Another stunning video. Cant say I knew those vacuums existed! A great result using them and it seems to be a big problem solver and at a really good price. Thanks again stepbystep for a really useful video. I'm off to order one. cheers Pete.
@StepbyStep-biOrb
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Pete. Go with the one suggested as it really is the best one to avoid constantly picking up the ceramic media. I used it to do a water change at the weekend and it took out plenty of waste in the time it took me to extract 10 litres. It's a great product for doing what is otherwise a horrible job and is also really good for people like me that have an already high nitrate in tap water. It would certainly be added to my "essentials video", and especially at that price. I plan to do another video on using it, I'm just working out if it could be bettered with adaptions to the nozzle.
@peterjones4112
2 жыл бұрын
Some time has passed since I got one of these. What a great suggestion from you. It has made everything so much easier and really does the job you said it would. Thankyou. It would be great if you could get a video covering how you use one - just so I can see if I can use mine better. Cheers, P
@peterwentworth9181
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Mark, Glad you has success with your Hydro Vac and l was able to give you a tip. I have the cheapest one aswell, and have had good results also. Like l have commented before l do this weekly, concentrating more on the media next to the acrylic as you can see waste disappearing up the Vac. I think this is a good option as it cleans some of the waste, but you need some under media for good bacteria. The room you do your videos looks very tidy, but I'm a bit worried about all the things you keep throwing on the floor lol. Seriously keep up the great videos and thanks for sharing your knowledge All the best Pete.
@StepbyStep-biOrb
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Pete. Many thanks for pointing me in the direction of looking at Vacs. I mentioned you in the video - but not by name :) The results I've had are very conclusive - they do work well and hopefully they will reduce the need for me to do my normal ceramic media removal (and cleanse) and all that stuff! A great tip, so many thanks again! Means I can now put some time instead to tidying up the stuff I keep throwing on the floor! :). Best, Mark.
@peterjones4112
3 жыл бұрын
So you are the guy Mark mentions in the video? :) Yes, great tip from you. Interesting that you say waste is more at the edges - could that be due to feeding with the air pump left on? Anwyay, its probably easier if waste does that - as easier to get to. Thanks Pete, from Pete!
@peterwentworth9181
3 жыл бұрын
@@peterjones4112 Hi Peter just seen your comment and thanks for the thumbs up. My aquarium is looking great at the moment as l use the vac weekly. I see on Marks video he got lots of waste out as he has just started using it. My filter bag only gets a small amount due to regular cleaning.
@StepbyStep-biOrb
3 жыл бұрын
Yes, totally agree. Since then I have been using a vac for my weekly water change (clean at same time) and the amount of waste removed is far less. In the video I am taking out about 2 months worth of waste material. With my weekly clean I don't go overboard with removing waste and retain some to keep the bacteria fed and happy. Really appreciate the comments from both of you... great to have a bit of interaction going on. Take care both, Mark.
@dianetoshferrazzano2685
2 жыл бұрын
Perfect!!!! Ordered one. I’d forgotten how much knowledge is needed to maintain aquariums. Used to keep them as a teenager, but now, well older….. much! 🤣 Just now noticed I’ve been typing “BioOrb” instead of “BiOrb.” Given I cannot understand the brand NAME, this is going to be a challenge, but am up to it. Appreciate your sharing, Mark Best, Di
@StepbyStep-biOrb
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Di. Yes, that's the vac to get. The filter bags that come with it are also perfect too. They will trap even the smallest of waste. Use the pointed end (blue part) at the and of the vac, add on the filter bag and then vac away to your hearts content! You'll find it will get through ceramic media and down to the base of the tank. That pointed end also has a "fish guard" included so will stop fish and other things getting accidentally sucked up!! Use it to give both your tanks a really good clean and you will be surprised how much waste it cleans up! Keep it up (weekly) for a few weeks and you will find you have wonderfully clean sparkling aquariums and happy fish! It's the way to go with a biOrb! Having the bottom of the aquarium clean of waste will improve how biOrb's work and how they draw water along the bottom of the tank and to the filter system And, yes, now you've mentioned it.... biOrb is indeed a silly name for a fish tank! Lol. It's been great to hear from you... keep in contact. Just drop me a line if you need any help, advice etc. Best wishes to you, Mark x
@mosunnydazesanibel
2 жыл бұрын
I'm so grateful you do these comparisons and make it easy for us.
