foam goes it will be cleaned when you push a gravel cleaner through the biogravel and slightly depress he foam drawing muck from it - no need to strip down to clean unless you wan to do a deep clean after a year or so. To replace central cartridge just scrape media away from the centre and replace the foam or whatever you have in the central part.

[@KerryScottCooke7402]

I am so glad I seen this informative video. I had just discovered Biorb s and was in the process of deciding wether to buy one or not. So I didn’t like the negative reviews and didn’t like how some people couldn’t raise anything in one. I had shied me away from buying. Then I seen a few comments mentioning Pond Guru and filter upgrade. So I am completely sold I bought the Biorb along with Biogravel and neccesay

[@Raegan1616]

SOOOO AWESOME! Thank you. I just purchased the tube cap. I had no idea, until I watched a different video of yours. Thank you!

[@pondguru]

No worries and best of luck with the tank.

[@hamper22]

I got a biube cheap and was worrying about how to keep it healthy for my fish. Will be buying your kit next month. This is a grate video thank you very much.

[@pondguru]

I think the biube will need some more media due to there not being a plastic base on that tank base but the foams will certainly fit around the filter. Not sure how much extra media it may take as I haven't got a biube aquarium to test.

[@hamper22]

I will buy some extra media. Once i get it up and running i will post a short video. Might take a couple of months though.

[@pondguru]

Emma Martinez Sounds great to me and there is no rush. Just post a link here when you have video done.

[@tomfranklin3317]

How do you stop the gravel going into the space where the filter cartridge was when you take it out?

[@bekmowf]

I'm deffo gonna try this. 2 questions. 1. How much biogravel will I need for a 30L biorb, and how often, if ever, do the foam rings need replaced/cleaned.

[@matthewhewitt6886]

Will this massively affect the flow rate of water through the up tube?

[@ECMTUNER]

Had this filter in my large bio orb and it was never been better, but i deiced to get rid of my bio orb because of how hard it was to maintain even in the simplest way.

[@pondguru]

That sounds like a very familiar situation and I'm glad you found the conversion worked as intended. The standard filter set up of the biorbs is so bad that every time I sell a conversion kit I know that it is saving fishes lives so it is a great feeling.

[@helenangel01]

Hiya thank you for your video, jeezzeee there still isn't much on the net about the 60l tanks! So this was such a find! I have got a 60l and searching for biorb and how to keep them clear and healthy as I'm doing at least an half change every 2 weeks!!! Love your breakdown of how everything works sooo easy to follow!! Thanks again Helen 💯🐟🐬💯

[@CCTippers]

Brilliant, had a Biorb for years and the filter has always been a pain and expensive the Biorb has been in the shed for the last few years but I’m really tempted to get it back out now and do this upgrade, get some little fishy’s to entertain the other pets.

[@pondguru]

Sounds good to me and it really does work very well when upgraded.

[@popzshorts8420]

Awesome video!!! Do you ever have to change the sponge rings that you put around the filter?

[@nikitafosmore6365]

Did you ever find an answer to this question? I’m wondering the same thing.

[@Tim_3100]

You can get these from filter foams now and with the media the filter foam ring now allows you to use any gravel i hate the ceramic media it damages betta fins

[@mark70s29]

I know this is an older video. I was looking at one of these as an update for my small glass globe for my four apple snails. My current system works perfectly. Have a micro sponge filter and a wooden air stone. Only use the filter a few times a week. No plants unfortunately.. water is beautiful and clean. Partial water change every week or so to clean the gravel. Question: could I just do away with the stock supplied filter, perhaps keeping the air intake only, and add my own substrate? IE sand, gravel and stones, that I know already work in my I gallon? I only keep snails. I have two large apple snails, about an inch, two small ones, a small Ramshorn and two small river snails and a little bladder.. nearly forgot... five small freshwater golden clams.

[@pondguru]

For the stock you have minimal filtration will be needed and plants would be ideal to make sure the water stays healthy. If you have the native ramshorn snails they will not eat plants but the striped ramshorn snails often sold in pet shops will eat plants. In any tank it would be best to have some sort of filtration and water movement so if you can have a small filter running 24/7 it wold be better than no filter at all.

[@meapantz1983]

Thank you will definitely b trying this . Also need a new lamp to fit the same lid as yours. Any links

[@pondguru]

+matthew smith I only sell the filter media online, no livestock - I've had enough of that, lol

[@ECMTUNER]

+Pondguru Outdoors how can we get it in US ? my bowl of death already killed 5 of my fish.

