Beauty is hard to maintain (Biorb Aquarium)

Member Name: berrydelight

Product:	Biorb Aquarium
Date:	15/05/09 (209 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Happy fish

Disadvantages: High maintenance happy fish!

As a long time goldfish lover and keeper I decided last year was the time to upgrade my fish home and to treat my five year old goldfish to a happy retirement. Having smashed several circular bowls in my time I wanted a stylish and bulky addition to my home and was completely blown away by the look of the Biorb.

I purchased mine (30ltr) from Pets at Home who advised me to have it established for a week and bring the water back for testing before I added my little pet. It cost £100 and I have to say I have mixed feelings a year on. My fish adores it, he now has two friends and seems very content. I on the other hand feel like im in a constant battle with the following:

1. Cleaning - as several other reviews have pointed out the self cleaning philosophy (one third water change weekly/bi-weekly) and a key selling point has not necessarily rung true. You have to change the actual filter once every six to eight weeks, these cost £5.99 each and im hoping the tank will remain in fashion as when its out im sure the stockists will begin to dwindle! It remains relatively clean but its so heavy and way to cumbersome for me to move alone. Admittedly it is no more hassle than a standard fish home but the additional expense is frustrating. It takes a good hour to do it correctly and I have now purchased a hand pump (£6.99) an algae magnet (£7.99) to help with the task!
2. The motor - the motor provides the oxygen bubbles and has to be kept higher than the tank, not difficult but ours sits in our living room and guests have commented how loud it is. I now have to change the motor every few months - more expense £11.99 but does reduce the noise level.
3. Algae - Special filters (£10.00) tried without fail and I refuse to believe the line 'once you've got it you cant get rid of it' help from the Biorb folks.

But ahh well at least I have happy fish and a stylish tank.......

Summary: Could be worth it....