Setting up a biOrb aquarium is an exciting step into the world of fishkeeping. Whether you’ve chosen a compact biOrb FLOW for your desk, a stylish biOrb LIFE for your living room, or a classic spherical biOrb CLASSIC, selecting the right fish and plants is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
The ideal combination of fish and plants doesn’t just create a beautiful display—it also helps establish a healthier, more balanced aquarium where your aquatic inhabitants can thrive.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best fish species for biOrb aquariums, suitable plant options, and how to combine them to create a stunning freshwater aquarium that’s both attractive and easy to maintain.
Understanding biOrb Aquariums
Before choosing livestock, it’s important to understand what makes biOrb aquariums unique.
biOrb aquariums feature:
- Efficient filtration systems
- Distinctive modern designs
- Compact footprints
- Easy maintenance
- Excellent visibility
However, because many biOrb models are smaller than traditional aquariums, careful stocking is essential.
Choosing fish that suit the available space is the key to long-term success.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing Fish
When selecting fish for your biOrb aquarium, consider:
Aquarium Size
Larger aquariums provide greater flexibility.
For example:
- biOrb CLASSIC 15L suits only a few small fish
- biOrb CLASSIC 60L offers significantly more options
- biOrb LIFE 60L and above can house larger communities
Fish Temperament
Choose species that:
- Are peaceful
- Have similar care requirements
- Can coexist comfortably
Water Parameters
Ensure all fish share similar preferences for:
- Temperature
- pH
- Water hardness
Swimming Space
Fish need room to swim freely.
Avoid overstocking, regardless of aquarium size.
Best Fish for Small biOrb Aquariums (15–30 Litres)
Smaller biOrb models work best with nano fish and small community species.
White Cloud Mountain Minnows
A popular beginner choice.
Benefits include:
- Hardy nature
- Peaceful temperament
- Attractive appearance
- Adaptability
Endler’s Livebearers
Colourful and active.
Advantages:
- Small size
- Easy care
- Vibrant colours
Small Shrimp Species
For shrimp-only setups, consider:
- Cherry Shrimp
- Blue Dream Shrimp
- Amano Shrimp
They add activity while producing minimal waste.
Nerite Snails
Excellent algae grazers that fit well into smaller aquariums.
Best Fish for Medium and Large biOrb Aquariums (45–105 Litres)
Larger models allow for more diverse stocking options.
Neon Tetras
A timeless aquarium favourite.
Benefits:
- Bright colours
- Schooling behaviour
- Peaceful temperament
Keep in groups of at least six.
Ember Tetras
Perfect for planted displays.
Their orange colouring contrasts beautifully with green plants.
Harlequin Rasboras
Elegant and easy to care for.
Ideal for community aquariums.
Cherry Barbs
Active yet peaceful.
Their red coloration creates a striking visual impact.
Corydoras Catfish
Excellent bottom dwellers.
They help keep the substrate tidy while adding personality to the aquarium.
Fish Species to Avoid in Most biOrb Aquariums
Certain fish simply aren’t well suited to most biOrb setups.
Goldfish
Although often associated with biOrb aquariums, goldfish:
- Grow larger than many people expect
- Produce significant waste
- Require substantial swimming space
Only larger biOrb models should be considered for goldfish, and stocking should remain conservative.
Large Cichlids
These species typically require larger aquariums and may become territorial.
Fast-Growing Species
Research adult sizes carefully before purchasing any fish.
Choosing Plants for Your biOrb Aquarium
Plants add:
- Beauty
- Shelter
- Visual depth
- Natural aesthetics
The best choice depends on whether you prefer artificial or live plants.
Artificial Plants: The Most Popular biOrb Option
Many biOrb owners choose artificial plants because they are:
- Easy to maintain
- Long-lasting
- Available in many colours
- Designed specifically for biOrb aquariums
biOrb’s plant range includes:
Tall Background Plants
Such as:
- Sea lilies
- Kelp plants
- Decorative reeds
Midground Plants
Including:
- Fern-style plants
- Bushy foliage
Foreground Plants
Such as:
- Moss balls
- Grass clusters
- Low-growing decorative plants
Artificial plants are particularly suitable for beginners.
