| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | biOrb HALO 15 Aquarium with MCR Lighting – 4 gallon, White |
| Best for Size | biOrb CLASSIC 15 Aquarium with LED – 4 gallon, Silver |
| Best Value | biOrb CLASSIC 15 Aquarium with LED – 4 gallon, Silver |
| Best Features | biOrb Classic 15 Aquarium Set Stone River – 4 Gallon, Black |
The biOrb aquariums in this review are small, round, mesmerizing aquariums that can make a stunning addition to your home, office, and other small areas. This type of aquarium is a modernized version of the classic fishbowl and has the appearance of a fully enclosed bowl which enhances the view inside of the aquarium.
The shape of a biOrb aquarium has a magnifying effect which makes the fish, plants, and other decorations pop. Although biOrb’s are on the smaller side and are considered to be nano aquariums, they can still hold small species of fish and invertebrates or a variety of plant life that looks great in an illuminated biOrb.
This functional aquarium has a unique design that can offer aquarists a new type of aquarium to work with and display in small areas that would not fit larger styles of aquariums. In this article, we have reviewed some of the best biOrb aquariums on the market that you can choose from.
Check Amazon- Made from acrylic, which is stronger than glass
- Available in 4 sizes, from 4 - 16 gallons
- Fully enclosed and compact
- The built-in filtration system utilizes 5-stages of filtration
- You can change the color and brightness of the light with the remote provided
Check Amazon- Features a modern black base and lid
- Constructed from strong, high-quality, light-weight acrylic
- 93% clearer than standard aquarium-grade glass
- Features f-stage filtration for clean water, oxygenation, and water stabilization
- The built-in LED light is long-lasting and illuminates the entire aquarium so you can enjoy watching your aquatic pets
- Check Amazon
- Can be used for freshwater or saltwater aquatic pets
- Features 5-stage filtration to keep your tank clean and oxygenated
- 4-gallons
- Includes a long-lasting LED light, ceramic media for the provided filter cartridge, and a low-wattage air pump
- Constructed from durable, super-clear, lightweight acrylic
Check Amazon- Features adjustable LED lighting with remote control to change color and brightness
- Provides a 360-degree view
- 8 gallons
- Includes an air pump, ceramic media, filter cartridge, 2 water conditioners, and 2 AA batteries for the remote
- This is the perfect aquarium for beginners since it includes almost everything but the fish
A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for the Best biOrb Aquarium
#1 Best Overall: biOrb Halo Aquarium
The best overall aquarium in this review is the biOrb halo aquarium. This aquarium is made from acrylic, which is much stronger than glass and has a better resistance against cracks, leaks, and damage. It comes in various sizes, from as small as 4 gallons, to as large as 16 gallons depending on your preference and what you plan to put inside of this aquarium.
This aquarium is fully enclosed and compact, which allows it to easily be placed on small surface areas such as desks, side tables, bookshelves, and in offices on stands that can hold the weight of this aquarium once it has been filled with water. It includes a built-in filtration system that goes through five stages of filtration (mechanical, biological, chemical media, oxygenation, and water stabilization) which is impressive in comparison to other aquariums that can only provide three-stage filtration.
The light that is included with this aquarium is quite unique and fully illuminates every part of the aquarium. A remote is used to control the light manually so that you can change the lighting color, and brightness, or dim the aquarium when needed.
Negative reviews were very lengthy and detailed, and we recommend that you read them before purchasing this item. Several said that these tanks weren’t appropriate for bettas and a few indicated that maintenance was complicated.
