Artificial vs Live Plants in biOrb Aquariums: Which Is Better for You?

When setting up your biOrb aquarium, one of the first decorating decisions you’ll make is whether to use live plants, artificial plants, or a combination of both. Each option has its pros and cons—and choosing the right one depends on your experience level, aesthetic preferences, and the type of aquatic environment you want to create.

In this guide, we compare live vs artificial plants in biOrb tanks across categories like appearance, care requirements, compatibility, and overall impact on your aquarium’s ecosystem.

Why Plants Matter in biOrb Aquariums

Plants—real or fake—play a central role in aquascaping. They provide shelter, reduce stress in fish, improve visual appeal, and in the case of live plants, help balance water chemistry.

biOrb aquariums are designed with:

• Central bubble-tube filtration

• Rounded or columnar shapes (360° viewing)

• Minimal substrate layers

This unique format affects what types of plants can thrive and how they should be arranged.

Live Plants in biOrb Tanks: Pros & Cons

Advantages of Live Plants

• Natural appearance with organic movement

• Oxygenate water and absorb nitrates (improving water quality)

• Support fish health by reducing algae and providing shelter

• Enhance biological filtration by hosting beneficial bacteria

Drawbacks of Live Plants

• Require specific lighting and nutrients

• May not anchor well in biOrb’s ceramic media

• Risk of algae growth, snails, or disease

• Some species are not compatible with air-driven filtration systems

Best Live Plants for biOrb:

• Anubias nana (attach to rocks or ornaments)

• Java fern (low light, no substrate needed)

• Marimo moss balls (low maintenance)

• Cryptocoryne (compact and resilient)

Artificial Plants in biOrb Tanks: Pros & Cons

Advantages of Artificial Plants

• No maintenance or special care required

• Designed to fit around biOrb’s filtration column

• Wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes

• No risk of disease, rot, or algae outbreaks

• Perfect for beginners or decorative themes

Drawbacks of Artificial Plants

• Do not oxygenate the water or aid filtration

• May look less natural up close (depending on quality)

• Offer no nutrient competition to combat algae

Popular biOrb Artificial Plant Options:

• biOrb Topiary Balls

• biOrb Color Ball Packs

• biOrb Feather Fern Sets

• biOrb Themed Decor Kits (Jungle, Coral, Zen, etc.)

Head-to-Head Comparison: Live vs Artificial

Which Is Better for You?

Go with Live Plants if:

• You want a natural biotope-style aquarium

• You’re willing to learn plant care basics

• You have appropriate lighting and nutrients

• Your fish benefit from real foliage (e.g., shrimp or fry)

Choose Artificial Plants if:

• You’re a beginner or casual aquarist

• You want zero-maintenance décor

• You enjoy theme-based layouts

• You need something that’s always “display ready”

Can You Mix Live and Artificial Plants?

Yes! In fact, many aquarists use a combination to get the best of both worlds.

• Use live plants in the foreground or low-traffic areas

• Use artificial plants to frame ornaments and fill vertical space

• Combine moss balls with themed fake plants for contrast

⚠️ Avoid overplanting—biOrb tanks require clear space for water circulation and fish movement.

Final Thoughts

Both live and artificial plants have a place in biOrb aquariums. Live plants offer biological benefits and realism, while artificial ones provide stunning, low-maintenance decoration. The right choice depends on your experience level, desired aesthetic, and time commitment.

Explore the full range of biOrb-compatible plants and décor at Charterhouse Aquatics. Whether you’re going fully natural, fully themed, or a hybrid approach—we have everything you need to make your biOrb tank beautifully yours.