One of the most enjoyable aspects of setting up a biOrb aquarium is creating an attractive underwater display. Plants play a huge role in shaping the look and feel of any aquarium, adding colour, texture, depth, and visual interest while helping to create a more natural environment for fish.
When choosing plants for your biOrb aquarium, you’ll generally face one important decision:
Should you use artificial plants or live plants?
Both options have advantages and drawbacks, and the best choice depends on your experience level, maintenance preferences, aquarium setup, and long-term goals.
In this guide, we’ll compare artificial and live plants in biOrb aquariums, helping you decide which option is right for your aquarium and lifestyle.
Why Plants Matter in an Aquarium
Plants aren’t just decorative.
They help:
- Create hiding places for fish
- Add visual depth
- Enhance aquascaping
- Make fish feel more secure
- Improve the overall appearance of the aquarium
Whether artificial or live, plants help transform a simple aquarium into a more engaging aquatic display.
Artificial Plants in biOrb Aquariums
Artificial plants have long been a popular choice among biOrb owners.
biOrb offers a wide range of high-quality silk and plastic plants specifically designed for its aquariums.
Advantages of Artificial Plants
Easy Maintenance
One of the biggest benefits is simplicity.
Artificial plants:
- Require no fertilisers
- Need no specialised lighting
- Don’t require pruning
- Won’t die if conditions change
For many beginners, this is a major advantage.
Always Look Perfect
Unlike live plants, artificial plants won’t:
- Turn yellow
- Melt away
- Develop nutrient deficiencies
They maintain their appearance year-round.
Wide Range of Colours and Styles
biOrb decorative plants are available in:
- Natural greens
- Bright tropical colours
- Contemporary designs
- Coral-inspired themes
This allows aquarists to create unique displays that may not be possible with live plants alone.
Ideal for Low-Maintenance Aquariums
Artificial plants are particularly well suited to:
- Beginner aquarists
- Decorative display tanks
- Busy households
- Offices and workplaces
Disadvantages of Artificial Plants
No Biological Benefits
Artificial plants do not:
- Absorb nitrates
- Consume nutrients
- Produce oxygen
They contribute purely to aesthetics.
Can Accumulate Algae
Like any aquarium decoration, artificial plants can develop algae growth over time and require periodic cleaning.
Less Natural Appearance
Although modern silk plants look impressive, they may not fully replicate the appearance and movement of live aquatic plants.
Live Plants in biOrb Aquariums
Live plants offer a more natural approach and can provide several biological benefits.
However, they also introduce additional maintenance requirements.
Advantages of Live Plants
Natural Beauty
Many aquarists prefer the authentic appearance of living plants.
They provide:
- Natural movement
- Organic growth
- Realistic aquascapes
No artificial decoration can perfectly replicate a thriving planted aquarium.
Improved Water Quality
Live plants absorb nutrients including:
- Nitrate
- Phosphate
- Other dissolved compounds
This can help reduce algae growth and support overall water quality.
Oxygen Production
During daylight hours, healthy plants produce oxygen through photosynthesis.
While not a substitute for proper filtration, this can contribute positively to the aquarium environment.
Enhanced Fish Behaviour
Many fish species appreciate:
- Natural cover
- Shelter
- Exploration opportunities
Live plants often encourage more natural behaviour.
Disadvantages of Live Plants
More Maintenance
Live plants require additional care.
This may include:
- Pruning
- Fertilisation
- Monitoring plant health
- Removing dead leaves
Lighting Requirements
Many aquatic plants require stronger lighting than standard aquarium setups provide.
Without sufficient light:
- Growth slows
- Plants weaken
- Algae can become problematic
Plant Compatibility
Not all plants thrive in biOrb aquariums.
The unique filtration and décor design of some biOrb models can limit plant choices.
Risk of Plant Loss
Plants may struggle if:
- Nutrients are insufficient
- Lighting is inadequate
- Water conditions fluctuate
Beginners sometimes find this frustrating.
Which Option Is Best for Beginners?
