Shrimp biosphere

[brewmaster15]

If you have kids and want an easy way to teach them a little science or if you just want another critter tank..Biospheres are great. They actually sell kits for these but they are super easy to make. I use 1 gal fish bowls covered with a piece of plastic. A layer of substrate..sand and few small rocks.. I also added some natural non-clumping kitty litter..but its not needed.. Add some cherry shrimp and some Hornwort and Elodea.

No heater needed .. no airpump. Feed shrimp sparingly.

Place where it gets bright indirect light or use a small LED Ring light ($10 amazon)

The shrimp produce ammonia and carbon dioxide.. the plants are oxygenators.. Elodea is used in labs and classrooms for its photosynthesis processes.

This particular sphere has been running months now.
I have mine on my office desk east facing window.

20231207_091813.jpg

20231207_091855.jpg

20231207_095511.jpg

That big green root is a house plant I am rooting .

Anyhow.. its a real easy to make..relaxing to watch. I have about 20 shrimp in there.

Al

[Discus Fever]

Looks good looks like a nice bowl for a couple of neons. LOL

[FischAutoTechGarten]

Awesome idea for schools. I have lots of extra shrimp and the same easy care plants you have... I need to start a few fishbowls for some of the elementary schools around my house here in Mexico! Thanks for sharing it with us Al!

[brewmaster15]

My Pleasure Peter. Always glad to spread a little science around.

Al

[holderman19]

I like that idea for work, or 10gal for my bedroom. What is your maintenance schedule?

[brewmaster15]

I like that idea for work, or 10gal for my bedroom. What is your maintenance schedule?

Actually, I havent done any yet. Its a pretty balanced system and since its covered it doesnt evaporate. I figure partial water changes monthly will be good going forward. I do need to do some pruning of the plants as well .

Al

[brewmaster15]

Been a couple of months now and going strong.

20240218_091814.jpg

Yesterday I removed about 30 shrimp of various sizes as they were getting too numerous and just left 2 males and 2 females for now.


Interesting critter showed up out of nowhere as I have no tanks with them in it . 3 Ramshorn snails..
They dont seem to be doing any damage and are interesting to watch so I think they will stay.

20240218_091623.jpg

20240218_091632.jpg

Also added some live blackworms which are kind of cool to watch poking up out of the substrate. The shrimp will keep them in check.