One of the biggest advantages of owning a biOrb aquarium is the ability to create a stunning aquatic display that complements your home décor. Whether you prefer a natural underwater landscape, a vibrant tropical theme, or a contemporary designer look, the right combination of plants can completely transform your aquarium.
With a wide range of biOrb plants, décor kits, ornaments, and accessories available, choosing which plants work best together can sometimes feel overwhelming. Different biOrb models also present unique aquascaping opportunities due to their varying shapes and viewing angles.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best plant combinations for popular biOrb models, including the CLASSIC, LIFE, FLOW, TUBE, HALO, and LOOP ranges, helping you create a beautiful and balanced aquarium display.
Why Plant Selection Matters in a biOrb Aquarium
Plants are more than just decoration.
They help:
- Create depth and perspective
- Provide shelter for fish
- Highlight key ornaments
- Soften hardscape features
- Add colour and movement
- Improve the overall visual balance of the aquarium
The best aquascapes combine different heights, textures, and colours to create a natural-looking display.
Understanding the biOrb Plant Range
biOrb plants are designed specifically for use in biOrb aquariums and are available in several styles.
Foreground Plants
Typically shorter species used near the front of the aquarium.
Examples include:
- Small grass-style plants
- Low decorative foliage
- Compact coral-inspired plants
Midground Plants
Used to bridge the gap between foreground and background.
Examples include:
- Medium-height foliage
- Bush-style plants
- Decorative flowering designs
Background Plants
Taller plants that create height and structure.
Examples include:
- Feathered stems
- Tall grasses
- Large decorative fronds
A balanced aquarium often includes all three layers.
Best Plant Combinations for biOrb CLASSIC Aquariums
The iconic spherical design of the biOrb CLASSIC creates a unique 360-degree viewing experience.
Recommended Style: Natural Lagoon Theme
Background
- Tall Green Sea Lily
- Large Green Kelp Plant
Midground
- Green Fern Plant
- Medium Green Foliage Plant
Foreground
- Small Moss Pebbles
- Short Grass Clusters
Why It Works
The combination creates:
- Vertical height without overcrowding
- Natural movement
- Excellent visibility from all angles
The rounded shape benefits from softer, flowing plant designs.
Recommended Style: Colour Pop Display
Background
- Purple Sea Fan
- Pink Kelp Plant
Midground
- Violet Flower Plant
- Blue Decorative Coral
Foreground
- White Pebbles
- Bright Accent Plants
This setup complements modern interiors and creates a vibrant focal point.
Best Plant Combinations for biOrb LIFE Aquariums
The tall rectangular shape of the LIFE aquarium provides excellent opportunities for creating depth and vertical structure.
Recommended Style: Tropical Jungle Layout
Background
- Tall Green Bamboo Plant
- Giant Fern Plant
Midground
- Broad Leaf Tropical Plant
- Medium Green Foliage
Foreground
- Small Grass Plants
- Moss Balls
Why It Works
The LIFE’s height allows:
- Layered planting
- Strong vertical designs
- Dramatic aquascaping effects
The result resembles a miniature underwater rainforest.
Recommended Style: Contemporary Designer Aquarium
Background
- Black Decorative Fronds
- White Feather Plants
Midground
- Purple Accent Plants
Foreground
- White Decorative Stones
Ideal for modern homes and minimalist interiors.
Best Plant Combinations for biOrb FLOW Aquariums
The FLOW’s cube-like shape makes it perfect for compact, balanced aquascapes.
Recommended Style: Central Feature Layout
Centrepiece
- Large Coral Ornament
- Rock Formation
Background
- Green Seaweed Cluster
Midground
- Purple Decorative Ferns
Foreground
- Compact Grass Plants
Why It Works
The symmetrical dimensions allow a strong central focal point while maintaining balance throughout the aquarium.
Recommended Style: Reef-Inspired Display
Background
- Blue Sea Fan
- Purple Kelp
Midground
- Pink Coral Plants
Foreground
- White Coral Gravel
Perfect for creating a marine-inspired aesthetic without the complexity of a saltwater aquarium.
Best Plant Combinations for biOrb TUBE Aquariums
The TUBE’s tall cylindrical design naturally draws the eye upward.