Live Plants Suitable for biOrb Aquariums
If you prefer a more natural aquarium, several live plants can perform well in biOrb systems.
Anubias
One of the easiest aquatic plants available.
Benefits include:
- Low light requirements
- Slow growth
- Hardy nature
Java Fern
A classic beginner plant.
Advantages:
- Adaptable
- Attractive
- Easy to maintain
Java Moss
Provides excellent cover for shrimp and small fish.
Marimo Moss Balls
Unique and decorative.
Very low maintenance.
Best Fish and Plant Combinations
Some fish and plant pairings work particularly well together.
White Cloud Mountain Minnows + Green Foliage Theme
Combine:
- White Clouds
- Green silk plants
- Natural rocks
Creates a peaceful freshwater display.
Neon Tetras + Tropical Plant Layout
Combine:
- Neon Tetras
- Bright green plants
- Driftwood-style décor
The vivid blue and red colours stand out beautifully.
Shrimp Aquarium + Moss Theme
Combine:
- Cherry Shrimp
- Java Moss
- Small Anubias
Creates a fascinating nano ecosystem.
Harlequin Rasboras + Contemporary Aquascape
Combine:
- Harlequins
- Minimalist décor
- Purple and green plants
Ideal for modern interiors.
Matching Plants to biOrb Models
biOrb CLASSIC
Best with:
- Circular layouts
- Tall central plants
- 360-degree viewing designs
biOrb LIFE
Best with:
- Vertical planting
- Layered aquascapes
- Tall background plants
biOrb FLOW
Best with:
- Central ornaments
- Compact plant groupings
biOrb LOOP
Best with:
- Panoramic layouts
- Wide planting schemes
biOrb TUBE
Best with:
- Height-focused designs
- Vertical plant arrangements
Avoiding Overstocking
One of the most common mistakes made by new aquarium owners is adding too many fish.
Overstocking can cause:
- Poor water quality
- Increased maintenance
- Stress
- Disease outbreaks
A lightly stocked aquarium is often healthier and more attractive.
Creating Natural Hiding Places
Fish feel more secure when they have access to shelter.
Use plants to create:
- Shaded areas
- Swimming corridors
- Resting spots
This often results in more natural behaviour and improved fish wellbeing.
Lighting Considerations
Lighting affects both fish appearance and plant aesthetics.
Standard biOrb Lighting
Ideal for:
- Artificial plants
- Decorative displays
biOrb MCR Lighting
Offers:
- Multiple colour options
- Enhanced visual effects
- Greater display flexibility
The right lighting can dramatically transform your aquarium’s appearance.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Avoid:
Choosing Fish Based Only on Appearance
Always research adult size and care requirements.
Mixing Incompatible Species
Compatibility is essential.
Overcrowding with Plants
Leave open swimming areas.
Ignoring Aquarium Size
Always stock according to available volume.
Adding Too Many Fish Too Quickly
Introduce livestock gradually.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right fish and plants for your biOrb freshwater aquarium is about finding the perfect balance between beauty, practicality, and fish welfare. By selecting species that suit your aquarium size and pairing them with carefully chosen plants and décor, you can create a display that’s both visually stunning and easy to maintain.
For most beginners, peaceful community fish combined with high-quality biOrb artificial plants offer the simplest path to success. More experienced aquarists may choose to incorporate hardy live plants for an even more natural look.
Whatever your style, thoughtful planning and careful stocking will help ensure your biOrb aquarium remains healthy, attractive, and enjoyable for years to come.
At Charterhouse Aquatics, we stock a complete range of biOrb aquariums, plants, décor kits, lighting systems, fishkeeping equipment, and accessories to help you create your ideal freshwater aquarium.
