Biorb For Betta

[Trollfest]

I'm just cycling my first tank, a 64 l and really wanted a betta in a community. Having researched I think I shouldn't have a betta in a community tank and am thinkinh I'd like a second tank for a lone betta. What do people think about biorbs? I've always thought they looked a bit gimmicky but have seen a reasonably priced 30l tropical set and wondered if it would be ok for one betta. What do the experts think?

 

[kelly528]

I'm just cycling my first tank, a 64 l and really wanted a betta in a community. Having researched I think I shouldn't have a betta in a community tank and am thinkinh I'd like a second tank for a lone betta. What do people think about biorbs? I've always thought they looked a bit gimmicky but have seen a reasonably priced 30l tropical set and wondered if it would be ok for one betta. What do the experts think?

I am not sure what to make of the surface area--- I would have to say no because of that. If anything you'll want a longer, wider tank for a betta.

 

[llamalord305]

I agree. I also heard they are a bit of a pain to clean. I would much rather prefer a 5 gallon.

 

[ellena]

There are lots of other much more suitable 30l tanks which are much more reasonably priced. The curved fronted ones are really great to look at and also much more practical. Try a search for used ones near you on eBay-there'll be loads!

 

[Truck]

bettas can easily be kept in community tanks if tank mates are chosen carefully, a biorb is fine, what has surface area got to do with anything seeing as they breath atmospheric oxygen.

 

[aly_starh]

Depending on other tankmates, it should be fine as its 1 betta 64l biorb not the smaller types.
Then again, it would be great if you had the space to put him in his own tank, minimum 3g preferably 5g.

What are the other tankmates in the community?

 

[Rezatii]

I have my betta in a bi-ube and I hate it! I'm desperate to switch him out as soon as my 10g is set up (and divided)

Bi-ube's look okay but in my experience they're horrible, I have hell'n'all trouble with the filter and lights, As others have said, the surface area is terrible, you can't have sand, unless you want to do the modification in which case you'll need to get another filter for it.

IMO you're better off getting a regular tank!

-Rezz

 

[kizno1]

yh that sound fine im sure he will love having all that space

Depending on other tankmates, it should be fine as its 1 betta 64l biorb not the smaller types.
Then again, it would be great if you had the space to put him in his own tank, minimum 3g preferably 5g.

What are the other tankmates in the community?

why a 16g(its about that) or a 3g hows it better? the space would be better and like truck said it dosnt matter about the surface space because they breath air and the fillters good because its a sponge filter so there wont be loads of current.

 

[aly_starh]

yh that sound fine im sure he will love having all that space

Depending on other tankmates, it should be fine as its 1 betta 64l biorb not the smaller types.
Then again, it would be great if you had the space to put him in his own tank, minimum 3g preferably 5g.

What are the other tankmates in the community?

why a 16g(its about that) or a 3g hows it better? the space would be better and like truck said it dosnt matter about the surface space because they breath air and the fillters good because its a sponge filter so there wont be loads of current.

do you mean, "why do you think a 3g is better"
cos then there will definetley not be any need to worry about aggression from other tankmates.

I never said anything about surface space.

 

[kizno1]

not all bettas are agressive though mine used to engoy being with tetras and used to swim round with my corys.

 

[jennybugs]

I have had a betta in a 30L biorb and it was just for him. He was as happy as anything with the tank all to himself
I've also had a betta in a biube and once again it was his domain and he loved it

If you modify these tanks a bit (pea gravel instead of the ceramic media or sand and an internal filter) and they can look great. I've never had any problems with any of mine and the fish I've kept in them - as long as you ignore the awful instructions that come with them

The surface area is small compared to a conventional shaped tank, admittedly, but my 30L betta cube I have isn't that much bigger a surface area than my biorb or biube. Call me biased if you like (I like the tanks it's true), but the tanks can work if you're prepared to work at maintaining them and stock them wisely

 

[Trollfest]

Depending on other tankmates, it should be fine as its 1 betta 64l biorb not the smaller types.
Then again, it would be great if you had the space to put him in his own tank, minimum 3g preferably 5g.

What are the other tankmates in the community?

The 64l is empty at present but I was thinking 5 neon tetras, 5 zebra danios and some cherry shrimps. If I was to have the betta that would be it but I know it's not a good idea to have neons with a betta so maybe some guppies instead.

 

[kelly528]

bettas can easily be kept in community tanks if tank mates are chosen carefully, a biorb is fine, what has surface area got to do with anything seeing as they breath atmospheric oxygen.

Thats the point. Bettas need enough room to surface and breathe, not to mention they also thrive off supplemental 'gill' oxygen. That is why the ideal betta tank is long and wide as opposed to tall and narrow. Being labyrinths they also prefer to hang about the surface level of the water, wheras in biorbs the top strata of water doesn't have too much swimming space.

Jenny's BiOrb is modified to be an idea betta setup. You just need to lower the water level.

 

[kizno1]

bettas can easily be kept in community tanks if tank mates are chosen carefully, a biorb is fine, what has surface area got to do with anything seeing as they breath atmospheric oxygen.

Thats the point. Bettas need enough room to surface and breathe, not to mention they also thrive off supplemental 'gill' oxygen. That is why the ideal betta tank is long and wide as opposed to tall and narrow. Being labyrinths they also prefer to hang about the surface level of the water, wheras in biorbs the top strata of water doesn't have too much swimming space.

Jenny's BiOrb is modified to be an idea betta setup. You just need to lower the water level.

why dose she need to lower the level its fine theres floating plants for it to lay in.

 

[Truck]

we have already established that them being able to breath is not a problem, but breathing under water is still not a problem...look at how the filter works, its air powered, so it causes surface movement which will cause gaseous exchange.