Comments on: Closed ecosystems?

Question: Closed ecosystems?

OmieWise — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 06:07:39 -0800

Do closed ecosystems, those glass globes with algae and shrimp and a twig, work? I'd like to get one, but they're pricey, and I'd like to know if they actually, you know, live for longer than five minutes. Picture here.

By: Frasermoo

Frasermoo — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 06:11:07 -0800

Inside each EcoSphere are active micro-organisms, bright red shrimp and algae, each existing in a clear "soup" of filtered sea water. Because the ecosphere is a self-sustaining ecosystem, you never have to feed the life within. Simply provide your EcoSphere with a source of indirect natural or artificial light and enjoy this aesthetic blend of art and science, beauty and balance.

Because the living resources within the EcoSphere utilize their resources without overpopulating or contaminating their environment, the EcoSphere requires no cleaning and only minimal care.

EcoSpheres have an average life expectancy of two years. However, it is not uncommon for shrimp populations to be thriving in systems as old as 7 years. EcoSpheres are available in either pod or spherical shapes, in a range of sizes. EcoSphere Associates can also custom design and install larger ecosystems for home and business use.

By: Frasermoo

Frasermoo — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 06:13:58 -0800

they appear to be bloody expensive for what they are.

By: OmieWise

OmieWise — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 06:16:20 -0800

Yeah, and I've read the catalog copy too, that's why I was hoping some one could tell me if they actually do stay alive.

By: zerokey

zerokey — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 06:18:26 -0800

My wonderful EcoSphere died after 2 1/2 years just a week ago. My creatures were thriving. Unfortunately, a crack had developed (I believe it was from an imbalance in the system) and eventually burst.

But for those 2 1/2 years, it provided me with immense happiness. I tried naming my critters, but I couldn't tell them apart, so the shrimp, snails and algae had collective names :)

They are very durable. Mine survived two moves, hordes of cats and a near freeze (I kept it on my windowsil; The temperature took a significant plunge and I awoke to what I thought were dead creatures. After moving it to a warmer spot, all of my little friends started zipping merrily about after a half an hour or so!

I'll stop rambling about it. They are quite durable and loads of fun!

By: Nelson

Nelson — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 06:18:56 -0800

We have a few around the office, some more than a year old. They're still alive, even the ~~sea-monkeys~~ shrimp. I'm told you have to keep light low less the algae overwhelm, but other than that there's not much to do.

By: onalark

onalark — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 06:51:01 -0800

Umnn, I made these when I was in like 3rd grade with the rest of my class. I seem to recall quite a few of them holding out for a few weeks (the lifespan of the project). I'm fairly certain there are DIY guides out there for this sort of thing if you want to try it yourself for extremely cheap.

By: zerokey

zerokey — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 07:20:04 -0800

In case you're interested, here are a few nifty closeup shots I've taken of the globe (first 4 images - the bobs)

By: allen.spaulding

allen.spaulding — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 07:20:59 -0800

An ex-girlfriend gave one of these to my parents as a gift. It was a brilliant idea and I've recommended it to others in similar situations. Last I heard, the system was going strong after two years.

By: sciurus

sciurus — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 07:42:54 -0800

You can make these on your own with an empty two-litre bottle but they don't look nearly as pretty or last nearly as long.

By: Mr T

Mr T — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 09:36:01 -0800

Mine is still thriving after more than three years. Mine is one of the smaller ones about three inches accross and spherical. The limitation on the lifespan is that the little shrimpies don't breed. I'm satisfied with the purchase, it's kind of silly but it is satisfing seeing it still alive.

And zerokey, I'm sorry for your loss.

.

By: WinnipegDragon

WinnipegDragon — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 10:21:06 -0800

Please just don't get the units that have a betta or other small fish in them. I understand that they work, but often fish in these units can't swim more than an inch in any direction before hitting glass.

I'm no longer active in the aquaria realm, but I was an obsessive fishkeeper for a short while, and most people with an interest in it agree that those little biospheres are cruel to the fish that are living in them.

Basically, you could live in your shower if you had to you, but would you want to?

By: agregoli

agregoli — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 10:24:20 -0800

Plus, betta fish actually breathe air periodically so fresh air is important to them. And if anyone tells you that betta fish eat plant roots, they don't know what they're talking about. They might nibble at them in those systems, but it's because they are starving to death from lack of food.

By: Kickstart70

Kickstart70 — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 12:14:27 -0800

sciurus: I found a few pages there that have some success, but it's really hit-or-miss it appears.

Does anyone know of a reasonably sure-fire formula?