@StepbyStep-biOrb
2 жыл бұрын
I'm glad you find them useful. A big thank you for watching the Channel. Even though I did this video a long time back the "winning" vac in this video is still the only one I've found that works with ceramic media. Best wishes, Mark
@NorthernMigrationTravel
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome vid... extremely helpful as always Marc 🥰
@StepbyStep-biOrb
3 жыл бұрын
Many thanks for watching as always. M
@nicktynan3948
2 жыл бұрын
Ive not performed a clean on my biorb yet as I have only been up and running for around 3 weeks but this video is very helpful. I may have to make a purchase based on your recommendations. As far as nozzles go, I’m sure I could design and 3d print something with an incorporated guard to suit. Thanks
@StepbyStep-biOrb
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Nick. I am now of the opinion that you shouldn't get a biOrb without having a vac. At that price, they are a bit of a no brainer. They really do make a big difference in controlling (removing waste). They almost eliminate the need to remove the ceramic media and clean under the ceramic media and then put it all back in again (as shown in one of my other videos). The one I recommend in the video still seems to be the only one on the market that suits getting between the ceramic media (and without picking up the media) and also benefits from having a fish guard incorporated. The choice on which one worked best was totally down to a little bit of plastic (the nozzle!) The other vac product I reviewed probably has a better (smoother) motor. And, I never did find an alternative nozzle for either vacs. I'm sure there is a whole market of biOrb owners out there that would be interested in a better nozzle that fits these vacs... if you can come up with one! Add me to the list if you start producing them!! :) Best wishes, Mark
@amyc8112
2 жыл бұрын
I loved how detailed you are in this video. That you for this information. I didn’t know I needed this but plan included it in my maintenance.
@StepbyStep-biOrb
2 жыл бұрын
Yep, I would now consider these as an essential item (and especially at the price!). I tend to use them for undertaking water changes. I would still recommend the one i described in the video - it certainly works well for cleaning under ceramic media - as well as everything else.
@TheDarmstrong
Жыл бұрын
I bought the Oase feeder on the back of this. I have it sat on something to raise it up too, it helps to reduce the moisture that enters the food container
@StepbyStep-biOrb
Жыл бұрын
That's a great idea! M
@jakapuchino
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for this info, I’m at that time of my biorb life that a vac clean sounds like a good idea.
@StepbyStep-biOrb
Жыл бұрын
Lol. Yep, do it! At that price, you won't regret it. They are also brilliant for doing water changes too....so get one with a hose (although the hose that comes with them are a bit short and you will need to invent a way to extend the length). Best, Mark
@SjefVanOekelDraaftDoor
Жыл бұрын
Hi Mark, thanks for this video. For your information I have purchased the EHEIM Quick Vac Pro and I must say I'm very happy with it. It does a very good job (I have ceramic media in the tank) and it's not too big at all int the biOrb Flow 30 liters. Also easy to clean. Just changed the included batteries to some more powerful ones: Energizer Ultimate Lithium. The Eheim does the job well. Best Roel.
