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It might. That's an old and cheap piece of tech. I suspect it may have been filled with mist for this shot; I don't see how to mount it in the little terrarium. Looks pretty, though.
• Aqua soil substrate
• This bulb from my local hardware store
• Marimo moss ball
• Dwarf hairgrass (tissue culture)
• Hemianthus Callitrichoides ‘Cuba’ tissue culture
• 4 adult shrimp, lots of babies.
• 2 Nerites
• This jar
The rocks I got from my local greenbelt, the plants and animals came from my local aquarium shop.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B17f6eRVfVDgb1Q1MkQ4TGV5c2M/view?usp=drivesdk
If you find the book useful please support the author by buying it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0758HYWKD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_iURECbMQYWP7Q
Another recommendation is Ecology of the Planted Aquarium by Diana Walstad. She's a fuckin legend and the modern freshwater aquarium community owes a lot to that book. It's old but gold.
Monte Carlo carpet, and I forget the name of the other plant. I got the jar in Ikea for ~$20, and the lamp from Ikea as well ~$30, with a bright-white LED from Amazon.
Bogao (4 Pack LED Candelabra... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HKTAM6K?
Filter: DGZZI Mini Aquarium Filter... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0855DM13L?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Pump: U-picks Mini Aquarium Air Pump... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RRNDMXJ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Plants: Mini Super Red Ludwigia, cardinal plant
Nothing more than plants, sand, shells, rocks, water—it may serve as a temporary betta holding spot when my little over-eater needs to be briefly separated, but otherwise, I’m thinking of using it as an aquatic plant rehab.
fermentation crock weights, find the right diameter, might not need a band to seal it because of the weight
That's a four pack, for example, so they are cheap
Unfortunately, not really. The three I have are from Amazon. The 16" diameter was like $70 with the extra shipping charge (Currently out of stock) and the two 12" diameter bowls were $40, so $20 each. The 16" holds 8.5 gallons and the 12" holds 2.9 gallons.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08ZVNMSP3 https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J2Y3UZC
No problem! It’s something like this, although they’re discontinued now. You can get a 10W daylight flood light from Amazon for around $10. You need to either solder on your own power cable or use crimp connectors on the lights, though but that’s something easy to pick up at the hardware store.
I drilled and tapped two holes for 1/4”-20 bolts on top because that’s what I had on hand, and then drilled and bent a piece of 1” aluminum strip to form the arm. The arm wraps around the bottom and is epoxied to a cork plant mat from the hardware store that has a fiberboard base.
You might try getting an oversized magnifying glass? https://www.amazon.com/Jumbo-Handheld-Magnifying-Glass-Ergonomic/dp/B01AO9197O
I found it! I've never seen a vase like this in any shops I've visited
The only minor danger I think would be if the driftwood were near the rim. I've seen my shrimp surface RARELY on plants that are floating at the top, but they won't climb out and I have never seen them climb the driftwood. After one generation it won't matter anyway because you will have so many of them. I'd recommend getting a small internal filter with a spray bar. I paid about 10 bucks for mine on Amazon and it has been one of the better investments I've made for keeping critters in jars. Something like this is what I have:
You can take the spray bar off and fully submerge the filter. It works really good on cylinder shaped jars as the suction cups are flexible enough to handle the curve.
There's a $40 off amazon. You might find the same cheaper on eBay but shipping will take longer from Hong Kong. Zoo Med Nano 10 External Canister Filter, up to 10 Gallons https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005DGHRU2
I personally use this $12 for my mini aquariums. Elite Underwater Mini Filter, UL Listed https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009YD7D4
But I have shrimp and fish livestock. Love that model, been using it for over 10 years.
I picked it up on Amazon. It's a grow light actually. So far I like it. Once the water settled it looks really good under the light.
JandCase LED Full Spectrum and White Light Grow Lamp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAQP4WO?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
Monte Carlo carpet, and I forget the name of the other plant. I got the jar in Ikea for ~$20, and the lamp from Ikea as well ~$30, with a bright-white LED from Amazon.
Bogao (4 Pack LED Candelabra... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HKTAM6K?
