Hello. I am new to your group and starting my research on having shrimp as pets. I skimmed through old posts and could not find an answer to one of my questions. Does anyone know anything about the Biube or Biorb aquariums now being offered in the U.S.? Could this type of aquarium be used for shrimp?
I would like to set up a shrimp-only aquarium. I found out about the shrimps after reading a story on Mustafa in the NY Times. I thought they sounded like very interesting pets to have. I used to have fish when I was younger and always enjoyed watching them. I think shrimp sound like they would be even more interesting to watch.
New to Group
Moderator: Mustafa
-
GunmetalBlue
- Shrimpoholic
- Posts: 263
- Joined: Sat Apr 16, 2005 11:10 am
- Location: CA
Hi Mctwo and welcome. 
Concerning the Biorb, I don't have any personal experience with it, but can offer my two cents worth. IMHO, it looks like something that's made to appeal more to human's senses, rather than having any real beneficial use.
For the shrimp, they would probably do much better in say, a simple 10 gallon tank. They would have plenty of floor space in which to forage around, with plenty of places for you to place plants, rocks, ornaments, whatnot. Those are things shrimp love to cling on to as they go about their business picking at algae and other bits of food.
For the human, from the pictures I've seen of the Biorb, it looks like it would be hard to access to clean, do water changes, or add/remove shrimp or any pet for that matter, should the need arise. It strikes me as a tank that's more suitable for having perhaps one betta, or, since we're talking about shrimp, a small handful of shrimp for decorative purposes - however, I'm not really fond of the idea of using animals to "decorate" something. I mean if it's something that works well, that's fine, but if I have my suspicions it's not an optimal environment, then I probably wouldn't chose it, myself. I don't even think it's a good idea to have goldfish in that tank, as depicted in their advertisement.
But that's just me, and like I said, I don't have personal experience with the Biorb, it could possibly be more functional than it looks. But chances are, a plain ol' tank will be much more functional and serve more useful purposes, if say, further down the road, you decide you enjoy breeding shrimp.
Yes, shrimp are interesting to watch and I found I was watching them more than my fish! It's great you're doing some research first. Looking forward to hearing about what type of shrimp you decide to get. Good luck, this is an interesting and enjoyable hobby.
-GB
Concerning the Biorb, I don't have any personal experience with it, but can offer my two cents worth. IMHO, it looks like something that's made to appeal more to human's senses, rather than having any real beneficial use.
For the shrimp, they would probably do much better in say, a simple 10 gallon tank. They would have plenty of floor space in which to forage around, with plenty of places for you to place plants, rocks, ornaments, whatnot. Those are things shrimp love to cling on to as they go about their business picking at algae and other bits of food.
For the human, from the pictures I've seen of the Biorb, it looks like it would be hard to access to clean, do water changes, or add/remove shrimp or any pet for that matter, should the need arise. It strikes me as a tank that's more suitable for having perhaps one betta, or, since we're talking about shrimp, a small handful of shrimp for decorative purposes - however, I'm not really fond of the idea of using animals to "decorate" something. I mean if it's something that works well, that's fine, but if I have my suspicions it's not an optimal environment, then I probably wouldn't chose it, myself. I don't even think it's a good idea to have goldfish in that tank, as depicted in their advertisement.
But that's just me, and like I said, I don't have personal experience with the Biorb, it could possibly be more functional than it looks. But chances are, a plain ol' tank will be much more functional and serve more useful purposes, if say, further down the road, you decide you enjoy breeding shrimp.
Yes, shrimp are interesting to watch and I found I was watching them more than my fish! It's great you're doing some research first. Looking forward to hearing about what type of shrimp you decide to get. Good luck, this is an interesting and enjoyable hobby.
-GB
As GB implied above it's a bad idea to buy those biorb things for any animals actually. They are especially unsuitable for shrimp since shirmp need a lot of floorplace to walk around on, which the biorb has hardly any of.
I would recommend buying a simple 10 gallon tank, which you can pick up for $8.00-$12.00 in any petstore. Put a cover and a light on it, cycle it and you're good to go.
I would recommend buying a simple 10 gallon tank, which you can pick up for $8.00-$12.00 in any petstore. Put a cover and a light on it, cycle it and you're good to go.
I think the Biorbs are very expensive for what they are. I looked at one in a store a few months ago, and it didn't seem to be high enough quality to justify the price. And, as others said, the setup isn't the best thing for either fish or shrimp.
If you like the all-in-one tanks, there are plenty out there that are better value and better for your fish or shrimp, IMO.
If you like the all-in-one tanks, there are plenty out there that are better value and better for your fish or shrimp, IMO.
if you are looking for an all in one small tank then check this out. if you are looking for a cheap home for your shrimp, as others have said, get the 10 gal.
http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_ ... 2513375375
http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_ ... 2513375375