@StepbyStep-biOrb
Жыл бұрын
That great Roel. Good to get positive comments on other brands. It does seem big though, but great that you've been able to use it in the 30 Flow. Is it able to be used for undertaking water changes, which is probably my main use (weekly x 4 tanks) of the one's I use? Best, Mark
@SjefVanOekelDraaftDoor
Жыл бұрын
@@StepbyStep-biOrb No it’s not Mark, for that I use the biOrb cleaningpump. By the way: I found a new supplier and got 4 new Rasboras and 3 Red Wagtail Platy (males). See how this will work out but it seems that they do well together 🙂 /Roel
@StepbyStep-biOrb
Жыл бұрын
Really great news on the new supplier and the new fish Roel. I'm sure that will all work out. Best, Mark
@SarahWalton-xo7sg
Жыл бұрын
I got one of these! Thanks
@StepbyStep-biOrb
Жыл бұрын
Great move. As I always say: You shouldn't own a biOrb without having. vac!"
@kathleenc.8939
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this video. I have the Biorb Cleaner Pump which works fine for water changes, but I am going to look into getting one of these suggested vacuums. It seems so much more effective to use the vacuum for double duty (as a cleaning tool for food and waste buildup and for water changes than just using the water syphon pump. ) Have you tested out the nozzle you were waiting for while making this video and what were the results? If possible, could you include the information for the nozzle you purchased (if you did like the results and would recommend it)? Thank you.
@StepbyStep-biOrb
3 жыл бұрын
Hi again. Thanks for the comments. I wouldn't hesitate in getting the product I suggest in this video. It really works a treat! Since then I've tried a braid range of nozzles/adaptions for this vac but, basically, none work any better than the standard fitting already supplied with the vac I described. So, I've given-up trying! I use one of these vacs all the time now and I use for waste cleaning and also weekly water changes. They really make things simpler and really do help to control waste build up (leading to nitrate) under the ceramic media. Get one... :). Best, Mark
@mikemurphy2953
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video Mark . Really helpfull buddy
@StepbyStep-biOrb
Жыл бұрын
Hi Mike. Thanks for watching. I use a gravel vac weekly and I wouldn't be without one! Great product, and not expensive! Best wishes, Mark
@mummyevelyn
21 күн бұрын
I can't seem to find a stockist which has the Hydro-vac in stock. As this video is 3 years old, is there an updated analysis, or where can I buy it?
@StepbyStep-biOrb
20 күн бұрын
Hi. The links "under" the video (Description text) should still be live. The best place to get one is via Amazon. The very same product is available under different product names but they all originate from the same manufacturer: amzn.to/4cx32Eg. I haven't found an alternative since then and this is the model that works best with a biOrb... it is product I use every week for water changes and cleaning of 5 tanks. Hope that helps. Best, Mark
@denisetilley3559
Жыл бұрын
12:00 pm on 8/9/23. Do you ever go on vacation? What happens to your weekly schedule? Can fis go without food for a couple of days? Thank you.
@StepbyStep-biOrb
Жыл бұрын
I certainly do, going to France in two weeks time, for two weeks. In terms of my own weekly schedule, I tend to do all my water changes etc just before I go, to make sure I maximise water quality and minimise nitrate levels ... and then I just leave them to it. A couple of weeks without a water change schedule is never going to hurt. In terms of feeding... fish can certainly (easily) go without food for a few days. For longer periods away I always use an auto feeder on each tank: kzitem.info/news/bejne/ymmfk62Hjqecnpg
@denisetilley3559
Жыл бұрын
@@StepbyStep-biOrb thank you so much for your timely reply! You and your videos are great!
@todaysdentalcare4049
Жыл бұрын
Sorry Mark are you saying to do this weekly? How often should you do a water change? I haven’t set my biorb up yet. Wanting to make sure everything goes to plan. 😊
@StepbyStep-biOrb
Жыл бұрын
Hey. Yes weekly if possible, otherwise every two weeks with the vac. It just needs a 5 min vac of the substrate to reduce waste build up. Frequency of water changes (and amount taken out each time) are dependent on the number (size, species) of fish and water quality. The better the quality and less the number of fish the more likely you could go for longer before water changes. Water changes are more about diluting nitrates and by doing that you are reducing the conditions that support algae etc. But, I'm not an advocate of delaying water changes until they are really needed. As a general guide, I would normally say replace 1/3rd of the tank's water every week. Using the vac works well in this respect as you can quickly vac the media and then swap the vac filter bag over for a hose and extract the tank water. Fresh water to add to the tank should be dechlorinated and warmed to a temp similar to that in the tank.