Pros and Cons of the biOrb HALO 15 Aquarium with MCR Lighting
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This biOrb is made of acrylic, which is stronger than glass and resists cracks, leaks, and damage. | May not be appropriate for bettas. |
| It’s available in sizes ranging from 4 to 16 gallons. | Maintenance may be complicated. |
| It’s fully enclosed and compact, so you can place it on any small surface such as a desk that can withstand the weight of the filled aquarium. | |
| It features a built-in, five-stage (mechanical, biological, chemical media, oxygenation, and water stabilization) filtration system. | |
| The unique light fully illuminates every part of the aquarium and you can change the light color and brightness via remote control |
- Made from acrylic, which is stronger than glass
- Available in 4 sizes, from 4 - 16 gallons
- Fully enclosed and compact
- The built-in filtration system utilizes 5-stages of filtration
- You can change the color and brightness of the light with the remote provided
2. Best for Size: biOrb CLASSIC 15 Aquarium with LED
The biOrb CLASSIC 15 Aquarium with LED is a large version of the biOrb aquarium in a modern black color on the base and lid. It is made from strong, lightweight, high-quality acrylic which gives you a clear and enhanced view of your aquarium. Perhaps best of all, acrylic makes this aquarium approximately 93% clearer than standard aquarium-grade glass.
This aquarium boasts five-stage filtration which allows the built-in filtration systems to not only keep the water clean but also encourage oxygenation and water stabilization to benefit the live inhabitants in this type of aquarium. Since this version of the biOrb aquarium is 16 gallons, you can keep small shoals of fish like tetras or even a betta fish in this design. The large size has many benefits in comparison to smaller versions of biOrb aquariums that have limited space for larger inhabitants. The large size of this aquarium also enables you to place more plants and decorations in it without taking up too much swim space for fish.
The aquarium includes an LED light that is long-lasting and helps to illuminate the large size of the aquarium. This aquarium operates on a low voltage, and all the lights and filters are built into the aquarium for full functionality.
Some reviewers said that maintenance is cumbersome because filtration is at the bottom of the tank. Others were displeased because they had to used biOrb’s ceramic media for the filter cartridge, which they described as being “big and clunky” and inappropriate for some aquatic pets.
Pros and Cons of the biOrb CLASSIC 15 Aquarium with LED
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This is a larger version of the biOrb with a modern black base and lid. | Maintenance may be awkward or difficult because filtration is at the bottom of the tank. |
| It’s made of strong, lightweight, high-quality acrylic for a view that’s approximately 93% clearer than standard aquarium-grade glass. | You have to use biOrb’s ceramic media for the filter cartridge, which may not be appropriate for all aquatic pets. |
| It features five-stage filtration to encourage oxygenation and water stabilization. | |
| This version is 16 gallons, so you can keep small schools of fish like tetras or a betta fish in this tank. | |
| This aquarium includes a long-lasting LED light. | |
| The aquarium operates on a low voltage, and all the lights and filters are built into the aquarium for full functionality. |
- Features a modern black base and lid
- Constructed from strong, high-quality, light-weight acrylic
- 93% clearer than standard aquarium-grade glass
- Features f-stage filtration for clean water, oxygenation, and water stabilization
- The built-in LED light is long-lasting and illuminates the entire aquarium so you can enjoy watching your aquatic pets
3. Best Value: biOrb Classic LED Aquarium
The biOrb classic LED aquarium is quite affordable for what it has to offer in comparison to other biOrb aquariums. This type of aquarium is designed for both freshwater and saltwater and it consists of five-stage filtration that works as a uniform system to keep the water clean and oxygenated. This particular aquarium is on the smaller side holding around 4 gallons, but it can make a great environment for small invertebrates such as shrimps, snails, and small varieties of live plants.
This aquarium features a long-lasting LED light, and ceramic media to be placed in the provided filter cartridge, along with a low-wattage air pump. Like most biOrb aquariums, this aquarium is made from clear and durable acrylic which makes the aquarium lightweight and small, so it is the perfect size for desks and bedside tables. It comes in a silver color which blends in nicely with the clearness of the acrylic.
Many negative reviews had to do with the fact that you must use biOrb’s ceramic media so filtration will work correctly. Some reviewers said that it was difficult to find a compatible heater since the tank is round.
