Table of Contents
How long does it take for an EcoSphere to grow?
It will take about two months for the algae to noticeably regrow. It is not threatening to the system to lose visible algae. IF THE ALGAE IS GROWING AT A RAPID RATE, THE ECOSPHERE® IS IN AN AREA WHERE THE LIGHT IS TOO BRIGHT. THIS WILL RAISE THE PH LEVEL AND CAUSE THE SHRIMP TO PERISH.
How long can an EcoSphere go without light?
60 hours
DO NOT leave the EcoSphere in direct sunlight. It is a tiny greenhouse and direct sunlight can overheat it regardless of room temperatures. DO NOT let it go for more than 60 hours without light (if algae growth looks fine). This is a rule of thumb.
Can you open an EcoSphere?
The EcoSphere is a completely sealed chamber with no way to open it. It’s a contained self-sufficient bio-environment.
How long do you think the shrimp can survive inside the EcoSphere?
Bacteria break down the shrimps’ wastes. The breakdown products provide nutrients to the algae and bacteria upon which the shrimp feed. The manufacturer states that shrimp live in the EcoSphere for an average of 2 to 3 years, and are known to live over 12 years.
Do EcoSpheres need oxygen?
The EcoSphere works by gathering energy from the light and converting it biochemically. Light, together with the carbon dioxide in the water, enables the algae to produce oxygen by photosynthesis. EcoSpheres need warmth as well as light to function correctly.
How does an eco column stay in balance?
If an ecosystem is in balance, with both biotic factors (producers, consumers, and decomposers) and abiotic factors (air, soil, water, and light), then the organisms in the ecosystem will survive because they can exchange resources through the water, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen cycles.
How do I charge my EcoSphere?
The following items must accompany your recharge:
- Recharge Form. Download link below.
- Name, weekday shipping address, phone number and email address.
- Serial Number (found on bottom of EcoSphere)
- Payment for the recharge and shipping. (check, money order, cashiers check, credit card)
How do organisms in an EcoSphere survive?
Their own food materials through photosynthesis by using sunlight, water and carbon dioxide. They also require other nutrients for growth and survival such as nitrogen (NOx) and phosphorus (POx).
How do you make a closed EcoSphere?
The how is pretty simple:
- Shovel some sediment and soil into the bottom of your jar.
- Add water from the pond.
- Add a few plants like hornwort, duckweed, water grass.
- Find a couple of freshwater snails or small crustaceans to add.
- Seal it up and watch life unfold!
How does a sealed EcoSphere work?
How does it work? The EcoSphere works by gathering energy from the light and converting it biochemically. Light, together with the carbon dioxide in the water, enables the algae to produce oxygen by photosynthesis. The shrimp breathe the oxygen in the water and graze on the algae and the bacteria.
Can you make an ecosphere with tap water?
Note: Use pond water or freshwater aquarium water. Tap water won’t have the right bacteria in it. You can use fine aquarium gravel, sand, and/or potting soil.
How do you make an ecosphere?
What is the average life expectancy of an ecosphere?
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.
How much maintenance does the ecosphere require?
Because the living organisms within the EcoSphere utilize their resources without overpopulating or contaminating their environment, the EcoSphere requires virtually no maintenance. 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…
Is the ecosphere really self-sustaining?
The EcoSphere is the most recognizable of ecosystem-related products. It’s the poster child for self-sustaining ecosystems in the public’s mind. And, truthfully, it’s one of very few products that actually does meet the standards to be truly self-sustaining. It is materially-closed.
What is the inside of an ecosphere?
The Inside Story. Inside each EcoSphere are active micro-organisms, small shrimp, algae and bacteria, each existing in filtered sea water. Because the EcoSphere is a self-sustaining ecosystem, you never have to feed the life within.