Decorating your biOrb aquarium is more than just arranging ornaments—it’s about creating a healthy, balanced, and visually captivating environment for your fish. With their iconic central filtration system and 360° viewing angles, biOrb aquariums offer a unique layout that requires a smart approach to planting.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to decorate your biOrb using the right mix of plants, ornaments, and placement techniques to maximize beauty, space, and function—whether you’re using artificial décor, live plants, or both.
Step 1: Understand Your biOrb Layout and Filtration
Unlike traditional aquariums, biOrb tanks feature a central bubble tube and filtration column. This means your décor and plants should be arranged around the column to preserve both function and visibility.
What this means for planting:
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Avoid obstructing the bubble tube (which provides water circulation and oxygen).
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Choose decorations and plants designed for your specific biOrb model (CLASSIC, TUBE, LIFE, FLOW, etc.).
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Utilize biOrb’s weighted plant bases, which sit securely on the ceramic media bed.
💡 Tip: Use the bubble tube as a visual centerpiece and build your aquascape around it.
Step 2: Select the Right Plants for Your biOrb
biOrb offers a wide range of artificial and silk plants made from non-toxic materials that won’t harm your fish or disrupt the filter system. You can also add a few low-maintenance live plants.
Recommended Plant Types:
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Artificial plants – Durable, vibrant, and shaped to fit biOrb layouts
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Silk plants – Realistic motion and gentle on delicate fins
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Live plants – Java Fern, Anubias, Marimo Moss Balls (ensure they tolerate moderate water flow)
Sizes to Mix:
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Base plants (short) – For the foreground
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Mid-height plants – Create volume around the sides
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Tall plants – For the back or to complement sculptures
🧪 Reminder: Always rinse new décor and plants in dechlorinated water before placing them in your tank.
Step 3: Start with a Clean Base
Begin your aquascape by arranging the ceramic media evenly along the bottom of your tank. This substrate supports beneficial bacteria essential for water quality.
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Avoid stacking media too high—keep the central filter unit accessible.
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Plant bases should rest firmly on the media to avoid floating or shifting.
Step 4: Position Your Centerpiece First
Every biOrb aquascape benefits from a strong focal point. Many biOrb décor sets come with sculpture ornamentsdesigned to wrap around the bubble tube.
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Choose a centerpiece that suits your tank’s theme (e.g., reef, jungle, zen).
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Make sure water flow isn’t blocked.
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Use tall plants around the base to blend it into the landscape.
Step 5: Layer Plants for Depth and Visual Flow
Use the “rule of thirds” and triangular composition for an appealing, balanced look.
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Place shorter plants in the front to keep the viewing area open.
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Mid-sized plants go around the sides to add structure.
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Use taller plants in the back to frame your centerpiece.
📸 Pro tip: Step back and view your layout from all sides—biOrb aquariums are meant to be appreciated 360°.
Step 6: Add Details and Colour Accents
biOrb offers accent décor like moss balls, colored pebbles, coral shapes, and artificial anemones. These add variety and mimic natural textures.
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Use 1–2 accents to avoid overcrowding.
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Match color tones with your lighting (warm or cool LED spectrum).
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Group items in odd numbers for a more natural aesthetic.
Step 7: Secure and Finalize Your Layout
Ensure that all decorations:
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Are firmly seated (especially in round tanks)
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Do not float or shift with water movement
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Allow your fish ample swimming space
Now, slowly fill your aquarium with water and check your design from multiple angles. Once the tank is filled and conditioned, turn on the air pump and LED lighting.
Optional: Add Live Plants Safely
If you want to include live plants:
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Use plants that anchor to décor or float, rather than root in substrate
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Avoid burying roots deep into the ceramic media
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Consider lighting needs and compatibility with your tank’s LED system
Final Thoughts
Decorating a biOrb aquarium is a fun, creative process that enhances the health of your fish and the visual appeal of your tank. By combining the right biOrb plants, ornaments, and placement techniques, you can create a stunning underwater scene that’s easy to maintain and a joy to look at from every angle.
Explore the full range of biOrb-compatible plants and decorations at Charterhouse Aquatics—your trusted source for stylish aquascaping essentials with fast UK delivery.