Oh yes, sorry forgot to mentioned those stuff: the soil I use is this below
S.T. International STR-CO2AQUASOIL-D550-2KG- BLACK-UP Aqua Soil for Aquarium Plants, 4.4-Pound, Black: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00I3P1CQU?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
I started those aliexpress seedlings (carpet stuff) dry in another container under a led grow light first and then I moved them into this bowl
Flood Light with Cable and Plug LED Plant Grow Light (SMD no remote): https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07G5NBQK8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_10OLBbH7NW17E
Thank you!! You are too kind.
I am using a Hiro Aquatics LED fixture from Amazon (link). It's been working well so far.
Thanks for making my point.
Shipped separately and put together yourself, that's exactly what I stated. You can't ship an established 1 gallon ecosphere in the mail. Regardless of Opae Ula.
These are the things I was referring to as cruel. You are supporting this?
https://www.amazon.com/shrimpscity-Enclosed-Ecosystem/dp/B0B84BV1QD/
Thank you once again! You are so helpful! (we still have to catch up, fellow eco/bio friend!
Also, that is a near experiment! Well done. Ok, so I am attaching a new imgur link here ( https://imgur.com/a/E3vPv3v ) that has better images of the plant (with holes in it), the snails, as well as how much air is in it. I am really unsure on what would cause that hole.. As you can also see, the health of the duckweed, the snails are all moving up to the top of the ecosphere (I think they are dead), as well as the hole in the plant. I have about two inches of airspace. The lights go into view from the side so they are not blocking anything. Here is the lights that I bought that sit behind it in the ecosphere as well! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DVL4KPR?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
Once again! thank you so much! Any help is greatly appreciated :-)
I see a red tall one on the bottom, like this one:
and one of these on top:
https://www.amazon.com/Large-Air-Plants-Xerographica-Appearance/dp/B00TOL7SOC
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!
If it's small enough, maybe a pipette? If not, careful trapping with some sort of little scoop? I have used something similar to this for catching tiny fry before: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ASTER-Milligram-Measuring-Cosmetics-Medicines/dp/B09DYPHHSN/ Would maybe be more concerned about an isopod jumping out, but I have never tried to handle them.
Your imagination is the limit as long as light reaches where it's supposed to reach :).
I have many different lights. One of them is this to lay on top of a jar if it has a transparent lid:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07V4S1SNF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Little LED clip on lights like these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B092H8PSQM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
They are however not enough as the only light source for the jars.
Not as the only light source...that would be more like this:
For jars, these are plenty I found (just make sure you get white lights and not the pink/blue crap, it makes the jar look ill):
Last year when I needed some daphnia to feed my hydra colony, I ended up with these. They are a bigger species, hatched within 3 days: https://www.amazon.com/Greenwaterfarm-Macrocopa-Hatching-Culture-Suitable/dp/B08X4Z3VDR/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=GREEN+WATER+FARM&qid=1653424148&sr=8-1
Planarians are predators, they eat everything that lives in a jar, including snails. I got plenty of videos to prove it. Still find them cute tho lol.
I do believe however, from the little bit I think I am seeing that these are detritus worms.
OP, get this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XNYXQHE/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I don't know where OP got theirs from, mine came from here:
I think you need this in order to determine if there is no life in there. Other than that it looks all perfect to me:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00XNYXQHE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Would something like this be ok in a jar? Aquarigram 30+ Leaf Red Root Floaters (+Free Bonus Plant) Live Floating Plants for Aquarium (Phyllanthus Fluitans)… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BKY4TX2/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_EKK27Z0D0SY1F84N1ZT6
No, it's covered with rocks. What you do you with separate it from water? The pump needs to be inside and covered with water. It's one of those: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077955YC2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Thank you so much!!!!
I do t water it regularly, i water it monthly or so. I keep it closed so it get a lot of humidity. I am using this kind of light for 10 hours a day
TORCHSTAR LED Indoor Herb Garden,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0827SD63S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
But recently i upgraded to higher spectrum. 7000 to be exact. The plant is small palm tree i bought from home depot
I hope you can make one and share as well. Its very satisfying and rewarding specially when it thrives 😊
I am using this $40 usb cam. You can hold the cam onto the glass and stream the footage onto computer or an android device and record it. I had a cheaper cam like this for half the price but it sucked big time. This one however is a dream when it comes to zooming and focusing. It also has a light inside that you can turn on and off and dim as you need it.