[@pondguru]

+Boosted Nation There is a link to different suppliers of the biohome on my website www.filterpro.co.uk (flags at top of all pages). Don definitely has the biogravel and foams - I'm not sure he does a specific kit but you should be able to make up the necessary kit from there. Hope that helps.

[@ECMTUNER]

+Pondguru Outdoors Thank you! ordered now, about time i fixed this bowl of death that was passed on to me by a friend.

[@pondguru]

+Boosted Nation Groovy - good luck setting it up.

[@ECMTUNER]

+Pondguru Outdoors Got the stuff pretty fast! how can i get the template for cutting the foam filter ? Thank you.

[@jacquigittens816]

Thank you so much. I just used your suggestions for my old 9 gallon Biorb. I was gifted with it and love it but hate having to purchase those filters all the time. I only have a beta in there right now but I can finally add some shrimp after getting rid of the old substrate.

[@MyTinyBalcony]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and your expertise. I am a beginner and really do care for my fish. I have a BiOrb 60L for which I bought a year supply of the commercial filters. I have 5 left. So, I have a feeling that I am going to be sourcing all of the components (I am in Australia) to make your particular filtering system. While I love my BiOrb, I am frustrated with how hard it is to actually clean. Because it is so hard to clean properly, I have removed and cleaned the standard filter 4 times today, plus spent 2 hours skimming the water after rinsing out the filter. It seems that a lot of crap gets caught in the filter orifice. I have a single fancy and a golden sucker fish in it and clean it out weekly. I am ok to do this as I find the process quite relaxing, but just annoyed that it is never as good a job as I would like.

[@pondguru]

+alonyaJ As long as you don't lose too much original water you can clean it as often as you like but its a whole heap of unnecessary work. Yes it costs a lot to send anything from UK to AU but the Australian supplier of biohome (link on my website: www.filterpro.co.uk) should have biogravel - the foams may be more difficult to source. Try sellers of pond filters for those.

[@MyTinyBalcony]

I have finally got all the bits together and today I have assembled by tank per the instructions. I could only get the BioHome minis here in Australia, although I prefer the look of the pebbles that you used in the video. I snapped 2kg in half and put the other 1kg in whole. The stupid cartridge received 2x Micropads with the little off-cut bits stuffed into the bottom due to a lack of the pebbles. I am looking forward to seeing how this works. I am considering converting it to a tropical as I have had more luck with that than with goldfish.

[@pondguru]

Yes tropicals are much easier to look after in a small tank so would be worth giving a go in a biorb If the biohome mini ultra won't snap up suitably you could just use ordinary gravel - don't feel compelled to use biohome if the biogravel is not available from the AU supplier as ordinary aquarium gravel will still do a decent job and will be smooth compared to snapped up pieces of biohome mini ultra.

[@markgillett2703]

Hi ya. Love this upgrade fish are doin so much better. I keep finding the water keeps goin green. I have no direct sunlight on the tank and the light is only on about 2 hours a night. The room is very light. Any idea how I can stop this happening please. Thank you so much for the upgrade on filter

[@coolwater411]

I really like your upgrade on the Biorb 8 gallon. I will upgrade it

[@pondguru]

+matthew smith I close my shop 2 months ago - Yipee, best thing I ever did as now I can concentrate fully on my online business.

[@T_bomb99]

congrats. and this mod is just brilliant.

[@pondguru]

nikonektor1 This one has been years in the making, lol

[@T_bomb99]

I was going to do some research on it cuz my fiancé wanted one but after seeing this it really helped.

[@pondguru]

nikonektor1 No worries, man. I thought it was important to run through how the thing was designed to work, explain why it doesn't then show how to make it work - made for a long video unfortunately but I've never been known for putting out short videos.

[@T_bomb99]

or bad ones your channel is one of my favourites

[@hoisin75]

It’s great until the filter comes out and you can’t screw it back in because the recess keeps filling with the filter media.

[@sleepyMe412]

did you find a solution to this?

[@hoisin75]

@@sleepyMe412 I had to go nuclear! take the fish out then empty the entire tank and turn it upside and give the bottom a tap. Moral of the story, don't use too much of this gravel. only fill to just below the line of where the filter screws in

[@steverushton8407]

Fantastic, bought the kit, followed your advice and what d’ya know...it works. Really pleased with your solution and doubly pleased I don’t have to clean this green gunk each weekend just to see the fish!! Much appreciated and thank you.