For most first-time aquarium owners:
Artificial Plants Are Usually the Better Choice
Reasons include:
- Easier maintenance
- Greater reliability
- Consistent appearance
- No specialised knowledge required
Many successful biOrb aquariums rely entirely on artificial plants.
This allows new fishkeepers to focus on learning water quality, feeding, and general aquarium care.
Which Option Is Best for Experienced Aquarists?
More experienced hobbyists often appreciate the challenges and rewards of keeping live plants.
If you enjoy:
- Aquascaping
- Plant care
- Experimentation
- Natural aquarium displays
Live plants may offer a more engaging experience.
Popular Artificial Plant Styles for biOrb Aquariums
Silk Plants
Silk plants offer:
- Soft textures
- Natural movement
- Fish-friendly surfaces
They are particularly popular in tropical displays.
Coral-Inspired Plants
Many biOrb aquariums feature reef-themed decorations.
Artificial coral-style plants help create colourful marine-inspired layouts.
Contemporary Decorative Plants
Modern designs provide:
- Bold colours
- Artistic styling
- Unique visual impact
Ideal for contemporary interiors.
Suitable Live Plants for biOrb Aquariums
If you decide to try live plants, consider species known for their hardiness.
Examples include:
Anubias
- Low light requirements
- Slow growing
- Beginner friendly
Java Fern
- Tolerates varied conditions
- Easy to maintain
- Popular among beginners
Java Moss
- Adaptable
- Provides cover for shrimp and small fish
Marimo Moss Balls
- Low maintenance
- Unique appearance
- Suitable for many aquarium setups
These plants tend to be more forgiving than demanding species.
Can You Mix Artificial and Live Plants?
Absolutely.
Many aquarists combine both options.
Benefits include:
- Reduced maintenance
- Improved aesthetics
- Greater design flexibility
For example:
A live plant centrepiece can be complemented by artificial background plants.
This approach provides some biological benefits while keeping maintenance manageable.
Lighting Considerations
Plant choice should always be considered alongside lighting.
Standard biOrb LED Lighting
Suitable for:
- Artificial plants
- Some low-light live plants
biOrb MCR Lighting
Offers:
- Enhanced colour effects
- Improved flexibility
- Better support for decorative displays
Although MCR lighting can benefit some live plants, not all planted aquarium species will thrive under it.
Research plant requirements carefully.
Maintenance Comparison
Artificial Plants
Typical maintenance:
- Occasional cleaning
- Algae removal
Live Plants
Typical maintenance:
- Pruning
- Fertilisation
- Health monitoring
- Removal of dying leaves
The maintenance difference is often the deciding factor for many aquarium owners.
Cost Comparison
Artificial Plants
Higher upfront cost.
However:
- Long lifespan
- No ongoing fertiliser requirements
Live Plants
Lower initial purchase cost in some cases.
But may require:
- Fertilisers
- Replacement plants
- Additional lighting upgrades
Long-term costs vary depending on the setup.
Which Option Creates the Best Looking Aquarium?
The answer is subjective.
Choose Artificial Plants If You Want:
- A clean, decorative display
- Consistent appearance
- Minimal maintenance
Choose Live Plants If You Want:
- Natural aesthetics
- Biological benefits
- A more traditional aquascaping experience
Both approaches can create stunning aquariums when designed thoughtfully.
Final Thoughts
There is no universally correct answer when choosing between artificial and live plants in a biOrb aquarium. The best choice depends on your goals, experience level, and how much maintenance you’re willing to perform.
For most biOrb owners—especially beginners—high-quality artificial plants offer the easiest and most reliable way to create an attractive aquarium display. They require very little maintenance, remain visually appealing year-round, and work perfectly with biOrb’s unique design philosophy.
However, for hobbyists who enjoy aquascaping and plant care, carefully selected live plants can add an extra level of natural beauty and biological function to the aquarium.
Whichever option you choose, thoughtful planting and decoration will help create a healthier, more attractive environment for both you and your fish to enjoy.
At Charterhouse Aquatics, we stock a wide range of genuine biOrb plants, décor kits, ornaments, lighting systems, and accessories to help you build the perfect aquarium display.
