Why do I have to change the filter cartridge so often?

The filter cartridge works like a waste bin, trapping solid particles and absorbing some nitrate and phosphate from the water. After a time the this will become ‘full’, and unable to absorb any more and may release pollutants, causing the water quality to deteriorate.

By regularly changing the filter cartridge Everything it has absorbed is removed from the biOrb, just like taking your household waste bin out to be collected. For optimum filtration the filter cartridge should be replaced every 1-2 months.

Can I wash the sponge?

If the sponge gets dirty before a change is due it can be washed. However the chemicals in the filter cartridge only remain ‘active’ for a limited period, after this period toxins, which have been absorbed, may be released back into the water. Therefore the cartridge should be replaced.

Does the filter contain activated carbon or Zeolite?

The filter cartridge contains activated carbon and resins which should be removed before using aquarium medications. Leave the sponge in the cartridge to continue trapping dirt and replace with a new cartridge when the treatment period is over.

Do I have to keep the ceramic media provided?

The ceramic media provide essential biological filtration.

It is your fish’s toilet, bacteria will colonise the media and consume toxic fish waste making the water safer for your fish to live in. Without this water would become very polluted very quickly.

Can I put aquarium gravel in the biOrb?

We strongly advise against putting gravel, sand or small stones in the biOrb. Gravel is likely to reduce  filtration and may become lodged in the filter cartridge casing.

Will changing the cartridge kill the filter bacteria?

No. The filter cartridge provides mechanical and chemical  filtration. Biological filtration is provided by the ceramic media therefore is not affected by the filter cartridge.

Why do I have to keep the biOrb out of sunlight?

All round fish bowls have a magnifying effect. While this adds to the appeal of them, if placed in direct sunlight they produce a focal point of light that can scorch/burn materials and possibly cause fire. Direct or strong daylight can cause excessive algae growth and cause temperature fluctuations within the aquarium making life uncomfortable for fish.

Can a heater be added to the biOrb to make it tropical?

A 50 watt heater can be added to the biOrb with the aid of a Reef One heater stand. There is a snap out section in the light unit into which the cable can rest.

Can I use a longer airline?

Anything longer than 3-5 metres will require a larger air pump. Always attach the new airline to the pump end of the existing airline, not the biOrb end. Trim the end of the tube you detach from the pump and use either a straight airline connecter, or better still a one way valve.

Why am I getting fewer bubbles?

If you have noticed that there are fewer bubbles you may need to change the air stone. Alternatively if you have just changed the filter cartridge, air from the sponge may be trapped inside the cartridge. Twist the bubble tube and lift one side of the filter cartridge slightly to allow air to escape. You may need to do this a few times.

What is the air stone?

The air stone is the small white cylinder at the base of the biOrb. The air stone breaks up the air being forced through it into a stream of bubbles. air stone

My filter appears to be filling with air?

This can be a sign that the air stone has become blocked and caused a small air leak. Removing the air stone will solve this and start the filter working again. Without the air stone the filter will be slightly noisy so we recommend putting a new one in as soon as possible.

My light bulb has stopped working?

Light bulbs do wear out. The special halogen bulb used in our light unit should last at least 1600 hours. This can easily be replaced following the instructions included with the light unit. biOrb light bulb

What happens if there is a power cut?

A power cut will  interrupt the supply of oxygen into the biOrb. Without oxygen for long periods filter bacteria will start to die and the water may become polluted.  Fish may also experience difficulty breathing, particularly at night when oxygen levels naturally drop and live plants take their share of oxygen too.

It is advisable to test the water after a noticeable power cut to see if the water has become polluted, so that remedial action can be taken. If long term power failure occurs it is essential that the air pump is raised well above the biOrb water level as per air pump instructions.

Got a question not answered here? Get in touch by phone, fax or email and we will be happy to deal with your query.