[@AQUAPROS]

Awesome Richard! Love the substrate, glad you finally made some!!!! I always wondered if you were going to, need to try it in a planted tank ASAP

[@Kieren.5]

So will 300-500g stull reduce nitrates if I got the biohome untimate

[@pondguru]

I need to find someone with a nano tank to try some I reckon. Its damn good stuff.

[@pondguru]

01fishaquarium It depends how big the tank is but as mentioned previously best results are from using 1kg biohome per 100 litres

[@VinDhir]

Thanks Pondguru, I have used your advice and setup my tank. I created a video for youtube and made sure to mention your channel on there.

[@susanmetz9892]

I’m just watching this 7 years later. Is this still your current recommendations? Or has something new come available?

[@andreafischer601]

I don't understand your accent and on closed captioning it doesn't always type the correct words so can you tell me the brand name or what is this new revolutionary product you covered the bottom of the orb with please thank you?

[@kevinweaver4265]

HI Richard: The Advertisement that came up over your excellent video was "Ponds by Ed", LOL, Best, K

[@pondguru]

Well I hope 'Ed' sends me a thank you message if this video gets thousands of views, lol Got an email from you a few days ago so will get round to answering that properly. Been killed by work recently.

[@kevinweaver4265]

Pondguru Another AD over one of your Vids was prostate cancer treatment just as you were saying "Get in there", LOL, Best, Kevin

[@pondguru]

Kevin Weaver In the words of George Takei -"Oh, my....."

[@eticocr]

I have watched your videos many times, i am preparing to do my first setup with a Biorb cube, I wonder if the sponge should be cut square shape or rounded ? Also purchased the biogravel which is very expensive but from all reviews seems this is the way to go. Thank you for the passion to share and hopefully I will don’t end in frustration with this hobby.

[@mdmflyer]

I've biogravel in my 45L biorb and would caution against using so much that it covers the central filter cartridge. Yes, you can be careful in moving it away from the filter when you want to change the foam ring but getting the gravel inside the housing and jamming it to the point that it won't unscrew, is a real problem, as I've found to my cost and needing a complete emptying and strip down.

[@pondguru]

Yes having only a light covering over the central filter or better still something like this covering the central filter: geni.us/WWBqb would ensure that the gravel does not contact with the central filter cover plate so that is a very good point you made there. I have added the link to that ornament in the video description. Regards, Richard

[@theambivalentsocialworker]

Thank you for this video. Really enjoyed it. I have ordered the upgrade kit.

[@audenr1]

Thank you for the video. Where do I get this gravel?

[@fug..]

would a stronger flow rate on a bigger air pump produce more draw on a 60 litre and if yes would you recommend it...

[@pondguru]

It wouldn't make a huge difference to water quality but I know of a few people who have installed 150 or 200 lph air pump for the 60 litre orb with no issues.

[@zara330]

Great video. Is there an electric filter that I can buy and put intisde this to keep the water clean like they have in stores? Like a filter that has electric pump and I just replace or clean the filter not the whole tank. Thanks a lot! Ours gets green cloudy in 2 days and in two weeks looks terrible. Can't keep cleaning this every 2 weeks! It's so much work takes about 4 hours cleaning the decorations, rocks inside the bowl etc

[@recojeff.z4517]

m8 ive seen most ov your vids on the internet and you have done so much for me ive had my tank now for about two years common tank cold water and it is lush ive got a tetra ex700 canister filter with all your bio Media a s15 hang on filter with a good set up you have inspired me my fish look great and its all because of people like you that has rely helped me THX m8 keep the vids going james from bristol top man :)

[@pondguru]

reco jeff.Z No worries, man, glad to be of service and you have definitely done the right thing swapping the foams into the correct position (bottom tray) and changing the media to biohome.As I have closed my shop I'm not sure there will be many more aquatic videos but there will definitely be more filter related videos coming up plus a mega give away when I get near 50,000 subscribers / 15,000,000 views to reward subscribers who have commented on videos or shared them an helped my channel grow.

[@recojeff.z4517]

any time bro thx

[@matthewsmith22]

Good on you mate. Do you sell fish online or mostly the kit?

[@MrSepture]

if you have any more updates please can you put them on for us of whom have an interest

[@pondguru]

Will do no problem as there are other options for substrate depending on the type of fish kept. Biorbs will be part of the series of aquatic videos I will be filming soon.

[@302Tonya]

I have Eheim substrat pro. I am wondering if I could use this. The biorb did not give nearly enough rock material to cover the surface of the bottom at all! Thank you for your help.

