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Same here. I have this thing providing pretty much all the lighting for three separate 1-gallon jarrariums and they're all doing great.
Though I wouldn't recommend that specific model, I'm not happy with the built-in timer functions and I can't use an external power timer on it because it defaults to "off" when freshly plugged in. Something with similar bulbs but a different timer would be ideal. And three bulbs is likely overkill for your purposes anyway.
I wouldn't imagine so, unless you've got the ecosphere pressed directly up against the bulb. I set mine up with a couple of compact fluorescent desk lamps as their main source of light and they're doing fine. I just recently added some LED lights that were marketed as being plant-friendly (this guy) but I didn't take away the compact fluorescents, just added more lighting.
I think people might be a little paranoid about heating problems. My jars get direct sunlight for maybe an hour a day due to the way the sun angles through a window and it's no biggie. Probably the warning started as a caution against putting an ecosystem out on a windowsill to get roasted for half the day thinking "some sunlight is good so all the sunlight must be better." The problem is just that ecospheres and jarrariums and such can't "sweat" by losing heat through evaporation, which is the main way a pool of water would keep cool in the wild. So they're a little more vulnerable than you'd expect.
Thanks! I am using this gem. What do you use?:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XNYXQHE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
With a tank that big I could imagine some kinds of tiny fish working out, though of course I've no actual experience. Frogs might be more difficult, I think they're all predators of one kind or another and you'd need a pretty reliable food chain to support them.
As for the combo aquarium/terrarium, you'd need to be careful with the substrate to ensure it doesn't all wind up as a thick layer of mud under a thin layer of water. Maybe try to find an indoor fountain about the right size and shape and put some kind of non-dispersable soil substitute material in the little ponds (just did a little googling and there are coconut coir or hemp "grow mats" that look like they might make a nice substrate). Perhaps put a layer of moss or dirt on top to hide the artificial nature of the stuff.
I'm currently experimenting with this 6.5 gallon glass carboy as a jarrarium, it's pretty big. Unfortunately the narrow mouth opening limits what sorts of things I can put in it, but I added a ~4cm thick stick that's long enough to protrude halfway out of the water and then draped some moss on the part in the air and it actually seems to be growing, though a little unsteadily. I also have a smaller length of stick floating in the water and I made it waterlog-proof by drilling its core out and filling it with styrofoam, not sure if there's enough of a platform there to grow plants though. Your tank would be much more accessible for building a large floating platform in, maybe consider something like that if the fountain idea doesn't appeal.
Probably all those options would be fine. For my jars, I coddle them - I bought LED grow lights and rigged up some desk lamps on timers to illuminate them. So they get plenty of light but almost no heat. I've seen people post various photos of jars sitting in windowsills and whatnot, so it's not like ecospheres are vampires that will turn to ash at the break of dawn, just cautioning of a potential risk to your jar that's not immediately obvious.
I also have an IR thermometer similar to this one (not that one specifically though so I can't vouch for it), I bought it at the beginning of the pandemic apocalypse when everyone was super paranoid about fevers and it has a "bottle mode" that was intended for checking the temperature of baby formula that works great for monitoring ecosphere temperatures. I've used it to experiment a bit with exposing my jars to sunlight to see how quickly they heat up (surprisingly fast) and what sort of temperatures they can withstand. If you've got one of those you might find it interesting to play with.
Google's Pixel 5 with this macro lens:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A6D2JVI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Found it!!! It's an Australian midge larvae/Australian Chironomidae (Diptera).
I think you would benefit greatly from this one. All my close-up videos are taken with this. Just don't get any knock-offs, this is the one. I have 4 others catching dust in the drawer from cheaper to way more expensive, nothing comes close to this gem:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XNYXQHE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have yet to see an aquatic one. But I'll be hitting streams soon again.
Nice!! What are "flat snails"? Never heard that term before.
As to micro lens, try this one, it's better and cheaper. All my closeup videos were made with this:
Welcome to the rabbit hole!
Thank you for the kudso. The footage was taken with a $40 usb camera, so everyone can do it really:
Check this out! I bought these here, half an ounce of eggs, exactly a year ago and I still have half of the bag left and I am hatching constantly because I have betta fry. It's under 10 bucks:
Copepods? Can’t see them well in this video but they vaguely resemble how the copepods in my (new-ish) freshwater jar look to the naked eye.
