Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: Build an Aquatic Ecosystem
• Method 2 of 4: Caring for an aquatic ecosystem
• Method 3 of 4: Create a Terrarium Ecosystem
• Method 4 of 4: Caring for the Terrarium Ecosystem

A self-sustaining ecosystem is an excellent subject to study. A similar system can be created in a water aquarium or terrarium using suitable plants. It is quite simple, but then a balance between different organisms must be maintained. With time and patience, you can use trial and error to create your own self-sustaining ecosystem.

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Build an Aquatic Ecosystem

1. 1 Determine the size of the future ecosystem. If you are new to this business, it might be worth trying to create a small system first. However, keep in mind that the smaller the aquarium, the more difficult it is to maintain a stable habitat. A larger container is easier to contain a variety of living organisms and provide them with room to grow. The aquarium should be kept clean to allow light to enter.
   • In a small circular aquarium, it is easy to create initial conditions, but there is little space in it. While such an ecosystem is not easy to maintain, you can start with it.
   • Medium-sized aquariums (40 to 120 liters) have more space, but are more expensive and have limited growth space.
   • Large aquariums (230-750 liters) have ample space for a variety of organisms to grow and are best suited for creating a self-sustaining ecosystem. However, they are very expensive and take up a lot of space.
2. 2 Provide fluorescent lighting for your aquarium. Fluorescent light is essential for plant growth. For a freshwater aquarium, it is recommended to use 2 to 5 watts for every 4 liters of water.
   • Incandescent bulbs are not suitable for plant growth.
3. 3 Take care of the soil. The bottom of the aquarium must be covered with soil in which plants can gain a foothold and grow. This should be done primarily to provide an environment for growth and nutrient exchange.
   • If you are using a small aquarium, cover the bottom with a 2.5 centimeter thick layer of sand and add 1.3 centimeters of fine gravel on top.
   • The bottom of a medium to large aquarium can be covered with a 5 cm layer of sand and added 2.5 cm of fine gravel on top.
   • Sand and gravel can be purchased from the pet store or from a nearby pond.
4. 4 Fill your tank with water. Water will serve as the primary food source for fish, algae and microorganisms. You can use bottled (distilled) water, dechlorinated tap water, or water from your old aquarium.
   • If you are using bottled (distilled) or dechlorinated tap water, add some fish flakes to it to ensure faster growth.
   • Add some water from your old aquarium - this will also speed up growth, as this water already contains the necessary nutrients.
5. 5 Purchase a variety of plants. When choosing algae, consider the following: how fast they grow (how often you should prune them), their size, whether they are edible for fish and shellfish, and where you plan to place them (at the bottom, on the surface of the water or on branches). To create a varied habitat, try using the following plants:
   • bottom algae (calamus, vallisneria, green rotala);
   • near-surface plants (duckweed, lotus);
   • plants attached to branches: floating Riccia, Javanese moss, aquarium moss, Phoenix moss;
   • Before placing fish and shellfish into the ecosystem, make sure that the algae have taken root properly (wait for it to take root and begin to grow).
6. 6 Grow microorganisms. The next step in creating an ecosystem food chain is to populate the aquarium with various microorganisms: small pond snails, daphnia and microplanarians. Microorganisms will serve as food for those fish that do not eat algae and other plants. To do this, it is good to add already infused aquarium water, which can be purchased at the pet store.
   • Most of these microorganisms are not visible to the naked eye. You can wait at least two weeks for them to multiply before introducing fish into the aquarium.
7. 7 Place fish and shrimp in the aquarium. After the algae and microorganisms have settled in the aquarium, you can populate the fish in it. It is best to start with smaller animals such as guppies, Endler guppies or shrimp and start them 1-2 at a time. These animals reproduce rather quickly, they will serve as food for larger fish.
   • If you have a large aquarium, you can stock several types of fish. It will take some effort and time to properly balance the ecosystem. Make sure each species is doing well in the tank before introducing new inhabitants into it.