[@pondguru]

302Tonya It may work but would possibly be too light to clean with a gravel cleaner. You couldn't use gravel cleaner with the large biorb media in there so you'd have to go all gravel / substrat pro.

[@Tezmcgeary]

Hello m8 I'm from consett just watched video on biorb filter very impressiveI have a 105 ltr biorb and would like this set upOnly thing worrying is does the sponge have to replaced on a regular basisYou Have to be careful with these things they scratch easily.

[@pondguru]

+Terry Mc The outer sponges should last a few years and will be gently cleaned when you clean the biogravel wit a gravel cleaner so no need for a major strip down for cleaning - maybe once a year just to give it a deep clean? The central small filter (where existing Biorb filter is) will need replacing as and when it is clogged with fine muck. How often that is will depend on the fish stock and feeding.If you're in Consett you can collect as I'm near Ebchester. Just give me a call if you want to come down for the gear. I don't have a specific kit for the 105 but the base size isn't much larger than the 60 so foams will certainly be big enough. Not sure how much extra biogravel it will take but it will be more than the 60 litre as it takes 3kg.07772848730Richard

[@tmkwood]

Hi, thanks for all the info. Would this also work for the 4 gal. Biorb classic tank?

[@change4863]

I've read some of the comments and if I understand this correctly the under gravel foam should last 2-3 years as long as the biogravel is cleaned with a gravel cleaner once a week, and the gravel is rinsed in a jug approximately once a year? But what about the fine pad in the cartridge? When will that need to be replaced? Just want to make sure that I've understood the maintenance aspect of this. Thank you in advance.

[@pondguru]

Yes, structurally the outer foams should last at least a couple of years as they are good quality and the fine pad in the central filter would need replacing according to how quickly it gets clogged. That could be every 2, 4, or 6 months depending on the stocking and feeding.

[@change4863]

Pondguru Outdoors Ok, thank you. I live in norway, and I wonder if it is possible to order the kit from your website and get it shipped to Norway?

[@pondguru]

Yes no problem I think the shipping is £19.99 for courier service which generally takes 3-4 days.

[@morto1974]

Just wanted to thank you for this wonderful solution to the biorb filtration. I have the original 60 litre tank and I was honestly ready for throwing it out as the water was turning murky within 3days . I implemented your new system over a week ago now and my tank is still crystal clear. I would highly recommend for anyone with a biorb tank to do this asap. Cheers Sharon

[@pondguru]

Dear Sharon, That is great to hear and I'm glad you're pleased with the system. It's not a magic bullet but it definitely goes a long way to making a biorb low maintenance and very well filtered. Regards, Richard

[@coolwater411]

I wish I saw this video sooner I already got my Biorb 8 gallon filled already, but I really want to upgrade my biorb

[@pondguru]

No worries, the idea is out there so if you run into problems with the current set up and fancy a change you know what is available.

[@TheAlasse01]

Hi Richard, just a couple of quick questions, if you don’t mind answering. I’m looking at settling up an 88ltr rectangle tank and really loving the simplicity of this filter system ( I’ve never had a Under gravel filtration system before so please forgive me if I sound daft) I was looking at buying the trays attaching two air tubes (one on either side of the tank) can you tell me, if I put the medium and fine layers of foam under the trays and use the bio gravel on top of the trays would airflow still be efficient? Would the gravel cleaner not be able to clean the foams properly with the trays? Would you even need the trays or could this be set up like you’ve demonstrated with the biorb in the video? I’m just concerned about air flow underneath the foam/ biogravel and therefore having an insufficient filtration system with possible clogging etc. Could you explain how this set up technique would be set up for a normal medium/large rectangle and what would be needed e.g what would be a good air pump with the option of a tube splitter etc. Thanks Richard.

[@craigdennis1079]

What grade of foam are you using as you said its course but they come in different colours what ppi would it be thanks.

[@andymandyandsheba4571]

i upgraded one of the for a bloke to a external filter i drilled two holes in it one at the top and one at the bottom works fantastic now with a very large external fitted

[@pondguru]

Sounds very interesting, lol

[@andymandyandsheba4571]

its set up as a marine with in line uv and heater

[@pondguru]

Andy Coakes Wow, awesome work.

[@andymandyandsheba4571]

we had to use a fx 5 external it was the only one with a flow you would it would be like a washing machine but its not plans to drill it for a skimmer

[@pondguru]

Andy Coakes I'd love to see that one.

