It started with frustration
In 1999, aquarium design had changed little in over 100 years. As enthusiasts, we were disappointed. The options were clunky, complicated and not particularly nice to look at. For something that was supposed to be relaxing, setting one up felt like a lot of work.
So we threw away the rule book. We thought carefully about what fish actually need, and we thought just as carefully about the person keeping them. Then we looked at the problem without constraints and engineered something entirely new.
Someone believed in us
If we're honest, what we had at first was a working prototype and no orders. Not one. Everyone we showed it to agreed it was exciting. They just weren't sure the public would go for it. People want regular glass boxes, we were told.
Fortunately, not everyone agreed.
On a cold English day, October 19th 1999, our fax machine (IYKYK) burst into life. Someone believed in us. We had our first order, and our dream started to become a reality.
Within months, biOrb appeared on Blue Peter, a beloved British children's television institution. Suddenly we had one product and a lot of people paying attention. Sales grew. A year later we opened our US office and began exporting to Europe. Before long, biOrb was available in 22 countries.
Still creating wonder
The range kept growing. More shapes, more sizes, more ways to make it your own. Today we make more than aquariums. Our terrarium collection brings the same philosophy to plant lovers, with fully automated designs that make caring for a lush indoor garden as effortless as keeping fish.
Now part of the Oase family, biOrb remains an invention company at heart. We set out to make products that people want to own and tell their friends about.
There is nothing better than watching someone see a biOrb for the first time. Especially a child. Jaws drop. Heartbeats calm. You can't quite explain it, but it is a magical feeling. When you see that, all the design work, the development, the relentless testing: it is all worth it.
In this increasingly busy, always-on world, our aim remains exactly what it was in 1999.
To create wonder.
Award-Winning Products
Some products fill a space, but ours change it. We have been recognized for designs that do something rare: they make a room feel calmer, warmer and more alive all at once and we've won a few awards to prove it.
Our Collections
Save on your first order!
Be the first to hear about new arrivals, styling tips, and exclusive offers straight to your inbox.