Here's a link to one of the videos I took with it: https://www.reddit.com/r/Ecosphere/comments/t9aeb2/funky_looking_planarian_with_4_eyes/
Got 16 bucks?
I ordered these last December. I got about a dozen nice budding hydras out of there that I transplanted into various jars and started feeding them. Today I have hundreds probably thousands...I keep spreading them out to more jars. As long as you keep feeding them and keep their predators out of the way:
I am using this thing instead, love it love it love it...I can hold the cam to the glass or put a suction cup on it and stream and record it via computer:
It was a gift but I know it came from Amazon and assume it's this one: https://www.amazon.com/Glass-Carboy-6-5-gal/dp/B01AZQG6O2/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2U9SOW8YTUI88&keywords=carboy+6.5+gallon&qid=1644330841&sprefix=carboy+6.5%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-2
You have to be specialized to find out what kind of flatworm this would be. Here is a video where one moves in the same way as mine, but on a smaller scale: https://www.shutterstock.com/nl/video/clip-23403904-planarian-parasite-flatworm-under-microscope-view And they also weren't segmented, as leeches would be.
Not op but this looks pretty good :)
Aqueon Submersible Aquatic Flat Heater Mini Up to 2.5 Gallons, Black, 5 Watts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DTH7F3F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_1FHVGX9RBR2B9E7NZZJ0
I got one off amazon that was garbage for under 20 Dollars and then I got another one for twice the price and I love it.
Tank change and I’m using this substrate 2 LB to Complete Freshwater Planted Aquarium Substrate,Aquatic plant cultivation medium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0748CLC2Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_X2NS9SDYWJ3TTC7PHPYZ
Thank you so much!!! I appreciate your kind words 😊
Of course i will be gladly share where i got them 😊
The light with stand
Full Spectrum LED Light with Bamboo Board, fits Aquarium Nano Tank, Betta Fish Tank, Potted Plants, Succulent, Miniature Landscape https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VX7L5H6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_M02WV575AC9FGB9G6SNW
My second grader son loved doing this “project”. He’s spends hours looking at his jars and has named his shrimps.
This book has been very informative.
Freshwater Life (Science Nature Guides) https://www.amazon.com/dp/157145019X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_QKM8884C2RZ5BVR137A0
You can try and calculate the volume. It wouldn't be exact since it's not a perfect cylinder and you have some stuff inside of it but it should be close enough?
Here are some I got. root tabs
It’s a cheap humidifier which looks like this but with a different name: https://www.amazon.sg/Oiibo-Humidifier-Extension-Amphibians-Terrarium/dp/B076D3PL1H/ref=asc_df_B076D3PL1H/?tag=sgsmrtphshopg-22&linkCode=df0&hvadid=425429352193&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15294306879448620878&hvpone=&hvptwo...
Love the bowl!
Sorry, I'm not sure about lighting for the plants, but I have an unrelated suggestion if you're looking for a smaller sponge filter that takes up less space. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098S7RTFX/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_6H7Y9WX773TDD6A96JR7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It's about 1.5 inches in width and the sponge is less than an inch in height. I have it in a 2.5 gallon with some red cherries, hooked up to a small USB air pump and it's an awesome little thing!
You are def not the only one (currently sitting at my desk because I can't with the office lunch Club). And I was wrong about the ludwigia, I have rotala rotundifolia, lemon bacopa, and c. wedntii. But I think you are right I will start with a couple crypts. It's hard to see in the pic but I do have 2 little java ferns in there that are already showing signs of growth. And a lone little ramshorn snail who thinks this is all pretty great with his eyeballs waving all over. The LED is a USB Plug in from Amazon. It's really not bright. But that can change later if need be. My office is v bright and i have a floor-to-ceiling window about 5' from my desk.
