BiOrb Tube 35 MCR Black Aquarium Review

If you’re in the market for an aquarium, then the BiOrb Tube 35 MCR Black Aquarium is well worth checking out.

It comes with a five-stage filtration system, has a unique design that gives you a 360-degree view inside the tank, and it’s easy to install as well as clean.

Unfortunately, not everyone speaks of a good experience with this aquarium. Some users found that the tanked leaked, that it wasn’t great for saltwater or if you plan to install reefs in it.

Nonetheless, before you make your final decision, let’s take a more in-depth look at the BiOrb Tube 35 Black Aquarium.

BiOrb Tube 35 Black Aquarium: The Details

Specs

• Weight: 7 lbs.
• Dimensions: 3 x 21.3 x 19.5 inches.
• Capacity: Nine gallons.
• Lighting: LED MCR lighting.
• Glass or Acrylic: Acrylic.
• Warranty: Two years.

Features

Five-Stage Filtration

The BiOrb Tube 35 Black Aquarium includes a five-stage filtration system.

This means whatever debris, sediment, or fish food goes into the filter, it will go through five different levels of filtration to make sure it doesn’t end up back in the tank, guaranteeing that your fish have fresh, clean water at all times.

The different filtration levels include biological, mechanical, chemical, water stabilization, and oxygenation. The ceramic media that helps with the biological filtration is included in this kit, as is a filter cartridge.

Lighting

This BiOrb aquarium also comes with built-in lighting, so you can easily view your fish through the glass and, should you ever need to remove a plant or a piece of décor, you can see clearly to rearrange anything needed.

The aquarium comes with a LED MCR light. It can switch between 16 different color settings and has 4 different timed light cycles to simulate natural light conditions.

The timer phases the light through a 24-hour period from daylight to moonlight. You simply have to choose from 8, 10, or 12-hour daylight settings.

These settings and a timer can all be controlled from the remote that comes in the kit.

Air Pump

An air pump is also included in this aquarium kit. The pump circulates the water and helps ensure it moves steadily toward the filter so it can be clean.

The pump runs on a low voltage and is also compatible with all other BiOrb aquariums, allowing you to exchange them as necessary, or carry over equipment from old tanks.

Air Stone

An air stone also comes with the BiOrb. Its job is pretty simple; it regulates the amount and flow of air bubbles that are created in the tank.

Why is this important? It ensures you don’t have air bubbles going wild all over the aquarium. They’ll be in one steady stream due to this stone, helping to oxygenate your fish without sending them through a hurricane.

Accessories

Along with the tank itself, the box will include:

• Light unit.
• Pump.
• Transformer.
• Air stone.
• Filter cartridge.
• Ceramic bed.

BiOrb Tube 35 Black Aquarium Review

The Positive

Good Design

Almost every tester noted how good this aquarium looks.

With the circular design of the tank and the ability to see 360 degrees around it, you get a full view of your fish along with the landscape you build for them. Your view is not obstructed by any filters or tubes.

If nothing else, the BiOrb Tube 35 Black Aquarium is very aesthetically pleasing. It may be a personal preference, but most users agreed that BiOrb designed this aquarium to look amazing!

It’s minimalistic, contemporary design can easily fit into a variety of decor themes and colors, so interior-design lovers won’t have to compromise.

Easy to Install

Users found it required only a few steps to unbox and install their aquarium. This is not the tank to have you fumbling around forever trying to figure out how to get it together.

After you remove all items from the packaging, find the filter and unscrew the bubble tube on it a quarter turn counter-clockwise.

Then, place the bubble tube into the filter cartridge, fasten it with a quarter turn, and insert the whole thing into the aquarium.

To use the ceramic media, you must simply wash and place it in the aquarium. Pretty simple, right?

For the pump, you just connect the hoses to their corresponding connectors and then connect the transformer. Install the light on the lid of the aquarium, and you’ll be ready to add your water and fish.

Ta-da! You’re all set!

Easy Cleaning

Aquariums that are easy to install are usually easy to clean and in this case, the BiOrb tube gives us less of a task when it comes to maintenance.

Quite a few users mentioned how easy this aquarium is to clean. The filter cartridges can be removed effortlessly and are a quick task to wash off and replace.

Users also found that the media was simple to dispose of and replace. Since the aquarium and its components are all in one unit (there is no external filter or pump), it is easy to access what you need.

