biOrb freshwater aquariums are not only stylish and compact, but also intelligently engineered to create a balanced, beginner-friendly aquatic environment. However, stocking your tank correctly is crucial to maintain water quality, ensure fish well-being, and preserve the aesthetic harmony biOrb is known for.
Whether you have a 15L biOrb CLASSIC or a 60L LIFE, this guide will help you choose the right fish and plants that thrive in a biOrb ecosystem, while also maintaining compatibility with its filtration, shape, and size.
1. Understanding Your biOrb Size and Stocking Capacity
Each biOrb tank has a limited water volume and surface area, which determines what and how many fish you can keep.
|
biOrb Model |
Volume |
Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
|
CLASSIC 15 |
15L |
Shrimp, snails, nano species only |
|
CLASSIC/TUBE/FLOW 30 |
30L |
3–5 small community fish |
|
LIFE 45 |
45L |
Up to 8 small fish, shrimp, snails |
|
LIFE 60 |
60L |
10–12 small fish, planted aquascapes |
📏 General guideline: 1 inch of fish per gallon (4.5L), accounting for full adult size.
2. Best Freshwater Fish for biOrb Aquariums
Top Compatible Fish (Beginner-Friendly)
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Guppies – Hardy, colorful, and active.
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Neon Tetras – Peaceful, vibrant schooling fish.
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Endler’s Livebearers – Smaller than guppies, very social.
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White Cloud Mountain Minnows – Coolwater option, good in smaller biOrbs.
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Corydoras Catfish (Pygmy or Panda) – Great bottom dwellers; always in groups.
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Cherry Shrimp / Amano Shrimp – Algae eaters and fun to watch.
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Mystery or Nerite Snails – Low-maintenance and algae-controlling.
Avoid These Fish in a biOrb:
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Goldfish – Too messy and grow too large.
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Angelfish, Gouramis, Cichlids – Require more space and may be aggressive.
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Plecos (Common Bristlenose, etc.) – Grow large, need stronger filtration.
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Fast or fin-nipping fish – Like tiger barbs or danios, which need more space.
💡 Always add fish slowly and observe their behavior during the first weeks after introduction.
3. Choosing Plants for Your biOrb Aquarium
biOrb aquariums use air-driven filtration that creates vertical water flow, and many models have decorative centerpieces. These design elements mean you must select plants that tolerate moderate water movement and compact substrates.
Live Plant Options (biOrb-Friendly)
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Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)
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Hardy, low-light, attaches to wood or décor.
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Anubias Nana
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Small, slow-growing; thrives on rocks or ornaments.
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Marimo Moss Balls
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Perfect biOrb accent, algae-reducing.
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Cryptocoryne
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Great for midground, tolerates varied conditions.
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Floating Plants (Salvinia, Duckweed)
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Provides surface cover and reduces light intensity.
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🌿 Avoid deep-rooted plants unless using a specialized plant substrate layer.
Alternatives: Artificial Plants
biOrb offers a range of decorative artificial plants designed specifically for each tank shape. They require no maintenance, are visually striking, and pair perfectly with themed ornament sets.
4. Tips for Creating a Balanced biOrb Ecosystem
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Combine species that occupy different tank zones (top, mid, bottom).
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Limit stocking density to prevent ammonia spikes.
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Match fish to your biOrb’s water parameters: pH 7.0–8.0, temp 22–26°C.
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Add live plants gradually to allow for root acclimation and bacterial balance.
5. Themed Aquascapes with Fish Compatibility
|
Theme |
Suitable Fish |
Plant Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
|
Zen Garden |
Guppies, shrimp |
Moss balls, Anubias |
|
Jungle/Forest |
Tetras, Corydoras |
Java fern, Crypts |
|
Minimalist & Modern |
Endlers, Nerites |
Anubias, Marimo balls |
|
Coral Reef (Decor Set) |
Shrimp, small minnows |
Artificial corals/plants |
🎨 biOrb’s decor sets pair beautifully with their lighted centerpieces and custom backgrounds.
6. Common Stocking Mistakes to Avoid
|
Mistake |
Better Practice |
|---|---|
|
Overstocking fish |
Stick to 1 inch/gallon rule |
|
Mixing incompatible species |
Research temperament and habitat needs |
|
Adding all fish at once |
Introduce in phases to avoid ammonia spikes |
|
Using sharp décor |
Use rounded, smooth surfaces safe for acrylic |
|
Ignoring tank cycling |
Always cycle your tank before introducing fish |
Conclusion
Choosing the right fish and plants for your biOrb freshwater aquarium is key to creating a harmonious, low-maintenance environment. With the correct stocking strategy and décor, your aquarium will not only thrive but also showcase the unique beauty that biOrb tanks are known for.
Stick with compatible species, avoid overstocking, and blend live or biOrb artificial plants for a tank that’s healthy, balanced, and crystal clear.