@emmaseddon3651
Жыл бұрын
Hi, these videos are great - what Vac would you recommend for a 105l biorb please?
@StepbyStep-biOrb
Жыл бұрын
Hi Emma, The only vac that works well in a biOrb is still the one described in the video. The best place to get one from is Amazon (I'm not sure you can get the same type from a local supplier!): amzn.to/3NHGZS6. The vac extends to about 80cm. The clear "sand net head" doesn't work with ceramic media, it is just the blue end (tip) you need. You would probably find it easiest to use the vac whilst undertaking a water change. That's what I do with all my tanks! This will drop the water level down and then you will find it easier to vac. After that, top the aquarium back up with new water. Hope that helps. Best wishes, Mark
@StepbyStep-biOrb
Жыл бұрын
If you need any further help... just shout! M
@ilovebrean
Жыл бұрын
Hi are you able to send a link to a current model that would be suitable ? Have you tried a fluval vac yet ? I love how that one is mains not battery
@StepbyStep-biOrb
Жыл бұрын
Hi. Nice to hear from you. Some or all of the links in the video's Description should work. But, I have copied them below (they are all the same product/manufacturer - although the distributer will have renamed the product). amzn.to/3VOt6SJ amzn.to/3GJL7h9 amzn.to/3UazC5A amzn.to/3U4BTzh amzn.to/3tVSvi0 amzn.to/3VrfgWY Note you can also get them with mains supply (I prefer battery though): amzn.to/3ie3mBI Yes, the Fluval is a great vac. However it is designed for finer gravels and course sand substrates rather than biOrb Ceramic Media and Pearl Media. It's size/ dimensions also makes it cumbersome for use in most biOrbs. Best wishes, Mark
@denisetilley3559
Жыл бұрын
I’ve tried to read which vacuum you advise but I just can’t do it. Can you give me the name. I bought one that was a joke!!!!😂
@StepbyStep-biOrb
Жыл бұрын
Hi Denise. There are lots of different vacs on the market but only one that I've found that works well with ceramic media (and Pearl media) and the confined area of a biOrb aquarium. The vac I use is sold under different brand names but they are all the same product. I find the battery version works best and you should also get one with a hose to allow for water changes etc (although the hose is short and you may need to adapt it with an alternative hose so it is easier to use. The vac I use is this one: amzn.to/3sKIdnm and amzn.to/45wgKV6 and amzn.to/4819gvc. Hope that helps. Best wishes, Mark
@paulamackie6778
Жыл бұрын
Any more videos planned ? Getting withdrawal symptoms!!!
@StepbyStep-biOrb
Жыл бұрын
Planning them is easy... doing them is another matter. Lol. :). The next one will be in the next week or two.
@paulamackie6778
Жыл бұрын
Excellent 😊
@sukhmanichatha6864
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Mark, Couldn’t find the hyrovac on amazon canada. Any other that you recommend?
@StepbyStep-biOrb
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Sukhmani. The product is sold under different names, but they are all the same thing. They all basically look like this one: www.amazon.co.uk/IREENUO-Electric-Aquarium-Cleaner-Battery/dp/B07LF7ZW7C/ref=sr_1_21?keywords=aquarium+electric+gravel+cleaner+acdc&qid=1639985416&sr=8-21. If you look at this product advert look for the photo that is labelled as "Sand net head". In that photo it shows the essential attachment that is needed for the vac to work with ceramic media - it is the small blue end (nipple) section fixed at the end of the tube in this photo. If you can find an identical product to this vac I would consider it to be the same thing (but sold under a different name). All products are made in China. I hope this helps you to find one. Good luck! Best wishes, Mark.
