Seven Terrariums That Will Inspire You — Giant BiOrbs
These terrariums were set up for a contest at Aquashella Chicago, a US aquarium convention that happens twice a year. The terrariums were set up and designed by US aquascapers and represent a more artistic design than you might see elsewhere. These setups were housed in seven Oase Biorb Air 60 terrariums. These large orbs are designed to regulate the climate inside their individual spheres, regularly watering the plants inside. In addition, a small automated fan in the hood keeps air flowing through the setup. Finally, the lights turn on and off on a standard 24-hour cycle.
#terrarium #handicraft #diy
Hi, I'm Alex and this is Tank Tested.
Today I'll be sharing with you a collection of seven beautiful terrariums.
These are biorbs, 20-inch spheres designed to provide light, water, and air to the plants
inside.
These biorbs were set up back in 2019 at Aquashella, Chicago.
Here's judge and aquascaper George Farmer taking a long look at each of the biorbs.
But I'd like to know which one you like best, so leave a comment in the description
below.
We'll start with this setup by the Chicago Plant Society.
This design makes full use of the space while leaving room for the plants to grow.
Low ground cover plants fill the biorb, with vertical plants like the yellow-green banana
croton filling space between the vertical wood hardscape.
This scape is filled with details, and a nice variety of leaf shapes, growth patterns, and
colors.
It is a simple and understated scape that still delivers a big impact.
The next design is by Jen Williams.
This scape sits lower in the biorb and relies on a jungle of ground cover plants.
A mix of small ferns and tiny speckled begonia leaves keep your attention.
Hidden within the green are small pieces of blue cirrus stone and fallen driftwood.
As a result, it gives the feeling of a lush forest floor.
This biorb was designed by Hip Hong and Jason Liu of the Aquascapers Collective.
And the setup gives the impression of a typical aquatic aquascape.
The spiderwood jutting up is striking, but softened by the delicate ferns.
The roots of the central piece of wood extend outwards at its base, uniting it with the
surrounding scape.
Small pebbles fill the empty spaces, surrounded by dried moss.
And hints of living moss are scattered amongst the base of the central feature, bringing
the scape together.
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This scape by Fiona Tu makes full use of the vertical space of the biorb.
Filling the floor of the terrarium is a full bed of leafy stems, giving the tank an overgrown
and lush feel.
At the bottom of the scape is a burgundy bermuliad that adds a hint of color to an otherwise
green design.
And that pop of color is echoed above with a second bermuliad perched on the branches
that extend upward.
The design of this scape is simple, but it references a typical flower centerpiece, which
helps to make this biorb a great focal point.
Our fifth design is by Hunter Kokner and Andrew Wang.
The base of the terrarium is filled with dried grass and creeping plants and ferns.
A few pieces of dark rock peek through, suggesting an eroded forest floor.
The focal point of this scape is a central wood stump.
Accentuated with several bermuliads, it demands attention and lifts the center of gravity
of the scape up from the forest floor.
The ground below may not be as showy, but it has enough detail to hold the eye.
It's a well-balanced scape that doesn't feel overcrowded.
This terrarium was created by David Bono and John Peeney, two accomplished aquascapers
and members of the Aquascapers Collective.
The scape is a complex mix of spiderwood and dragonstone.
Sprinkled within are strong accent plants, like the rattlesnake calathra, in the center
bottom of this shot.
Peeking up amongst the spiderwood are plants like baby tears that will waterfall over the
rockwork below.
I imagine that in the future, moss or air plants might find their home on the nest of
spiderwood that fills the biore.
This intricate scape gives you plenty to look at, and many unique passages to look through.
The final biore we'll be looking at is by Tanner Serpa.
This complex scape makes maximum use of the space.
The hard scape is made of a mix of cirrustone and spiderwood, with gaps filled with creeping
baby tears.
A blue star fern peaks up in the background, and bromeliads cling to the spiderwood.
Near the bottom of this scape, more bromeliads and ferns add a variety of color and shape
to this design.
This is certainly an overstuffed layout, but it doesn't feel claustrophobic or overdone.
Each plant has access to the light and isn't shaded out, even though the scape is full
in all directions.
Let me know which scape you liked best in the comments below.
I want to thank my Patreon supporters for their continued support, and I hope you have
a lovely day.