The filter only needs to be changed every four weeks, with only a third of the water changed at that time.

This easy cleaning process makes this tank less daunting, yet much more appealing for aquariums in bustling homes.

Sturdy

Users also noted how sturdy and durable this aquarium is. No matter the design, a sturdy aquarium ensures that whatever you put inside stays there without worry of damage.

The tank is made entirely of acrylic, so whether you bump it or accidentally drop it during the set-up process, it’s far less likely to crack or break when compared to a glass tank.

Acrylic is less likely to chip or damage, making this aquarium much more durable for a busy home. Users also found that it was unlikely to leak also, which, when dealing with water, is always a good thing.

Compact

The BiOrb Aquarium is also rather compact. If you’re doubtful about owning an aquarium because you live in a small apartment or just lack the space, this Tube 35 might be exactly what you’re seeking.

The circular shape means you can easily slide it into a corner, and its small footprint makes it simple to place almost anywhere.

This opens up this tank to areas where space matters like offices, dorms, and studios. And with it weighing in at around twenty pounds, it won’t be a hassle to move should you need to give your pets a new environment.

The lighter weight also makes this tank easier to set on a variety of surfaces since you won’t have to worry about your aquarium weighing it down which could result in utter disaster.

Great for Beginners 

The BiOrb Tube 35 MCR Aquarium is perfect for hobbyists just starting out given its size, ease of use, and maintenance.

Acrylic tanks are great to start with, since they’re less prone to chipping and much stronger than glass, leaving newcomers at less risk of a mishap.

You won’t be required to gather extra help to put this together and everything you need to get going will be right at your fingertips, saving you time and hassle from going to a pet store in search of supplies.

Its compact design means you can start small with what you put inside without worry that you’re taking on too much of a load.

Convenient

The light timer included with this aquarium makes it easy for you to care for your fish without having to ensure you’re physically present.

Set the timer and the type of light you want, and once its run its cycle, it will turn of automatically with little to no effort from you.

It’s the little things like this that matter in the long run.

The Negative

Leaks

Despite the strength and durability of this acrylic tank, a few users did have issues with it leaking. This was by no means a problem for most testers, but it was mentioned in a few experiences.

Just make sure all the connections between the tubing and the pump are well-fitted, and as you unbox the kit, check the aquarium for any chips or cracks.

Not Great for Reef or Saltwater

Additionally, despite what is advertised, users mentioned that this aquarium was not for saltwater or for reefs.

It is simply incompatible with the necessary items for those environments unless you are willing to modify it extensively.

The BiOrb Tube 35 cannot create the environment necessary for saltwater to work and/or for a reef to thrive.

Iffy Filter

The filter was another issue that a few users mentioned. One tester described it as “nothing more than a sponge disc,” while another stated that because of the cheap filter that’s included, this aquarium “is more of a freshwater novelty tank.”

Unfortunately, although you do get everything you need in this kit, not everything is up to par. When you’re paying over $200 (even on an aquarium), you want the filter to be perfect.

Here’s a video showing what the BiOrb Aquarium looks like out of the box.

Overall Verdict

After going through all the positives and negatives, we are recommending the BiOrb Tube 35 Black Aquarium.

The five-stage filtration, the easy installation, easy clean-up, and the compactness of the tank make it an almost perfect aquarium kit.

It does have a few issues, but if you stick with freshwater, make sure all the connections are installed properly, and if you maybe keep an eye on the filter you should be fine. In the end, this aquarium is as functional as it is stylish.

Where to Buy the BiOrb Tube 35 MCR Black Aquarium

BiOrb is no newcomer to the aquatics game, with a number of aquariums under their belt all stylishly designed.

Not only have they made their aquariums contemporarily styled, but they’ve also made them super accessible, and easy-to-use, allowing their brand and products to rise in popularity.

Thanks to this, they’re able to offer their aquariums through retailers and items including the BiOrb Tube 35 MCR Black Aquarium can be found both in-store and online.

While it’s always best to check pet, fish, and specialty aquatic stores, you’ll be able to kick-start your search with the following online retailers.

• Pets Warehouse (from $244)
• Fish Tanks Direct (from $249)
• Oase-USA (from $209)

And of course, you can also find this aquarium on Amazon.

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That’s all for our BiOrb Tube aquarium review. Curious to give it a try?