Nice thing about Jarrariums is, they're fun and inexpensive to make, and easy to redo if/when you make mistakes. Just have fun, learn, and improve as you go. No rush! Eventually you'll be able to make something that looks the way you want, and get it to stay that way, maybe even without spending any money if you're resourceful.
Here's a link to a short guide book that was shared with this subreddit by the author, that you can use if you want. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B17f6eRVfVDgb1Q1MkQ4TGV5c2M/view?usp=sharing
If the book ends up helping you a lot, please consider supporting the author by buying the book on amazon here : https://www.amazon.com/How-Create-Self-Sustaining-Aquatic-Ecosystem-ebook/dp/B0758HYWKD
Not everyone has a water test kit but if you take a water sample into Pecto/Petsmart they'll test your sample for free and give you a read out of your water parameters.
Here's one listed on Amazon for $22.54
It was given to me as part of a tank purchase I made at my LFS. I saw it on Amazon I think. I recommend it!
Found it!
IC INSTANT COACH 10W Super Slim Aquarium Fish Tank 5730 LED Light Clip-on Lamp Aquatic Plant Lighting (White Body White+Blue Light) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DPD45PY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IYe7DbHESTZ7H
Also recommend this one:
Led Aquarium Light - Innovate Flexible LED lamp for Freshwater Aquarium - Fish Tank Light - NanoSoft Plus Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FQJCK6B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_FZe7DbYN1F80G
So, I am assuming you mean seachem prime, which is a water conditioner. You should add prime every time you do a water change (assuming you are using city water, as it has chlorine in it). Chlorine will kill your snail.
Now, my experience is from aquariums, so I am just thinking if your jar as a tiny aquarium. Others might have better advice. But as for water changes, there are a couple of theories on it.
The first method is to let it chill and let it build up the ammonia, which will spur the growth of beneficial bacteria relatively quickly. This is not as safe for the snail.
The second method is to get a freshwater water testing kit (made for aquariums, API brand is the general go to, here is what I'm talking about) and you will need to test the water daily. You will want to do a water change when you see the ammonia go above 0.5ppm. You will eventually start seeing nitrites appear, and then nitrates after that. When you water show no ammonia or nitrites, and only nitrates, your tank is cycled. This method is much safer for your snail.
you can get a pack of like 25 strips for $10. Sounds way better than bringing the jar
The exact LEDs I used are no longer available (link below), but there are many similar. Important details would be ~36" length and have an in-line connection to the usb cord/IR receiver so you can tuck it in the groove of the back foot. Someone asked for the stl for the 3D printed parts so when I have a chance I'll make a "how-to" on thingiverse. The single strip does connect in the back. I want to make one more print that hides it so it's one solid unit.
My dad's got some of those stashed away in his basement. They're used for winemaking, I believe. I've been thinking I might eventually use one for a really big pond-in-jar, but I'm going to wait until I'm a bit more experienced with the smaller types before thinking too hard about it.
Something like this flexible pick-up tool might be useful for manipulating things inside it. I have this exact tool myself and it's pretty good, though its grippers are a bit harsh - I would be reluctant to use them to move around plants with delicate stems. It's more for moving moss, clumps of dirt, pebbles, sticks, and such. There might be similar grippers with a softer touch if you need that. Try a hardware or automotive supply store, these things are normally intended for picking up nuts and bolts that have fallen into inaccessible crevices.
You might also want to pick up a hand-pumped siphon in the event that you ever want to take water out of something like this without tipping the whole thing over.
Here I think this one should be a very good pick,price wise and quality wise.it includes a separate camera you can connect to your pc, and allows you to maneuver the sample slide so. You can find the best significant area:
Bresser Durchlicht- und Auflicht-Mikroskop Biolux NV 20x-1280x für Kinder und Erwachsene geeignet, inkl. HD USB-Kamera und Kreuztisch zur Objektbewegung, mit umfangreichem Zubehör und Transportkoffer https://www.amazon.de/dp/B001NL9UNS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_cDYdFbW2ACRG0
The seeds I got are found here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SPBLV3Q?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
If that link doesn’t work, they’re called aquarium grass plant seeds on amazon.