[@cleo962]

Just ordered ours now! Praying this works because I love the tank so much, and cannot cope with another fish loss

[@Freedom_Fighter72]

Hi, I just got my 8g BioOrb classic, and pimped it like you did..I have bio balls on top of my foam...I'd like to add plants to it, could I put on top of the bio balls my Fluval stratum? Or should I remove the bio balls and put the stratum in? Thanks from Michigan...I enjoy your videos

[@andrewwilson8776]

So when you need to clean the filter, you have to literally remove or move all the gravel and decorations? How often do you need to clean the filter

[@roberthayes2532]

Just cut a larger foam ring around the central filter, crushed lava rock as a base then then the biorb media over the top for a quick cheap fix. This will increase contact time and surface area for beneficial bacteria.

[@jacquelinerogers7362]

thankyou the fitting is small but takes an 10 watt halogen bulb like that in a baby bio but I bought one for £6 off the net but got identical in £ shop and works but I am still not sure if a look alike would work with a different type of halogen

[@pondguru]

Chances are it will be exactly the same so I wouldn't worry.

[@nicolecurtis1762]

The link provided to the upgrade kits is no longer shipping to the US due to covid restrictions. Can you provide a link to a USA seller for these kits?

[@pondguru]

It is www.greatwaveeng.com and if that does not work then the US flag at the top of any page on the FilterPro site will be a direct link - the flags are direct links to suppliers around the world.

[@christinaweiland1892]

Great video! So glad I saw it when I did. I was planning on using my flow15 for some shrimp and wasn’t sure how to handle the gravel since that substrate they give you is so large. I also was noticing my fish in our classic30 are getting a bit sluggish. I’m definitely going to see about upgrading their home. You say it can take a bit of overloading so I may consider getting 2-3 new shoal mates if it goes well. My tiny school of tetras would be so much happier with a few more friends.

[@moorechez67]

If you used this upgrade with the smaller biorb and also had live plants, shrimp, but no fish… how often do you think you would need to clean the gravel if at all?

[@DavidJohnson-kk5jw]

Excellent video! Can you add a link to the bio gravel please? Also do I still need to use gravel hoover bi weekly?

[@pondguru]

Ideally the tank would be cleaned weekly with a gravel cleaner. The link to the media and filter kits is the same as the one in video description and pinned comment - it is www.filterpro.co.uk and there is also extra information in the video description which may help. Regards, Richard

[@aquilusuk]

I take it even with this setup, you'd still need to use water conditioner when changing water?

[@ivanzabala7549]

SUPERB VIDEO!! 🤯 A wealth of information 🙏

[@PhillipsFish]

I currently have a diy k1 moving bed (2 x 2 leaders plastic bottles) connected to my under gravel filter in my 125 gallon tall guppy tank. My question is would this be a good option to mix with my current gravel I have in the tank? As I don't want to lose the coloration I have but the mix of the red I have now and the grey/black of this media/substrate would be fine. I do have a drip system set up on the tank so no water changes at the moment however I want to lower the loss of water due to having a drip system in place. Removing nitrites will drastically reduce the need to run the drip system. I also have 10 x 10 gallon fry tanks and a few selective breading tanks. None of wich are planted. The 125g. Is a simple grow out tank for fish I do not use for breading and are sold or given away to friends and family.

[@pondguru]

Phillip Hamby While mixing the biogravel in with existing gravel would certainly add to the filtering capacity of the tank the fact that the gravel and K1 only really supports anaerobic bacteria would mean that you would still have a nation of nitrates produced from those media types - any effect the biogravel may have will be negligible as far as nitrate reduction goes due to the standard gravel and K1 likely producing more nitrate than the biogravel can process.

[@PhillipsFish]

Pondguru Outdoors thanks for the quick response. What in this case would you suggest for removing the nitrate. Keeping in mind that everything must be in tank. Maybe a chamber type of internal filter? Acrylic box with 3 or 4 chambers? I have a few ideas after watching many of your videos. However I and im sure others would like your views and recommendations in this situation. Also keeping in mind that all my media will be coming from your suppliers in the us.

[@PhillipsFish]

Pondguru Outdoors also this 125 gallon tank house at any givin time 100-350 guppies of all sizes. Tho a guppies bio load is some what small in those numbers it can get out of control quick. Thus the drip system and a lot of wasted water.

[@pondguru]

Phillip Hamby I would personally simply replace the gravel for biogravel and that would be the nitrate issue solved (after 4-6 months once anaerobic bacteria have built up sufficiently). Having different media and filter types competing against each other producing / processing nitrate will be difficult to balance and unless you find a way to cut back on the nitrate production and scale up the nitrate removal it will always be a problem.

