Marine fish

Question
hi ron, i really want a biorb fish tank as i would like to put some colourful fish in my room as i was researching which fish i could buy i came across some beautiful marine fish my question is can i make a biorb tank into a saltwater tank myself? as they only sell either coldwater or tropical. the main reason i would like a saltwater tank is i would like a sea star! also could you tell me what other marine fish i could keep in the same tank as i read sea stars are omnivores where as fish tend to be herbivores! many thanks for your help!, lauren.

Answer
Hi Lauren,
 I would have some strong reservations about trying to make a marine BiOrb tank. First of all, they are very small and hold a very tiny amount of water.  It is hard enough to keep a marine tank balanced when it is large, the idea of doing it in a small sphere seems like a ton of work.  

 If you were to try, I would consider adding only a single fish, possibly a damselfish, because they are very tough.  

 I am not in favor of the spherical fish tank design. Basically the poor fish inside is constantly exposed on all sides.  I am a big advocate of having three sides covered on a normal fish tank so the fish inside can feel secure. The BiOrb idea goes directly against that.

-- Ron
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
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