Method 2 of 4: Caring for an aquatic ecosystem

1. 1 Change the water. In order for all the inhabitants of the aquarium to be alive and feel normal, he needs some care. Approximately every two weeks, 10-15% of the aquarium water should be changed to fresh water. If you are using tap water, let it sit in an aerated container for 24 hours to get rid of chlorine.
   • Check if your tap water contains heavy metals.
   • When in doubt about the quality of your tap water, use filtered water.
2. 2 Control the growth of algae. Use an aquarium vacuum cleaner for this. When changing the water, vacuum the gravel to remove algae and food debris from it.
   • Clean the walls of the aquarium with a filter cloth or a special magnetic scraper to remove algae from the glass.
   • Add plants, shellfish or daphnia to your aquarium to limit the growth of small algae.
3. 3 Remove dead fish in time. Count the fish at least once a week to determine if they are all alive. Small fish can quickly decompose, resulting in a spike in nitrite, ammonia and nitrate concentrations. This can harm live fish. If you notice that a fish has died, try to get it out of the aquarium as soon as possible.
   • Check the ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and pH levels with the aquarium water quality control kit. Change the water if the concentration of harmful substances is increased.
   • Although the optimal chemical composition of water depends on the specific type of aquarium fish, usually the content of ammonia should be 0.0-0.25 milligrams per liter (mg / l), nitrites - no more than 0.5 mg / l, nitrates - no more than 40 mg / l, and the pH should be close to 6.

Method 3 of 4: Create a Terrarium Ecosystem

1. 1 Take a glass container that is large enough to close. A large jar or aquarium will do. The container should have a wide mouth so that it is easy for you to care for the terrarium. In addition, it must close tightly.
   • You can use a large glass jar with a lid.
   • Wash the jar thoroughly before using it as a terrarium.
2. 2 Place pebbles on the bottom of the container. A layer of pebbles will retain moisture, plants will be able to gain a foothold on it. The pebbles should cover the bottom by 1.3–5 centimeters.
   • Any type of pebble will do. For beauty, you can even buy colored pebbles at the pet store.
3. 3 Spread a layer of activated carbon over the pebbles. Activated carbon is needed to filter water. It will keep the ecosystem clean and prevent overgrowth of bacteria and fungi. A thin layer of activated carbon is enough to cover the pebbles.
   • Activated charcoal can be purchased at your local pharmacy or pet store.
4. 4 Add a layer of peat moss about 1.3 centimeters thick. Sprinkle peat moss on top of the activated carbon. This nutrient-rich soil will retain water and support plant growth.
   • Peat moss can be purchased at a pet store or plant nursery.
5. 5 Sprinkle peat moss with potting soil. The top layer should be potting soil. Plants will be able to put roots in the soil, and it will provide them with water and nutrients.
   • Add enough soil for the plants to take root and gain a foothold. The soil layer should be slightly thicker than the one in which the plant grew.
   • Most types of potting soil can be used. However, keep in mind that succulents and cacti need special soils.
6. 6 Plant small plants. While any plant can be used, smaller species are better. Remove the plants from their pots and shave clods of earth from the roots. Prune roots that are too long before replanting. Use a spoon to make a small hole in the soil and place the plant in it. Then cover the roots with earth and lightly press down on it.
   • Transplant the rest of the plants in this way. Make sure that they are located at a sufficient distance from the walls of the container.
   • Try not to let plant leaves touch the sides of the container.
   • Indoor plants such as pilea, fittonia, aucuba japonica, aquamarine, golden epipremnum, begonia, ferns and mosses are good choices.
7. 7 Cover the enclosure and place it in indirect sunlight. After placing the plants in the container, cover it with a lid and place it in an area with indirect sunlight. If the cage is placed in direct sunlight, the soil will dry out quickly. However, you should not place it in the shade, as the plants need light. Place the terrarium near the window.

Method 4 of 4: Caring for the Terrarium Ecosystem

1. 1 Water your plants only when needed. A closed terrarium does not require frequent maintenance. If you notice that the soil looks dry, add some water to the cage. Conversely, if too much moisture collects in it, open the lid for 1–2 days to allow the soil to dry out a little.
2. 2 If you find insects, remove them. Insects can lay their eggs in the soil or on plants. If you see any insects in the cage, remove them and replace the lid on the container.
3. 3 Prune your plants as needed. They will grow with enough sunlight and water. If the plants grow too large for the cage, trim them back so they are not crowded. Control the size of the plants in the terrarium.
   • Remove dead plants from the enclosure.
4. 4 Clean algae and fungi regularly. They can be easily removed if they grow on glass walls. Wipe the glass with a soft cloth or cotton ball to keep it clear.