Pros and Cons of the biOrb Classic LED Aquarium
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| You can set this aquarium up as a freshwater or saltwater tank environment. | At 4-gallons, this tank is rather small. |
| It features biOrb’s five-stage filtration system to keep water clean and oxygenated. | You must use biOrb’s ceramic media so filtration will work correctly. |
| This 4-gallon aquarium is the perfect size for shrimps, snails, and small live plants. | It may be difficult to find a compatible heater since the tank is round. |
| It features a long-lasting LED light, ceramic media for the filter cartridge, and a low-wattage air pump. | |
| It’s made of clear, durable acrylic, which makes the aquarium lightweight and small. | |
| The silver accents complement the clearness of the tank. |
- Can be used for freshwater or saltwater aquatic pets
- Features 5-stage filtration to keep your tank clean and oxygenated
- 4-gallons
- Includes a long-lasting LED light, ceramic media for the provided filter cartridge, and a low-wattage air pump
- Constructed from durable, super-clear, lightweight acrylic
4. Best Features: biOrb Classic MCR Aquarium
The biOrb Classic MCR Aquarium is a modernized version of a standard fishbowl, and it includes an adjustable LED lighting system that can be remote-controlled. The lights built into the aquarium can be switched to multiple different colors aside from the standard white or yellow illumination. It offers a 360-degree view of your aquarium with clear acrylic and a black base and lid.
The lighting system with the remote allows you to change the lighting according to the day and night settings along with dimming and brightening options. It also includes a five-stage filtration system that is built into the aquarium.
The biOrb classic MCR aquarium is 8 gallons in size and features an air pump, ceramic media, a filter cartridge, water conditioner, biological booster liquid, lighting, and a remote with two AA batteries. All of these impressive features can get you started on your biOrb aquarium journey, and this is a great option for beginners who are just starting out.
One reviewer said that their biOrb had a deep scratch when they received it. Another said that one of their fish got stuck in the imitation coral and died.
Pros and Cons of the biOrb Classic MCR Aquarium
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This modernized version of the standard fishbowl includes LED lighting that can be controlled remotely, including switching to different colors and day/night settings. | One reviewer said that their biOrb had a deep scratch when they received it. |
| The aquarium provides a 360-degree view of your pets and plants and features a black base and lid. | Another said that one of their fish got stuck in the imitation coral and died. |
| This aquarium includes a built-in five-stage filtration system. | |
| This 8-gallon aquarium includes an air pump, ceramic media, a filter cartridge, water conditioner, biological booster liquid, lighting, and a remote with two AA batteries. |
- Features adjustable LED lighting with remote control to change color and brightness
- Provides a 360-degree view
- 8 gallons
- Includes an air pump, ceramic media, filter cartridge, 2 water conditioners, and 2 AA batteries for the remote
- This is the perfect aquarium for beginners since it includes almost everything but the fish
Choosing the Best: What to Look For
When choosing the best biOrb aquarium to house your plants, fish, and decoration in, there are three main factors that you need to consider which include the price, size, and features. Here is how to consider the best biOrb aquarium according to each of these factors:
Price
The price is an important consideration when it comes to choosing the right biOrb aquarium for you. biOrbs, in general, are considered to be quite pricey, however, the quality, design, and features that these types of aquariums have to offer is worth it. All biOrb aquariums will come with five-stage filtration and in some cases filter media, which means that you do not have to buy these items separately.
The lighting systems for these aquariums are also included in the price, along with the oxygenation system. Overall, biOrb aquariums are made from acrylic instead of glass, which will make it more pricey than standard glass aquariums.
The acrylic makes the biOrb aquarium durable, lightweight, and much clearer than glass. The larger the biOrb aquarium, the higher the price will be. It is important to check that the price is worth the size of the aquarium and what it has to offer.
Size
biOrbs are generally small in size and are considered to be nano aquariums. The average biOrb aquarium holds between 4 to 16 gallons of water, but there are certain designs from this brand that can hold more than 20 gallons of water. The size of the biOrb you choose will depend on what you plan to put inside the aquarium, along with where you want to place this aquarium.