[@alexisburke3367]

I have a 20 gallon biorb coming and I want to upgrade the filtration as I’ve been hearing mixed reviews on this setup. Am I able to find the “gravel” you’re using in stores or do I have to order it? How much would you recommend I use? Do I ever need to replace it? And for the sponges you’re using, would I just clean those everytime I clean the tank or only some times? Do I just rinse them out or should I replace them completely? I’m sorry if you’ve answered these questions already, I’m just having a hard time understanding everything as I’m new to it all and don’t know all the “lingo” or anything about filtration 😆 I hope I’m able to get some feed back soon as I can’t wait to start my new aquarium !

[@itsmesoap]

I have a 15l biorb which has a male betta and his girlfriend and theres apparently a shrimp in there somewhere ?! how would you recommend me changing out the filter system to the kit one in your shop? thanks

[@pondguru]

+Sophia-Teresa Morgan As long as you remove all the water and substrate very carefully you should be able to catch the shrimp and fish and store them in a container with the original water. Set up the kit, fill with tap water then drain most out and that will remove any dust not washed out by initial rinsing of the media. You can then put your old water back in the tank and add the fish and shrimps back.

[@bobsrockschool]

And how do you clean it after ya scape it ?

[@jamesbeacon764]

Hi I’ve just set this up how long will it take for the bacteria to build up to suitable levels before I add fish, thanks

[@dyfanhughes5465]

can you post a video on hunting rabbits? how to find them , camo ect ?

[@pondguru]

I probably will do a tracking video as well as a 2-3 day bushcraft video this year but nothing planned in near future as I am killed with work at present.

[@fatavril]

I have a Spyorb, made by Reef One - the same as the usual biorb but covered on the sides with only a clear "spyhole" on the front. Anyway I'm looking at this upgrade kit so that I can keep a few little pygmy puffer fish or 1 green spotted puffer. What I wanted to know was if this kit would be suitable for the brackish water that GSPs would need as they get older? Thanks for your help!

[@pondguru]

Natallulah Yes the media is inert so marine / brackish use is no problem. I would probably go for the pygmy puffers over the green spotted due to the size and you can have plants with the pygmies too.

[@rhondapalmer8948]

I saw your video regarding turning decor into air pump and filters with a spin stream to make smaller bubbles. I was wondering if I could modify the center in my BiOrb to do that same thing?

[@benayeb9952]

I saw that and thought the very same thing Rhonda. I just found a classic 15L for 40 bucks and I am going to try it without the spin stream first, 4 gallons might be a bit small for that, but for sure a mini power head with the little air draw hose right on the under gravel bubble up tube instead of air pump driven system, custom cut foams under bio home's bio gravel as well. It may take an adapter or some such to mate pump to the up tube, also the power head is heavy for being mini, so maybe some pump supporting/hiding center decor build as well. Anything is possible with a little corrugated plastic cardboard, scissors, silicone, rocks, sand, and time...lots of time. Give it a try and show us how it turns out. If I can do this, kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2fNeJxme9SEj6M, you can do your idea! I will post how mine comes out on my channel when I get it going and let you know "cuz it is a neat idea. My biorb arrives this Friday so ...123 GO! Good Luck!

[@StillInLuck]

I’m here for this in 2021 and brilliant tips! I’m keen but they have their drawbacks :)

[@rn324]

dear guru, how soon can you return the fish to the tank after finishing up the upgrade. and second question, did you say on the video that there is no need to replace anything such as gravel, etc in the upgrade kit once it's in place in the tank. tyvm. sorry if you didn't say it

[@pondguru]

+Rudi GaekMada If you have original water and fish they can go straight back in but you may want to use some of the alfagrog media which you would have had in the biorb and put it on top of new substrate it will contain some good bacteria which will help seed the new media (substrate). Just make sure that the biogravel which comes with the kit is well washed so when you set the tank up there is less chance of it being cloudy. Once the upgrade kit is in the outer foams should last years and the media will last almost indefinitely. Depending on stock and how often media is cleaned with gravel cleaner you may need a full strip down every 6-12 months.

[@bronchiectasismustgo3043]

Cheers mate I just bought a second hand one today I was thinking of drilling holes in the plastic pipe like you would a diy sponge filter then put sponge round it me dad didn't think this would work so KZbin ideas found this.. I'm going to buy your media tonight from your website cheers Richard how much will I need if I'm planting mines the 60l

[@pondguru]

Sorry just seen this now. The 60 litre kit comes with 3.5kg of biogravel and that is needed to cover the foams in the kit but they have quite a high profile cut. Actual amount needed depends on type of foams used and could be anything from 2.5kg (flat foams) to 3.5kg (deep cut foams) - hope that makes sense. Regards, Richard

[@lornafletcher6174]

Hi, did the holes in plastic pipe work?