Recommended Style: Vertical Aquascape
Base
- Moss Balls
- Small Grass Clusters
Mid Section
- Medium Green Ferns
Upper Section
- Tall Kelp Plants
- Feather Fronds
Why It Works
The vertical arrangement emphasises the aquarium’s height and creates a striking display from every viewing angle.
Recommended Style: Modern Colour Gradient
Bottom
- Dark Purple Plants
Middle
- Blue Decorative Plants
Top
- Light Green Foliage
This creates a visually interesting colour transition from bottom to top.
Best Plant Combinations for biOrb HALO Aquariums
The concealed waterline and modern design of the HALO make it ideal for premium displays.
Recommended Style: Contemporary Nature
Background
- Tall Green Ferns
Midground
- Broad Leaf Plants
Foreground
- White Decorative Pebbles
Accent
- Natural Rock Ornament
The clean lines of the HALO pair beautifully with realistic plant choices.
Recommended Style: Statement Colour Display
Combine:
- Purple Sea Fans
- Pink Decorative Plants
- Blue Accent Corals
The hidden waterline enhances the illusion of a floating underwater landscape.
Best Plant Combinations for biOrb LOOP Aquariums
The LOOP offers a wide panoramic viewing area, making horizontal layouts particularly effective.
Recommended Style: Coastal Reef Scene
Left Side
- Blue Coral Plant
Centre
- Large Rock Ornament
Right Side
- Purple Sea Fan
Foreground
- White Gravel Accents
Why It Works
The wide viewing angle allows for a natural flow from one side of the aquarium to the other.
Recommended Style: Riverbank Theme
Background
- Tall Green Reeds
Midground
- Mixed Green Foliage
Foreground
- Small Grass Plants
This layout creates a calm, natural appearance.
Choosing Colours That Work Together
When selecting plant combinations, consider colour balance.
Safe Colour Pairings
Green + White
Creates a natural, clean appearance.
Blue + Purple
Ideal for reef-inspired themes.
Green + Purple
Provides strong contrast without appearing artificial.
Pink + White
Works well in contemporary decorative setups.
Avoid using too many bright colours simultaneously, as the aquarium can quickly appear cluttered.
How Many Plants Should You Use?
A common mistake is overcrowding the aquarium.
As a general guide:
Small biOrb Models
4–6 plants
Medium Models
6–10 plants
Large Models
10–15 plants
Leave open swimming space for fish.
Good aquascaping balances decoration with functionality.
Using Décor Kits with Plants
Many biOrb décor kits are designed to complement specific plant ranges.
Popular combinations include:
Reef Décor Kits
Pair with:
- Blue coral plants
- Purple sea fans
- White gravel
Natural Décor Kits
Pair with:
- Green foliage
- Moss accents
- Natural stone ornaments
Contemporary Décor Kits
Pair with:
- Minimalist plant selections
- Strong colour contrasts
- Decorative sculptures
Using coordinated décor kits often produces a more professional-looking result.
Artificial vs Live Plants
Most biOrb owners use artificial plants due to:
- Ease of maintenance
- Consistent appearance
- Compatibility with biOrb systems
However, some aquarists choose hardy live plants such as:
- Anubias
- Java Fern
- Java Moss
A combination of live and artificial plants can provide an attractive compromise.
Common Aquascaping Mistakes
Avoid:
Uniform Heights
Vary plant heights for a more natural appearance.
Too Many Colours
Limit colour palettes to create visual harmony.
Blocking Viewing Areas
Ensure decorations don’t obscure key viewing angles.
Ignoring Fish Space
Always prioritise swimming room and fish welfare.
Final Thoughts
The best plant combination for your biOrb aquarium depends on the model you own, the style you’re trying to achieve, and your personal preferences. Whether you prefer a lush natural aquascape, a colourful reef-inspired display, or a modern designer aquarium, carefully selected plant combinations can dramatically enhance the appearance of your setup.
By combining different heights, colours, and textures while keeping the aquarium balanced and uncluttered, you can create a display that looks both beautiful and professional.
At Charterhouse Aquatics, we stock a wide range of genuine biOrb plants, décor kits, ornaments, lighting systems, and accessories to help you design the perfect aquarium for your home.