Off topic but I thought it might be nice to share— if you and your daughter wanna get a closer look, I got this magnifier/microscope thing off Amazon that projects an image to my phone or computer: Wireless Digital Microscope,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DVFBVPF?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share . I have soooo much fun looking at the critters in my jars with this thing. Some of them are so hard to see with the naked eye, it’s cool to get a closer look.
I bought this one last year and it's got white light (even tho it looks yellow in the picture) and the jars were doing just fine under these 4 arms:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B095PRBSL9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Sure!
Im using multiple lightning fixtures in my terrarium set up. The one with this one is this
Full Spectrum LED Desk Lamp with... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VX7L5H6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I have also have this one
TORCHSTAR LED Indoor Herb Garden,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0827SD63S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
And i have another one similar to the grow light i bought from etsy from a moss seller
Wait, I (as in me lol) am a retired wildlife rehabber of raccoons, opossums and squirrels lol! And birds (had the federal migration permit too).
Here's my (old and outdated by now) wildlife site:
Here's the link to the camera I am using, it's just a cheap USB thing but a gem. There are lot of knock offs out there that all suck, just so you know :).
Yes, hornwort is really hardy but it does need some light.
I'm not sure about UVB lights, I have these 2 hanging over my 6.5 gallon and the hornwort is just exploding!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FSZSS7V?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Btw, I saw your other post and that you mentioned the midge larvae...I saw it wiggling by in this video, it's indeed a non-biting midge larvae aka bloodworm.
Also, would you know of a microscope that is similar but can be viewed via Iphone? the microscope (and ecosphere) are located in a cabinet curio that I hope to not move very often. I did see this....https://www.amazon.com/Bysameyee-3840x2160P-Microscope-Inspection-Magnification/dp/B09NBY6G9S/ref=sr_1_15?crid=32CRALA2U0VT9&keywords=Plugable+USB+Digital+Microscope+iphone&qid=1655432528&s=electronics&sprefix=plugable+usb+digital+...
Hi Everyone,
So...I am a spatial ecologist and I am so shocked that I just got into this! I make jarrariums for fun, and I recently purchased a microscope (amazon link here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DVFBVPF?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details ) to view the life that is in it.
To save a click, it is a Wireless Digital Microscope, Skybasic 50X-1000X Magnification (and only cost $31). I am having a blast so far! You can see some of the videos in the post. BUT, I feel like I am doing something wrong and am not optimizing my set up. For example, it is insanely difficult for me to get a clear view. this may partially be due to me moving it (since it is light) but perhaps the lighting as well?
Anyways, I want to try to get the best quality images and videos as possible, and while I know it may not be optimal with this microscope (although if you have recommendations, do let me know!). Would anyone have any suggestions..for example
is the microscope too close to the jar? should I dim the lighting, or turn off the lights for either the plant lights or microscope? basic stuff like that. Any insight would be greatly appreciated as I am already addicted to this!
thank you!
I have made many bottles. But also for everything else, these here are the most tools on daily basis:
I assume you do not want to pull the plant out, turn it around and put it back in, right? Makes sense cuz of Hydra alone.
Before those tweezers I used anything from a branched twig to a piece of wire I bend to a hook to fish things partially out.
A long pair of scissors will also work to grab things. You could put some hot glue on the cutting edges if you are afraid you might cut it accidentally. The hot glue comes right back off in one piece once you're done.
Just throwing some ideas at ya...get that creativity outside the box going :).
Sure thing. I don't know if you have an IKEA near you or a Walmart (let me know and I'll shoot you those links too cuz they are a lot cheaper there), but here are 2 I had ordered off Amazon and I am happy with those, especially because they also have a clear glass lid, makes it easier for lighting.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T36FRL5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I am sorry that happened to you!
I have actually done some research into the subject because I wanted to know if a jar can actually blow a lid due to gas exchange. I also put it to the test and put a jar (I called it the Violation Jar, if you want to do a search on this sub for it) through some major extremes. Nothing happened but there was quite some pressure on it when I opened it.
