Ecosphere: Making a Community of Self Sufficient Organisms

An ecospehre is basically a self sufficient community living in harmony with other organisms. The organisms that live in ecospheres do not require human interaction such as feeding.

However these enclosed globes do require very little cleaning, and it is a lot easier than you think. It requires magnets. One to will be placed inside of the sphere, and one on the outside. You drag the magnet inside to clean the walls in the ecosphere.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A $300 ECOSPHERE, AND ONE YOU CAN MAKE FOR PENNIES ON THE DOLLAR:

None!
I know the ones that you see in the photographs is all cutie pahtootie, but you too can make one very similar, if not better than the ecospheres dealer's are selling now.

The organism that most site only include harboring shrimp. The ecosystem never contains any other organisms, and well... thats just boring!

I have made ecospeheres with all sorts of 3 eyed creatures, and odd shaped corals that have simply formed with time., living in harmony with up to 10 other organism in the sphere.

SO WHERE DO WE START?

There are 2 ways that it is best to make your very own ecosphere. For beginners I recommend a large pickle jar, and for those of you wanting a more attractive method of making your own ecospheres, I have done extensive research in finding the best priced spheres on the market. If you visit the link I am providing you will find unfinished snow globes. A kit if you will. The globes can be found here: http://www.nationalartcraft.com/subcategory.asp?gid=6&cid=37&scid=54, or here at http://www.seashells.com/snowglob.htm. The first link however has different assorted sizes.

Next you decide whether or not you want a fresh water, or salt water environment. Hmm... okay have you chosen? Good, good, great! Fresh water tends to contain more organisms than salt water when it comes to ecospheres, so for starters you should honestly go with fresh water. Or heck, get creative and do both at the same time.

But first, you will need a living plant. You can buy one at any pet or fish store, or you could even cut a branch from a tree to stick into your globes. A water plant though would be best. These plants will provide the oxygen needed to keep your organisms alive. Basically your plant is the key to life. You will also need two magnets. One will be placed in your globe, and the other keep with you, or nearby the globe when its finished. The magnets are used for cleaning walls of the globe when they become dirty.

Next take a bucket, and fill it with water. Salt water from the sea, or fresh water from a pond/river/lake. Do be sure to add in some of the sea bed. (A small scoop of sand.)

Pour your water, and sand into your globes and seal it up. Make sure you put your plant in first, and your magnets. Also feel free to decorate however you'd like. Add a tree branch or 2 for an eerie effect, add pebbles or sand to make things pretty. Do make sure you cleaned them throughly first though. Also leave a small air pocket at the top of the globe. Do not overfill.

SEALING THE GLOBE:

A glue gun will do the trick. Check for any leaks, if it leaks do a double seal with the glue gun, and your globe will now be finished. It's a lot easier than it sounds. Wait for the glue to fully dry before tipping it right side up.

WATER:

The water will be cloudy at first, and by the next day should be clear, with any algae settling to the bottom. This algae is needed for your organisms to eat. You may already see captured organisms.

The first sphere I ever completed I was able to observe at least 4 different organisms swimming happily in their new home.

Within a month I was able to count at least 15 different organisms with unique looks within my sphere. It ranged from small snails, to sponges that stuck to the sides of the tank with starfish like hands, swimming pod like creatures with whiskers, and many more odd, yet interesting creatures.

It was like a sea monkey tank gone wild.

LIFE:

It happens in stages. My creatures all got to a larger size, and eventually died. However many of them left babies behind, and the babies would live off of the algae and dead organisms. The cycle is non-stop so long as you don't screw it up.

1. If you see to much green algae, place your globe into a dark place. This will kill off some of the algae. If there is not enough algae your organisms will die. If you see a lac of green, place it in indirect sunlight. Such as a windowsill where light can get in a few hours a day. Once you have at least 30% algae in the tank, your good to place the globe where you want. A work desk is always a pretty place to put it, and will always work up conversation even with the toughest of customers.

2. Brown algae will sometimes form on the glass. This is why you have a magnet. The magnets will make a connection through the glass. Simply touch one magnet to the other and slowly drag it across dirty areas to clean them off.

3. Do not open your globe. It is a community in complete harmony now, and any air could kill your whole fleet. If the water looks low, don't worry, condensation will form and it will go back to normal.

4. Don't shake the globe man!

5. Do not leave in extreme cold temperatures. Room temp is fine, anything colder could kill the organisms.

6. Feeding is not required, the organisms will live off of algae.

Now that you got the don't down, simply enjoy observing your new pets. They are ore entertaining than one would think, and each of your organisms have their own unique personalities and swimming patterns. This also makes for an excellent science fair project for you to work on with your kids.

MAKE SOME MONEY:

Having a yard sale? Ecospheres make for an excellent side income if you know how to butter them up and make them look attractive. The cost to you, is only the cost of the globe itself. The plant life you can find in ponds if you look hard enough. Sites on the net now are selling spheres for $60-$300.

So you make one for $15 and sell it for $40 or more. The profit is high, and they go fast. You will seriously have people asking...'when will you have more'.
They sell out fast, but are easy to make, so honestly you can't loose.

Don't forget to mention the retail value, and let them know they're getting a 'deal'. Ahh... the power of pond water.