Biorb Life Broad Overview

Reef One introduced the Biorb Life Aquariums at tradeshows in early 2008, but they didn’t hit the market until late 2008.  There are three sizes, the biorb life 30,45,& 60.  There are three colors in each size, chilli red, piano black, and pearl white.  They are the newest tanks to their line of designer biorb aquariums & the first biorb aquariums to have flat sides.  Prices for the biorb life tanks in the U.S. range from $295 – $450 depending on the store & size of the tank.  

The big question is, what makes the biorb life tanks more expensive than other biorb aquariums, and are they worth the upgrade in price?

Biorb Life 30 – (8 gallons)

Biorb Life 45 (12 gallons)

Biorb Life 60 (16 gallons)

For our comparison we compare the Biorb Life 30 with the Classic Biorb 30

The Biorb Life 30 is 8 gallons and can be compared in volume to the classic biorb, which is also 8 gallons.  An average price for the classic biorb is around $130, about $160 less than the Biorb Life 30, so what’s the difference?  The Biorb Life tanks come with the Biorb Intelligent LED Light which alone costs $105, so if you tack that to the classic biorb that brings the classic biorb price to $245.  The guts of the biorb life tanks are the same as the classic biorb and biube tanks.  You can use the same biorb service kit filter, same airstones, and all the other accessories.  So the remaining $50 price difference between a classic biorb and the biorb life tanks is either in the construction of the tank itself, or the price tag for a newer, hip aquarium design.  

Construction Differences between the Biorb Life & Classic Biorb Tanks

The acrylic of the Biorb Life tank’s is thicker than the Classic Biorb’s

The shape of of the Biorb Life tanks is different than the Classic Biorbs (two curved sides and two flat sides)

The Biorb Life Tanks have colored acrylic wrap on the two curved sides of the aquarium

Construction Difference Summary

We aren’t experts in acrylic or fish tank manufacturing prices, but we think it is safe to assume that thicker acrylic & colored acrylic is going to cost more than thinner, non colored acrylic.  Exactly how much, we don’t know, but we think its safe to say that the majority of the price increase from the classic bio orb tanks to the biorb life tanks can be attributed to the biorb intelligent led light, and the new design and construction of the biorb life aquariums.  Compared to the regular biorb aquariums we think that the biorb life aquariums are very comparable in price based on the additional features they come with.  

Review Summary

If the Biorb Life is in your price range, we highly recommend it.  When compared to a regular square fish tank it is A LOT more expensive, so you have some of your own decisions to make.  But, compared to the other biorb tanks, the biorb life tanks are comparable in price when you strip down the upgrades and construction differences.  The big question is does the biorb life fit into your budget, if it does, we say go for it.  If it doesn’t you can always save, or go for a classic biorb, or biube pure.   These tanks still look great, are easy to maintain, and you will definitely enjoy them.  

If you want an elaborate fish tank with live plants & lots of fish, you are probably better off buying a regular fish tank.  However, if you are looking for a tank that is easy to maintain, and will be displayed in your home, office, or showroom where you frequently have guests or entertain, the Biorb Life is an excellent display tank.  Since they max out at 16 gallons, you can’t put a ton of fish in the aquarium, which means easier maintenance for you.  Reef One’s unique filter design also helps to keep maintenance easy and less time consuming.