BiOrb question

[Angkorn]

Hey all - question for those who may be using a round biOrb classic - did you leave the clear chamber that houses the filter in or not? I left it in as just an empty chamber but I’m worried about shrimp or snails falling into the hole and not being able to get out. I didn’t cap the tube at the top so there’s water all the way down. I’m thinking now I should just take it out and make sure the bottom has enough substrate over it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!

[sliphorn]

Hey all - question for those who may be using a round biOrb classic - did you leave the clear chamber that houses the filter in or not? I left it in as just an empty chamber but I’m worried about shrimp or snails falling into the hole and not being able to get out. I didn’t cap the tube at the top so there’s water all the way down. I’m thinking now I should just take it out and make sure the bottom has enough substrate over it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!

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I do not have a biOrb. If there is access into the tube from the top, then do not worry about the shrimp or snails. Alternatively you could fill it up with small chunks of lava rock and the shrimp would make very good use of it as long as there is enough space between rocks for them to maneuver. How much water is above the top of the tube? An inch or two? If so you are good to go.
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[Angkorn]

Yes there is a few inches of water above the tube opening. Maybe what I’ll do is leave it for now and see how it goes. My concern was that if they fall into the hole they won’t be able to climb out as the tube itself is pretty tall; about 8 inches? And then the filter housing makes a round empty compartment a couple inches below that. I’ll see how it goes with it in and if it seems like they are getting stuck I can take it out and fill it with substrate and/or rocks. I probably should have tried to figure out something better before I filled it and let the water sit but I think I could get it out if I had to. Thanks for the reply!

[sliphorn]

Yes there is a few inches of water above the tube opening. Maybe what I’ll do is leave it for now and see how it goes. My concern was that if they fall into the hole they won’t be able to climb out as the tube itself is pretty tall; about 8 inches? And then the filter housing makes a round empty compartment a couple inches below that. I’ll see how it goes with it in and if it seems like they are getting stuck I can take it out and fill it with substrate and/or rocks. I probably should have tried to figure out something better before I filled it and let the water sit but I think I could get it out if I had to. Thanks for the reply!

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The shrimp will swim out with no concerns. And the snails will slither their way up the sides. No worries for either, even if it was filled with rocks that allowed for enough space between the rocks. I think it would look kind of cool filled with some lava rock or chunks of broken coral with the added benefit of more bio activity and perhaps a breeding area for the shrimp. What is the diameter of the tube?
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[Angkorn]

Maybe inch or an inch and a half? I’ve attached a picture. I love the idea of putting some decorative elements in the empty compartment. Hopefully it will work out okay! My 7 year old is super excited. We’ve had the tank running for about two weeks so we’ll order shrimp soon. Thanks again for the advice!

[sliphorn]

Maybe inch or an inch and a half? I’ve attached a picture. I love the idea of putting some decorative elements in the empty compartment. Hopefully it will work out okay! My 7 year old is super excited. We’ve had the tank running for about two weeks so we’ll order shrimp soon. Thanks again for the advice!

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If you have a pair of long aquascape tweezers you can easily arrange pieces of small lava rock and broken coral into the tube. Go for it!
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