[@ethanlin9925]

*Clap**clap* Another wonderful idea came up by the filter master! Gonna buy some for you soon. Making a vid about the filter media and get a call aboutthe filter media, hilarious coincidence! :D

[@pondguru]

That is the best sort of coincidence, lol I will be doing a video specifically on this media as it has a wide variety of uses.

[@matthewxia390]

instead of using biohome can you use the substrate biorb provides and use the foam? or do you know any cheaper alternatives.

[@pondguru]

You could just use ordinary aquarium gravel if you wanted to. It wouldn't affect the nitrates like the biogravel does but will still function as a good under-gravel system. Using the ordinary alfagrog over the foams will do no good at all since water finds the easiest route, will just bypass it. Sorry deleted previous comment by mistake but yes the other forms of biohome look like fossilised cat crap. It's certainly not going to win any beauty contests but it works very well to delivery the full cycle (reduction in nitrates).

[@MegaWINNIPEG]

The filter tube is brown, can you take filter out and wash as with the original tank?

[@lexierachelle5878]

Can you put dirt on top of the foam, then sand, and the rocks afterwards?

[@pondguru]

You could but it would get all mixed up as soon as you cleaned the substrate with a gravel cleaner. An under gravel filter really needs to be set up with gravel of small size in an aquarium.

[@lexierachelle5878]

@Pondguru Thank you for responding. Do you ever have to change the foam at the bottom? I'll do this set up and add live plants but I was worried about the foam

[@pondguru]

@@lexierachelle5878 The foam should easily last a couple of years before it need replacing - foam can last for ages and only needs replacing if it gets too clogged and can't be cleaned or it starts to go floppy or shrinks with age. Root systems from plants will be extensive enough in the Biogravel and upper foam to allow movement of plant at a later date if you choose to renew the foams at a few years down the line.

[@angelapeatman1912]

Hi I have just purchased the kit to change over my biorb but I have fish in it so wondering how I do this and get it cycled. Please help I stupidly bought the biorb without doing my research and the fish are not doing that well.

[@TypeRAguy]

In answer to Rob Scott you said 3.5Kg of biogravel are needed for 60 litre tanks but on the filterpro site it says 1Kg per 100 litres. Could you please clarify?

[@pondguru]

3.5kg of the biogravel is needed to cover the foams in the 60 litre biorb and the amount of biohome (any type) needed to support enough media to reduce nitrates for a normal community tank is around 1kg per 100 litres. Therefore the biorb will be hugely overfiltered but that is the amount of biogravel needed to cover the foams. The 15 litre biorb needs around 1.5kg and teh 30 litre biorb needs around 2kg as the foams are different sizes. I was responding to his question about the biorb in this biorb video comments section and this is from the website regarding how much biohome is needed to reduce nitrates: "IS THERE A MINIMUM AMOUNT OF BIOHOME REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE FULL CYCLE FILTRATION? Yes - Using 500g in a huge filter on a 500 litre tank will not reduce nitrate if all the other media is producing nitrate. When a sensible amount of biohome is used the results are outstanding. Most filters will by their very design hold a suitable amount of biohome e.g. the majority of external filters for a 300 litre aquarium will commonly hold 3kg - 5kg of media. Through years of Biohome being used in all sorts of aquariums and ponds the recommended amounts of biohome needed to see a good reduction in nitrate (full cycle filtration) are as follows: 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 Ammonia and nitrite will be reduced at much lower amounts but full cycle filtration is the only 'proper' filtration therefore the figures above are for the filtration job to be done properly resulting in less water changes being required. REMEMBER - It is always better to over-filter than under-filter as a filter with a larger capacity will react more quickly to any pollution incidents and process waste before levels rise above safe amounts." Hope that makes sense - the amount needed in the biorbs hasn't got anything to do with the amount needed for nitrate reduction, just simply to cover the foams properly.

[@TypeRAguy]

Thanks for your quick reply. It seems a very inefficient / expensive way to just simply cover foam if 3.5Kg are needed whereas only around 1 Kg is actually needed to do the job.