I managed to find one person who had a jar break without explanation after 4 months, but I found that most jars break because they either had a crack already, are really cheaply made and have faults in the glass or they accidentally bump it against something, even if ever so slightly, it can happen.
And then there are these pretty round jars with a separate glass lid that appear to break a lot though. I suppose they are not made for water. It's these kinds to stay away from:
How about this one? Works with PC and Android devices:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XNYXQHE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
If you look at any of my recent videos with close ups you'll see what it looks like. This cam is a gem for that price. There's a cheaper one out there but do avoid it. It's baaaaaaaad.
There you go:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XNYXQHE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Look at my most recent two or 3 videos and you'll see what the footage looks like.
No reason to apologize. I have been asked many many times and this is something I just too happy to pass on because it's actually affordable:
Having said that, there is a similar camera out there for half the price...avoid it. It's trash.
Here is your ticket:
The videos look like this: https://www.reddit.com/r/Ecosphere/comments/uf5n05/now_you_know_why_i_keep_getting_confused_about/
You can take the cam and run it along the glass, zoom and focus, take pictures with a button and stream the videos onto your computer or android device to record. It also has a built in light but it reflects on the jar unless you hold it at an angle. And a stand which I barely use.
The UV blocker film was a great idea!
Check this light out...it looks yellow in the picture but it's white: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B095PRBSL9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Take a look at the thing, no lens touches anything because it's got a cover..and built in lights:
That's awesome! Don't do slides...here's your ticket:
Videos look like this:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Ecosphere/comments/uak6f2/turns_out_these_are_leech_cocoons_i_see_5_at_the/
There you go:
If you go to my profile and look at the close-up videos, they all have been taken with this lil thing.
There is one that looks similar for half the price but that's trash. This one works great, you can take it off the stand and run it along the jars, it has it's own built in dimmable light and it has an app where you can stream the footage onto your computer or android device. The zoom and focus are awesome as well if the light is right.
If you want a real microscope I can't help, but this is the little usb microscope camera I am using. You can run it across the glass, zoom in, focus, it has a built in light and it streams the footage onto the computer or android device where you can record video and take pictures. It's less than $40: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XNYXQHE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
If you look at any of my close up videos, they are all taken with this...here's the latest: https://www.reddit.com/user/BitchBass/comments/u1le14/just_ostracods_and_copepods/
I loooooove to identify stuff in jars! The new video you uploaded doesn't show in the other subs. One was removed and the other one isn't there, just the title.
I did now see the worm here but it wasn't enough to ID it. My guess is a sludgeworm aka boogie worm aka tubifex and a gazillion other names.
You might wanna check this lil cheap usb microscope cam out...all my close up videos are taken with this...I love it. Would miss more than half of what's going on in these jars without it:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XNYXQHE/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
There is no way of telling unless you can get in there closer. The movements are typical to sludgeworms and some fly larvae that generate oxygen this way because they breathe through their skin.
Also, take a look at this...and if you look at any of my close up videos on here, they were all taken with this cheap thing:
I would ask the biology subs where you will probably find more expert in this.
All I can do is tell you about the little thing I am using. If you have an Android phone, it'll work with that just fine. It's a usb microscope camera for under $40...if you go to my profile and look at any of my close up jar videos you'll see what it can do.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XNYXQHE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It looks like it's got everything it needs. Just keep it out of direct sunlight and get yourself one of those usb microscope cams for 30 bucks or you'll miss more than half of what's going on in there :). Like this one:
Absolutely!! I actually got two of the same exact kind of glass gallon jugs recently for ecospheres myself.
I was going to buy 15" aquarium tongs for them.
Yes i am using a light for it. Heres the link if you are interested
TORCHSTAR LED Indoor Herb Garden,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0827SD63S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
But recently i upgraded to much higher spectrum. 7000 spectrum light to be exact
I used pebbles as substrate but normal substrate will work too. It'll be a fully functional jar exccept it's maintained with water changes and feeding and stays closed otherwise (so leave enough air space). Also keep the jar out of direct sunlight.
Most likely the small critters are ostracods or copepods and will provide food for a while. Keep an eye on it...once you don't see anything small moving anymore it's time to supplement. I feed them every other day at least.
