One of the most enjoyable parts of owning a biOrb aquarium is creating a beautiful underwater display. Whether you’ve just purchased your first biOrb or you’re looking to refresh an existing setup, the right combination of plants, ornaments, and layout can transform your aquarium into a stunning focal point within your home.
Unlike traditional aquariums, biOrb tanks are designed with aesthetics in mind. Their unique shapes and modern styling make them ideal for creative aquascaping, allowing you to design anything from a natural underwater landscape to a colourful coral-inspired display.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to decorate your biOrb aquarium using plants and décor to create a balanced, attractive, and fish-friendly environment.
Why Aquascaping Matters
Aquascaping is the art of arranging plants, decorations, and substrates within an aquarium.
A well-designed aquarium can:
- Enhance the appearance of your room
- Provide shelter for fish
- Create visual depth
- Make maintenance easier
- Highlight key decorative features
- Improve the overall viewing experience
Good aquascaping combines beauty with practicality.
Before You Begin
Before decorating your biOrb, gather all the materials you’ll need.
Essential Items
- biOrb aquarium
- Ceramic media
- Decorative plants
- Ornaments or décor kits
- Aquarium-safe gravel or stones
- Water conditioner
- Soft cleaning cloth
If you’re creating a themed aquarium, have all decorative elements ready before you begin.
Step 1: Choose a Theme
The most attractive aquariums usually follow a consistent design style.
Popular biOrb themes include:
Natural Freshwater
Features:
- Green plants
- Natural rocks
- Driftwood-style ornaments
- Neutral colours
Tropical Reef
Features:
- Bright corals
- Vibrant colours
- Decorative sea fans
- White stones
Contemporary Designer
Features:
- Minimalist décor
- Strong colour contrasts
- Sculptural ornaments
- Modern aesthetics
Choosing a theme first makes plant selection much easier.
Step 2: Install the Ceramic Media
The ceramic media forms the foundation of every biOrb aquarium.
It serves two important purposes:
- Biological filtration
- Decorative base layer
Spread the media evenly across the bottom of the aquarium according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
This creates a stable foundation for decorations and plants.
Step 3: Position Your Main Ornament
Every successful aquascape benefits from a focal point.
Examples include:
- Rock formations
- Coral structures
- Decorative sculptures
- Reef-themed ornaments
Placement Tip
Avoid placing large ornaments directly in the centre.
Instead, position them slightly off-centre to create a more natural appearance.
This technique often produces a more visually appealing layout.
Step 4: Add Background Plants First
Background plants create height and structure.
In most aquascapes, they are the tallest plants in the aquarium.
Good options include:
- Sea lilies
- Tall kelp plants
- Decorative reeds
- Large ferns
Position these plants:
- Toward the rear
- Along the sides
- Behind ornaments
This creates a backdrop that frames the display.
Step 5: Add Midground Plants
Midground plants connect the taller background plants with smaller foreground decorations.
Examples include:
- Medium ferns
- Bush-style foliage
- Decorative flowering plants
Place them around:
- The base of ornaments
- Open spaces between taller plants
This helps soften transitions within the layout.
Step 6: Add Foreground Plants
Foreground plants complete the display and create depth.
Popular choices include:
- Small grass clusters
- Moss-style plants
- Low decorative foliage
Position them near:
- The front viewing area
- Ornament bases
- Open substrate areas
Avoid blocking visibility.
The goal is to enhance the scene without overcrowding it.
Step 7: Create Height Variation
One of the most common aquascaping mistakes is using plants of similar height throughout the aquarium.
Instead, aim for:
Tall Plants
At the back.
Medium Plants
In the centre.
Short Plants
At the front.
This creates a layered effect that makes the aquarium appear larger and more natural.
Step 8: Use Colour Carefully
Colour plays a huge role in aquarium design.
Natural Style
Focus on:
- Greens
- Browns
- Neutral tones
Reef-Inspired Style
Combine:
- Blue plants
- Purple sea fans
- Pink coral accents
Contemporary Style
Consider:
- White décor
- Black ornaments
- Selective colour highlights
Try to avoid using too many bright colours at once, as this can make the aquarium appear cluttered.
Step 9: Leave Open Swimming Space
Fish need room to move.
A common beginner mistake is filling every available space with decorations.
Aim for a balance between:
- Decorative interest
- Functional swimming areas
Your fish will appreciate the additional space and the aquarium will often look more natural.
Step 10: Fill the Aquarium Carefully
Once all decorations are in place:
- Add water slowly
- Avoid disturbing the layout
- Use a water conditioner if required
Filling gradually helps maintain the position of plants and ornaments.
Decorating Different biOrb Models
Each biOrb model offers unique aquascaping opportunities.
biOrb CLASSIC
Best suited for:
- Circular layouts
- Central focal points
- 360-degree viewing designs
biOrb LIFE
Ideal for:
- Vertical planting
- Layered jungle-style displays
- Tall decorative features
biOrb FLOW
Perfect for:
- Symmetrical layouts
- Central ornament displays
- Compact aquascapes
biOrb TUBE
Works well with:
- Vertical arrangements
- Tall plant combinations
- Layered planting
biOrb LOOP
Excellent for:
- Panoramic layouts
- Wide decorative scenes
- Coastal-inspired themes
Understanding the strengths of your aquarium model helps maximise its visual impact.
Using biOrb Décor Kits
biOrb décor kits simplify the decorating process.
Benefits include:
- Coordinated designs
- Matching colours
- Professional appearance
- Easy installation
Many kits are available in themes such as:
- Reef
- Natural
- Contemporary
- Tropical
These can provide an excellent starting point for beginners.
Artificial vs Live Plants
Most biOrb owners choose artificial plants because they are:
- Low maintenance
- Long lasting
- Easy to clean
- Designed specifically for biOrb aquariums
However, hardy live plants such as:
- Anubias
- Java Fern
- Java Moss
can also work well in suitable setups.
Many aquarists successfully combine both options.
Common Decorating Mistakes to Avoid
Overcrowding
Too many decorations can make the aquarium feel cramped.
Ignoring Height Differences
Varied plant heights create visual interest.
Blocking Viewing Angles
Always consider how the aquarium will be viewed.
Mixing Too Many Themes
Consistency usually creates a more professional appearance.
Forgetting Fish Needs
Decoration should never compromise fish welfare.
Seasonal Décor Refresh Ideas
One advantage of artificial plants is the ability to update your aquarium’s appearance throughout the year.
Consider:
Spring
Fresh green planting themes.
Summer
Bright tropical colours.
Autumn
Natural earthy tones.
Winter
White stones and cool-coloured décor.
Small changes can make the aquarium feel completely new.
Final Thoughts
Decorating a biOrb aquarium is one of the most rewarding aspects of aquarium ownership. With a little planning and a thoughtful approach to plant placement, colour selection, and ornament positioning, you can create a display that looks professionally designed while still providing a comfortable environment for your fish.
The key is to work in layers, use a consistent theme, create height variation, and avoid overcrowding. Whether you prefer a natural freshwater look, a vibrant reef-inspired display, or a contemporary designer aquarium, the right combination of biOrb plants and décor can transform your aquarium into a stunning centrepiece.
At Charterhouse Aquatics, we stock a complete range of genuine biOrb plants, décor kits, ornaments, lighting systems, and accessories to help you create the perfect aquarium display.
