Ecospheres!
by adminSpectrum has just added Eco-Spheres to its list of products. Ecospheres are totally enclosed ecosystem in a small glass bulb or pod.
The Ecospheres contain water (naturally), algae, animal life (shrimp), gravel and lots of microorganisms needed for life. The visible plants are gorgonia, a simple, stick-like plant that is actually not alive and not part of the ecosystem. But they do provide surfaces for the algae to live on.
Light produces algae, which in turn provides food & oxygen for the shrimp. The shrimp provide carbon dioxide and waste products that produce bacteria that feeds the algea (and produces more algea.
These shrimp are the primary focus of the Ecosphere, they skitter about, feeding themselves from the growing plant. They may breed, but this is uncommon. Due to the sealed nature of the Ecosphere they do not overpopulate. You don’t need to feed them, and the sphere never needs cleaning!
Your Ecosphere needs light, but it should be indirect sunlight or artificial light. The Ecosphere should never be put in direct sunlight, because it will cause the algae to overgrow and kill the shrimp.
Ecospheres hold up for a long time, but they do have a life-span. Typically an Ecosphere lasts over 2 years. After that they may need a ‘recharge’ which is done by sending the Ecosphere back to the manufacturer. This is much less expensive then buying a new Ecosphere. Some Ecospheres have been known to last 7 years or longer without a recharge.
Ecospheres come a in variety of sizes, from the small 4″ sphere: to the Extra-Large 9″ Sphere. There are also small pods and large pods to choose from for those who prefer a different shape. Filling out the sizes are the Large (6-1/2″) and Medium (5″) EcoSpheres.
Ecospheres are not just biology and ecology. They also are great art! They look gorgeous on a desktop or mantlepiece. Get one today for your home, office, or classroom.
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I have a 4″ ecopod that is still active after thirteen years. Originally there were three shrimp and two snails observed. The shrimp regularly molted leaving a ghost-like carapace on a branch until it eventually will fall and settle onto the bottom of the pod. I have also seen the snails discard their shells. The last snail died about five years ago leaving two shrimps to occupy the pod. Last year, one of the two shrimps died and I thought the other would die soon, but so far he/she is as active as ever. What else would you expect from a teenager shrimp? I have enjoyed the ecopod as desk art in my office and it has been a great conversation starter. Dana Simerly, Environmental Consultant
Thirteen years!? I think that may be a record!