Have you considered spending $40 on a camera where you can see everything, like the last part of my video?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XNYXQHE/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I keep all my water-based jars away from windows because I don't want to provoke algae blooms, so I am using these things for 9 bucks a piece since last October. Works great:
It is! Snails are a vital part of these jars.
I invested 40 Dollars in a usb microscope camera that I can put in front of the jar and stream onto my computer and record whenever I want to. I would miss more than half of the fun in there if I would not have this camera.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XNYXQHE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I don't know how many times I pulled up this link to share and each time I am tickled to do so because I believe everyone with an ecosystem should have one. I'd miss over half of what's really going on in there without this baby.
Here's the link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XNYXQHE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Now there is a camera out there very similar to this one for less than half the price. I have that one too and it sucks big time....avoid!
This one...do NOT get this one. They got it at Walmart for 13 Dollars. The zoom button is completely useless, you have to move the camera or the object instead. And the stand makes it all worse:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06WD843ZM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I bet you have this one...which sucks big time compared to the other one, it's a difference like day and night:
I have no clue about saltwater snails but this lil gadget here quadruples the viewing and filming experience. All my videos are made with this, streams it right onto the computer:
My husband came home with this today....it's got potential!
I got these with 4 arms for all my jars (the light is actually white, not yellow like in the picture):
This is the camera I am using...isn't really expensive either. They got them for half the price too but the zoom sucks big time...had to move the camera instead of the the zoom wheel: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XNYXQHE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Go to any place just under the water and start turning over rocks. So much life under rocks. Also amazon sells tiny crustacean eggs like Greenwaterfarm Moina Macrocopa Eggs (Water Flea) Live Fish Food for Hatching and Culture Suitable for Feed Betta Fish https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08X4Z3VDR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_TTM3763E98ZPBTZGAMPX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I have this little inexpensive camera but couldn't tell you how much I zoomed in, I only turn the wheel until I get a somewhat sharp picture lol:
I used this one for mine, it looks identical to OP's. I've seen cheaper ones but I picked that one specifically because it has smooth glass with no ridges or other patterns in it. The design with a sort of grid-like pattern of reinforcement seems to be more common, presumably it's more efficient in its use of glass.
Check this out, you can even fold it...the price here ridiculous tho, I'm sure they have them cheaper locally:
I had one of those things laying around the garage so I used some hot glue and glued the bottle onto it before I even put anything in there.
https://www.amazon.com/Vosarea-Movable-Rollers-Outdoor-Planter/dp/B07GLHK6KX/ref=sr\_1\_10?keywords=flowerpot+wheels&qid=1639232416&sr=8-10
It looks awesome! I got this clip-on LED grow light with 4 adjustable arms, it's awesome for different lighting since you can dim it and also turn each individual arm on or off...even set it on a timer: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B095PRBSL9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
No, I'm not sure at all but that's the only insect I could think of that would act this way. I noticed it has a trunk..mantis don't have one, do they? What else could it be?
This is the cam I am using: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XNYXQHE/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Check this microscope camera out for a lil over $13. It's amazing what you all see that you haven't before and you can take endless pics and videos too: https://www.amazon.com/KSRplayer-50X-500X-Microscope-Endoscope-Magnifier/dp/B00PZU7NXM/ref=sr\_1\_53?keywords=usb+microscope+camera&qid=1637935761&sr=8-53
Thanks! This little microscope cam for less than 20 bucks is really worth it:
https://www.amazon.com/Hayve-Microscope-Industrial-Magnification-Compatible/dp/B08L3Q9XP5/ref=sr\_1\_7\_sspa?keywords=microscope+cam&qid=1637235621&refinements=p\_36%3A1253503011&rnid=386442011&s=electronics&sr=1-7-spons&ps...
I had found these acrylic spheres in two halves and bought them to use them with resin to make Christmas ornaments, but they so don't work with resin, can't get them off. It was a 20 pack: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AIY1RJK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I live near Dallas, Texas.
