- Location
- NYC
For several months now here at Manhattan Aquariums we have been experimenting with a 16 Gallon BiOrb Classic. At first, we all had doubts about its capabilities and whether it was even worth our time and effort. We wanted to create something unique, so we thought outside the box and into a sphere!
The BiOrb comes stock with an under gravel filter style filtration system and it really isn't a good candidate for a reef tank. We decided to modify the BiOrb to make it reef ready. We took the unit apart and found a 3/4 inch hole at the bottom, perfect for fitting a 3/4 inch bulkhead. We then decided to put a 3/4 inch PVC to run up the center of the "Orb" to use as our intake. Afterwards it was necessary to create a return that would run up from the sump along the back of the tank. A Biocube stand was used and a hole was drilled through the center to run the intake down to the sump and into a micron sock holder. Once the tank was placed, we decided to use an Ecoxotic Par 38 light to sustain LPS and "softies". A Mag 5 pump was used in the sump along with a Hydor Nano Slim skimmer and some Chemi-Pure Elite media. We added live sand, Real Reef rock and water to the tank and let it cycle for a week with Dr.Tims One and Only bacteria. As time passed we rearranged the rock several times to perfect the aqua-scape and added fish and coral very slowly. After lots of love, care and observation, we are proud to present the final product and hopefully see more people attempt this fun project. We hope you enjoy these pics!
The BiOrb comes stock with an under gravel filter style filtration system and it really isn't a good candidate for a reef tank. We decided to modify the BiOrb to make it reef ready. We took the unit apart and found a 3/4 inch hole at the bottom, perfect for fitting a 3/4 inch bulkhead. We then decided to put a 3/4 inch PVC to run up the center of the "Orb" to use as our intake. Afterwards it was necessary to create a return that would run up from the sump along the back of the tank. A Biocube stand was used and a hole was drilled through the center to run the intake down to the sump and into a micron sock holder. Once the tank was placed, we decided to use an Ecoxotic Par 38 light to sustain LPS and "softies". A Mag 5 pump was used in the sump along with a Hydor Nano Slim skimmer and some Chemi-Pure Elite media. We added live sand, Real Reef rock and water to the tank and let it cycle for a week with Dr.Tims One and Only bacteria. As time passed we rearranged the rock several times to perfect the aqua-scape and added fish and coral very slowly. After lots of love, care and observation, we are proud to present the final product and hopefully see more people attempt this fun project. We hope you enjoy these pics!