The larger the biOrb is in size, the more space it will take up and the heavier it will be. If you want to put small fish and invertebrates in your biOrb, it is best to choose the larger sizes that are more than 8 gallons. If you want to have a variety of fish and invertebrates in your biOrb aquarium, then choosing the 16-gallon will be a good option.
Keep in mind that the compact design of biOrbs is better suited for small species of fish like neon tetras, bettas, and danios. You can also house small species of snails and shrimps in these aquariums, but you might want to avoid placing goldfish, cichlids, and plecostomus that require a much larger aquarium because of the size they grow to and the amount of waste they produce which biOrb aquariums are not designed to handle.
Features
This type of aquarium includes built-in filtration, oxygenation, and lighting systems which means that you will not have to purchase these items separately. Some biOrbs will also come with special features like a remote control for the lights, filter media, an air pump, and water treatments. These features make owning a biOrb much easier and all biOrbs feature high-quality acrylic that gives you a clear view of the inside of your aquarium.
The Different Types of biOrb Aquariums: Pros and Cons Compared
- Classic biOrb Aquariums: This is the most popular version of this type of aquarium. It replicates a fully enclosed fishbowl with a built-in filter and lighting system. This aquarium offers a full 360-degree view through clear acrylic that forms the round shape of the aquarium.
- Flow biOrb Aquariums: This is a tall and modern fish tank that has a border at the back of the tank and comes in a variety of innovative colors. The filter and lighting system are included in the aquarium for a discrete look.
- Halo biOrb Aquariums: These are rounded biOrb aquariums with a seamless look. They appear similar to the classic biOrb aquarium and come in different colors.
- Cube biOrb Aquariums: A cube-shaped biOrb aquarium with rounded edges and a fully enclosed filtration and lighting system with the border, lid, and base coming in different colors.
- Tube biOrb Aquariums: A cylindrical aquarium that offers a 360-degree view of the aquarium with a built-in filtration and lighting system with a discrete white base and no bulky lid.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each biOrb aquarium:
Classic biOrb Aquariums
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear view inside the aquarium | Can only hold a low volume of water |
| Best priced | |
| Includes built-in filter and light |
Flow biOrb Aquariums
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Suitable for tight-fitting spaces | The tall design limits the number of decorations you can place inside |
| Come in a variety of different colors | |
| Discrete appearance |
Halo biOrb Aquarium
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Seamless appearance | Only available in small sizes |
| Includes a variety of accessories | |
| Made from high-quality acrylic |
Cube biOrb Aquarium
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes in large sizes | More expensive than other models |
| Can hold more fish | |
| Suitable for a larger bio-load |
Tube biOrb Aquarium
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Discrete design | Too compact to house fish comfortably |
| Clear 360-degree view of the aquarium |
Verified Reviews: Users’ Experiences
Looking at the verified user reviews before purchasing a biorb aquarium can help you get a better idea of what the particular biOrb you are purchasing has to offer you and how other customers have experienced maintaining and setting up this type of aquarium.
Most of the reviews are quite positive, especially for the #1 Best Overall biOrb aquarium we reviewed in this article, the biOrb Halo aquarium. Aside from the price, most customers were pleased with the clearness of these aquariums and how durable and lightweight they are, which makes it easy to place them in small spaces. Many customers were happy with the discrete look of these aquariums and how good the value for the money is with the many features and high-quality look this aquarium has to offer.
When it comes to other types of biOrb aquariums we reviewed, many customers were happy with the products they received and all the accessories that came with them. Although many biOrb aquariums are pricey, they receive a good rating because their overall quality, design, and functionality are excellent.
| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | biOrb HALO 15 Aquarium with MCR Lighting – 4 gallon, White |
| Best for Size | biOrb CLASSIC 15 Aquarium with LED – 4 gallon, Silver |
| Best Value | biOrb CLASSIC 15 Aquarium with LED – 4 gallon, Silver |
| Best Features | biOrb Classic 15 Aquarium Set Stone River – 4 Gallon, Black |
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