[@pondguru]

1kg is needed to do the job of reducing nitrates, yes and there is no reason why you couldn't just use ordinary aquarium gravel over the foams if you were looking to keep costs down. It wouldn't sort out the nitrates but it would certainly trap all the dirt and would keep ammonia and nitrite down very well. Using the biogravel is an expensive way to do it but it will create a hyper filtered tank. Its all down to what people want to stock / how much the budget to set up a tank is / how often they want to do water changes etc. so using this same concept but with aquarium gravel is no problem to me - I'm just happy to put the concept forward for the sake of the fish which are forced to live in biorbs as the normal filters are responsible for millions of fish deaths each year.

[@sweetdreamstime2266]

Excellent info on helping me set up my fish tank, thank you.🐠🐟🐠😊

[@hutchylegend7031]

Well can you make video of it ? Would be awesome if you could

[@change4863]

Yes, it would be really cool to see this in action. Maybe a maintenancevideo?

[@christophercaras3645]

Do these tanks ever leak from that bottom hole where the airline tubing enters?

[@bimbolimb0]

Richard can you do a video on how to setup a fluval fx6 please

[@pondguru]

I don't have my shop now and don't sell fluval filters so I have no means of doing that. They are easy to set up though as you just leave the foams around the trays and add a fine foam to the top of the top tray. Rest of trays are filled with biohome (approx. 5kg) and that's all you need to make it as efficient as possible. No need for any additives or sachets of stuff when the filter works properly.

[@bimbolimb0]

thanks for your help again have a great day

[@BOREDFU]

I do tend to also get neon tetras getting dragged into my filter and getting stuck

[@davb6962]

I have successfully converted my tank and very grateful for the conversion kit. Been going for 7 months with fish happy. Two questions- 1. What plants would you recommend adding to the tank. I have Anubis but thinking of adding Amazon sword into gravel. 2. I find gravel falling under the central filter between changes quite annoying and means I can't then lock it in properly. How can you avoid this or remove gravel quickly?

[@pondguru]

+Dav B If the filter top locks in properly there should be no biogravel falling down into the filter when it is pulled back far enough prior to removal. In reality you could probably just fill the central filter with biogravel and do without the central fine pad as you're probably finding that it hardly needs cleaning? I only advised that the central part have the fine pad to catch the very fine particles. How often have you replaced the fine pad in 7 months? different tanks have different maintenance schedules. I'm not too good on plant species but as the biorb lighting isn't the best for plants it will be worth checking the labels on potted plants at your local fish store - they have light requirements on there so go for plants which don't grow huge, have easy care and will grow in partial shade. They are bound to do well in an orb then. Hope that helps.

[@davb6962]

+Pondguru Outdoors Thanks for the reply. I haven't changed the filter material in that time. Just once cleaned under the cartridge with hose and squeezed it out once last week. It was then that I noticed the gravel. I removed cartridge yesterday and scooped out the gravel from under the cartridge. I also changed air stone. It now locks properly and works well. The anubuious is attached to rocks/pebbles and grows well. I have silk plants at the back of tank but I may replace with a few elodea with weights on the bottom. If they root that's a bonus. Tank is much more stable compared to ceramic media which wiped out three lots of fish from ammonia spikes.

[@pondguru]

+Dav B Awesome - great to hear its all going well.

[@thehumphreyfamily247]

Could I put some of the Biorb supplied gravel media on top of this biogravel? Just for aesthetic reasons? Great video by the way!

[@yackfzay6224]

Great video. Lots information that we all need to reminds ourselves. Cleaning our aquarium.

[@SCARETOBER]

For a marine aquarium, could you place CaribSea Aragonite Aragamax over top of the biohome gravel?

[@pondguru]

That looks way too fine and I reckon it would clog the foams quickly. If you wanted to go with a substrate which would condition the water for marine then a small crushed (white) pumice would be the one to go for but unfortunately I can't find anyone selling that. I have a 10kg bag of pumice which is around 10mm but that mat be too big. Smaller sizes are available from my supplier and I have a sample bag of one which would be perfect for the marine biorbs but its not enough to do a conversion - minimum order is 500kg and I've just had a delivery so it will be a good few weeks until I need more but I will get some of the smaller sizes in 10kg bags to use in marine kits. It is much cheaper than the biogravel. Thinking about it if you could probably use crushed coral over the foams as a substrate?

[@mrminecrafter8young544]

+Pondguru Outdoors I've noticed IKEA do a propagation unit using pumice stones as a growth media (hydroponics?) Replacement 3l packs are available @ £2.50 but perhaps would be too fine? m.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/art/00317650/

[@pondguru]

It would be worth checking it out as it is very cheap and it is difficult to tell what size it is from the pictures.