I got these 2 because they also have a glass lid so I can shine full spectrum light in from the top as well since I don't have a place by a window for them: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T36FRL5/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_asin\_title\_o03\_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I just bought this one yesterday for 20 bucks. It says it won't work with iphone or ipad but android phones, mac and windows. I have it running on windows and am more than happy with it.
I've heard this one is okay if you wanna try one out https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GGY85EC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_6HDA4YE1S5YZN4329ZXG?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 Just keep in mind it is only 40 dollars but you should be able to see the things you want to with it.
Yeah, the air acts as a "battery" for various gasses. During the day extra oxygen gets stored up there, and then during the night carbon dioxide and other such waste gasses swap out for it. Water doesn't actually have a very big capacity for dissolved gasses.
What I do to ensure that I get plenty of bugglies is to use one of those wee little shrimp nets they sell for aquariums when I'm down at the pond collecting. Something like this, though I got one for literally two dollars down at the local pet supply store so I'm not recommending that particular big-ticket luxury version just giving it as an example. Sweep it through open water a bunch to get the suspended plankton and other free-swimmers, skim it along the muddy bottom to pick up some of the creepy-crawlies from the mud, maybe churn up the sediment a bit and then sweep it through the mud cloud to let the sediment get sifted out more effectively. It'll greatly increase the concentration of bugglies - though of course expect a lot of them to die off early as the jar finds its equilibrium.
I've seen exactly one hydra in any of my jars, and it was right after I collected it so evidently they didn't survive in there. No idea why not, people say hydras are really hardy. On the flip side, I've got strong populations of isopods and leeches in my jars and people say those die out easily. I even have a jar with a couple of dameslfly larvae in it that have been actively nomming on the other bugglies over winter without wiping out the biodiversity in there - common wisdom seems to be that damselfly larvae are tiny ecological apocalypses for jarrariums. So I guess a lot comes down to luck of the draw and what specific species you happen to have in your neck of the woods.
I haven't filled it yet, but in a couple of weeks when the local stagnant pond has got a bit more life going on in it I'm going to be making a jarrarium out of this 6.5-gallon glass carboy. I think that's big enough to count as an "aquarium."
There are several that all seem the same but are not. I had one like the link that couldn't connect to my android phone and would only work with the laptop. This one works great on my phone. Very cheap too, imo
Thank you both for your responses! I ended up purchasing this light in hopes that I could dim it enough to not overdo the light and I could use the other lights for house plants. But now I'm second guessing myself lol
Here's what I bought if you're curious. I suppose it's technically more of a macro lense usb camera. :) Good for those on a budget! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SR7YPV5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'v made several ecosphere, but they all end up lifeless after 1 weeks or so...
- Made 4-5 full water ones from the ocean. With algea/shrimps/sand/rocks.
- 2-3 full water from ponds in a nearby woods. Aquatic plant/floating stuff/pond soil/larvas from the water.
- My last one (from video), tried "terrarium" style. Rocks, soil, branches/wood, plants. Containing mostly earthworms/woodlouse. Since all of them failed I cheated abit. Open it once every 2 days to spray water. Added carrot/potatoes slice to feed woodlouse also... tried everything to keep them alive.
This is what I use: https://www.amazon.ca/-/fr/gp/product/B00Q59FJHO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I really enjoy observing insect with my microscope, but after a week or so most of the biodiversity dies, minus plants of course.
I live in Quebec, Canada. I keep them at ambient temperature inside. Indirect sunlight half day.
Any tips? Dunno what am I doing wrong :/
I use this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SR7YPV5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_N4YsFbGES58B1
It connects to any Android device, it's video quality is alright, the magnification is sufficient, and it's cheap. Just don't use the built in light it creates to much glare, I suggest using an LED flood light if you got it but a flashlight will work to if you end up getting it.
i got a clip on macro lens for my phone on amazon, less than 30$ and can see more detail than the human eye. id recommend it to any casual like me, but ive seen microscopic cameras on amazon for around the same price with far more zoom just needs something to plug into for a screen. macro lens
Try get one about 750ml or more for a good one. I got mine off Amazon
I was skeptical how a microscope that cost less than the jar I had would work but I'm very surprised. It can plug into computers and androids. I recommend it for anyone who wants to take a closer look at the life inside your jar.