@aseeljamil320
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Mark, Does the one you recommend “IREENUO Fish Tank Gravel Vacuum Cleaning” in the link has that fine mesh (filter bag) you mentioned?
@StepbyStep-biOrb
2 жыл бұрын
Hi. Really sorry for the late reply! I’m away from the UK at the moment and relying on a mobile phone to deal with comments (it’s far easier to do this on a computer!). Yes, the vac we have been discussing comes with the fine grade filter bag. They are a similar material to medical face masks so are able to trap very small particles. Spare bags should also be easy to obtain that will fit this type of product (although they do last a long time if you keep them clean after use - so I’m not suggesting you need to replace them frequently so there isn’t a need to get any for quite some time). Best wishes, Mark
@aseeljamil320
2 жыл бұрын
@@StepbyStep-biOrb thank you so much! Your are the best and i hope you have safe trip!
@grant666uk
Жыл бұрын
Your costing me a fortune. 😂😂😂
@StepbyStep-biOrb
Жыл бұрын
Lol. Not as much I have to fork out for keeping this Channel going!! Well, I'll try and keep you on track to avoid spending huge amounts of money on overly promoted aquarium products - which simply don't work! :)
@grant666uk
Жыл бұрын
@@StepbyStep-biOrb am surprised Biorb doesn't supply you with all you need for your videos. You do more to promote them then there own social media team. Lol. Any word on your follow up Loop review ???
@StepbyStep-biOrb
Жыл бұрын
biOrb indeed would, but on the the basis of me signing formal agreement that they own all Chanel videos and have review (and ability to alter them) prior to each publication. Sorry, but I'm an independent Channel not a promoter of their stuff. .. I prefer to say what I like. Lol. Nothing is free these days! Everything I show on the channel I have purchased and own (like you, I'm just a biOrb tank owner) :) I'll do a follow up on the Loop and Classic 60 later this year. Need to deal with tap nitrates on my next video though.
@grant666uk
Жыл бұрын
@@StepbyStep-biOrb cheers bud..thanks for the wee peek behind the curtain.
@jimmymature1976
2 жыл бұрын
Good review, shame after watching it I find that Amazon don’t have the Tropical Reef in stock and I can’t seem to find it anywhere 😢
@StepbyStep-biOrb
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Jimmy. Thanks for watching. Yes, this keeps happening to me (with Amazon). I add the links for people to find the products described and then Amazon changes everything! Give me 5 mins and I will come back to you with links. Best, Mark
@StepbyStep-biOrb
2 жыл бұрын
Here you go: amzn.to/3f9jYse or amzn.to/3LvFfsm. Note: these, as well as Tropical reef, are all exactly the same product. They are simply sold under different brand names - they are all the same thing. The absolutely key thing, to work with biOrb ceramic media, is the blue plastic part attached to the end of the vac pipe. This is easy to push through the ceramic media to get to the bottom of the tank (where the waste normally is). The blue plastic part is also a fish guard to stop the vac sucking up fish! Make sure you get the battery operated version (some are mains operated) as they are far simpler to use within the confines of a biOrb! The Amazon links provided above are battery operated. Best, Mark
@paulamackie6778
Жыл бұрын
Hi Mark. Do you change the filter each time on the vac ?
@StepbyStep-biOrb
Жыл бұрын
The filter bags for these seem to last forever! After use, I just tend to take it off, turn it inside out and then clean it in water (running tap water is fine). After that, turn it back the right way and add it back on to the vac. I tend to vac (using the bag) prior to or part way through doing each water change. I then tend to clean the bag in the extracted tank water bucket. Call me mad but I like the idea of adding the the waste into the extracted water before pouring it over my garden plants. But, less so at this time of the year! My garden currently seems to be suffering from permafrost! ! LOL
@paulamackie6778
Жыл бұрын
Thankyou. Yes my garden is my other love in life and irs frozen. Cant wait for spring
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