Decorating your biOrb aquarium with the right combination of plants not only enhances its visual appeal but also supports a stress-free, healthy environment for your fish. Whether you own a compact biOrb CLASSIC, a sleek LIFE, or a minimalist FLOW, choosing the correct plants by height, texture, and layout is essential for achieving a beautiful and functional aquascape.
This guide offers the best plant combinations for each major biOrb model, including layering tips and décor ideas tailored to your tank’s size and shape.
Why Plant Combinations Matter in biOrb Aquariums
biOrb tanks are designed around a central filtration column, which creates vertical water flow and a 360° viewing experience. This unique layout means plant placement needs to be strategic—not just for aesthetics, but also to preserve circulation and swimming space.
The best plant setups include:
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Foreground plants (small and round for the base)
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Midground fillers (medium height for volume)
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Background plants (tall and textured for depth)
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Centerpiece ornaments or sculpture bases for anchoring the design
Best Plant Setups by biOrb Model
biOrb CLASSIC 15 / CLASSIC 30
Ideal For: Beginners, small spaces, desktops
Tank Shape: Spherical with narrow base
Recommended Plant Set:
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Foreground: Mini moss balls, small plant clusters (Anubias or fake marimo tufts)
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Midground: Short silk plants in green or red tones
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Background: Single tall biOrb feather fern or spiraled artificial plant
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Decoration Tip: Use a compact ornament or mini sculpture that fits snugly around the bubble tube
Why This Works: These compact tanks need open swimming space, so small, low-profile plants keep the layout from feeling crowded.
biOrb FLOW 30 / FLOW 60
Ideal For: Small tropical community setups
Tank Shape: Rectangular front-facing tank with rear filtration
Recommended Plant Set:
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Foreground: Pebbled plant clusters, small moss stones
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Midground: Medium silk plants with wide leaves (Amazon style)
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Background: Tall color-tipped artificial plants or grass-style stems
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Decoration Tip: Pair plants with biOrb artificial rock backdrops or driftwood-inspired centerpieces
Why This Works: The rectangular shape allows for layering front to back, which creates a natural landscape effect.
biOrb LIFE 45 / LIFE 60
Ideal For: Modern décor spaces, larger aquascapes
Tank Shape: Tall, rounded front, flat sides
Recommended Plant Set:
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Foreground: White gravel plant bases or low-set mossy rocks
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Midground: Wide leafy plants in biOrb color packs (reds and greens)
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Background: Tall fern-style artificial plants or cascading silk plants
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Decoration Tip: Incorporate the LIFE Sculpture or root sculpture base as a central anchor
Why This Works: The vertical height of the LIFE tanks allows you to build upward, emphasizing the taller background foliage.
biOrb TUBE 30 / TUBE 35
Ideal For: Panoramic viewing, centerpieces
Tank Shape: Cylindrical, all-around visibility
Recommended Plant Set:
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Foreground: Shell-shaped plant bases or short tufts
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Midground: Medium round-leaved plants for 360° symmetry
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Background: Evenly spaced tall plants all around the bubble tube
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Decoration Tip: Use circular sculpture bases that wrap around the filter column
Why This Works: TUBE models are best viewed from every angle, so symmetrical, circular planting helps maintain balance.
biOrb HALO 60 / HALO 30
Ideal For: Minimalist interiors, soft mood lighting
Tank Shape: Spherical with concealed base and lighting hood
Recommended Plant Set:
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Foreground: Smooth moss domes or low-lying carpet-effect clusters
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Midground: BiOrb fern balls or organic-shaped silk plants
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Background: Wavy tall plants (reed-style or faux grass) to contrast with soft edges
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Decoration Tip: Use subdued, natural colors to complement the HALO’s ambient lighting
Why This Works: The seamless lines of the HALO series work well with flowing, natural plant shapes and color gradients.
Mixing Artificial & Live Plants in biOrb Tanks
biOrb tanks are compatible with both artificial and live plants, though many users prefer the durability and simplicity of biOrb’s décor kits. For those interested in live additions:
Safe Live Plant Options:
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Java Fern (attach to décor)
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Anubias Nana
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Marimo Moss Balls
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Floating Water Lettuce (for larger tanks)
⚠️ Avoid deep-rooted or substrate-dependent plants unless you use a plant-specific biOrb base layer or accessory.
Theme-Based Combination Ideas
|
Theme |
Foreground |
Midground |
Background |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Zen Garden |
White rock bases, moss balls |
Rounded silk plants |
Feather ferns, pagoda stems |
|
Jungle |
Tufts, small root balls |
Wide-leaved silk plants |
Fern wall, tall cascading plants |
|
Minimalist |
Moss stones only |
Sparse silk tufts |
Single tall grass |
|
Ocean Coral |
Shells and coral pebbles |
Colorful anemone-style plants |
Fan coral sculpture |
Final Tips for Planting Success
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Rinse all new plants in tank-safe water before placing them
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Avoid blocking the central bubble tube
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Use biOrb-weighted bases to prevent floating
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Mix textures and heights for a natural look
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Don’t overcrowd—leave room for fish to swim
Conclusion
Each biOrb model has its own unique shape and space, and the best plant combinations are those that work with its form—not against it. By layering correctly and using plants of varying heights, colors, and textures, you can transform your biOrb aquarium into a living centerpiece.
Explore biOrb plant bundles and accessories at Charterhouse Aquatics—your trusted destination for aquascaping tools, décor, and aquatic inspiration. With fast UK shipping and expert support, your perfect underwater scene is just a click away.