There are plenty of plant sellers on ebay, as well as many online shops such as aquariumco-op, buceplant, and tropica to name a few.
Sorry for the delay.. substrate is just eco complete. It’s about an inch and a half deep, but in a weird shape because of the hollow stem of the jar. I leave the lights on about 6 hours but still manage to get some algae growing for the shrimp.
The light itself is this magnetized usb one I found on amazon (below). Hope this helps
Led Aquarium Light - Innovate Flexible LED lamp for Freshwater Aquarium - Fish Tank Light - PicoSoft Plus Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FQHWFJB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RtGiEbVYMMRX2
Would an LED puck possibly work? I am trying to avoid electrical cords if possible. Something like this guy - https://www.amazon.com/Brilliant-Evolution-Wireless-Control-Lighting/dp/B073WK7CFN/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=LED%2BPuck%2Bremote&qid=1576242774&sr=8-4&th=1
It’s just a rechargeable nightlight from amazon, I take it out during the day and put the jar in my living room. If the condensation at night breaks the light I’m gonna change it to an aquarium light with a similar concept (if I can find it)
Here’s the link to the light I bought:
Motion Sensor LED Night Light,USB... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PBT98N6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Led Aquarium Light - Innovate Flexible LED lamp for Freshwater Aquarium - Fish Tank Light - NanoSoft Plus Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FQJCK6B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_JXGRDb7YDBAZW
Still testing to see how my plants do under this light.
There are more than one lol
LEGO Shark and Sawfish Combo Pack with Gills and Printed Eyes (1x Dark Gray Sawfish, 1x White Shark, 1x Dark Gray Shark) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J5EO48A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_31mIDbZ1EE08P
Cool, thank you so much for the reply. I bought two pieces of cuttlebone sold for birds, actually, because I read elsewhere that they were fine for snails, and broke off a smallish chunk and put it in the tank a couple of weeks ago. It did float for a day or two but it's happily nested in a back corner now.
pH is testing right around 7, which is a tad better than it was before. Our mystery got out of the tank one night and chipped its shell pretty hard when it fell, so I've been kind of paranoid and overprotective of it since and want to be sure the water doesn't get too soft.
I read this 2.5 gallon one works well: Anchor Hocking Montana Glass Jar with Fresh Sealed Lid, Brushed Metal, 2.5 Gallon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000RMTG3S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9JVGDb11EH2W6
But I haven’t used it myself so I can’t really confirm...
Empty 1 Gallon Glass Jar w/Airtight Leakproof Plastic Lid - Wide Mouth Easy to Clean - BPA Free & Dishwasher Safe - USDA Certified - Kombucha Tea, Kefir, Canning, Sun Tea, Fermentation, Food Storage https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075JR6H11/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.MVGDbF2XQ6Y6
What's the mouth of your jar like? I got this aquarium tweezer set off Amazon and that's what I use for tidying up. I also use a turkey baster to suck up little bits and pieces that are floating around or settling at the bottom of the jar.
At an aquascaping store in santa monica CA, Nature Aquarium
​
This appears to be the same but at about 90% the size.
Hi! thank you :) I found this through "FooTheFlowerhorn" on youtube. He had the bowl linked in the description of one of his videos. But here it is - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DNHBC8K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and for movement i'm using Filter - CAF-10 Air pump - fusion 200 quiet power
There's these tiny little heaters you can buy on Amazon and ebay meant for minuscule Betta tanks. I live in a pretty warm climate (Australia) but winter's coming down here. I can't personally recommend the one in the link because I haven't bought it, but these little 5 watt heaters seem to be the way to go. I plan on getting one at some point.
I’ve got a the smallest commercial sponge filter I could find in my 3g, but it definitely wouldn’t fit in anything smaller than a 2g.
Sponge filters operate on an extremely simple model, so by making your own with some airline tubing, some PVC, and sponge you can go much smaller.
HOB is Biomaxx Nano (sold as lo as Azoo Mignon 60, Aquarium Masters power filter), adjustable flow and you always could add a baffle from water bottle.
Internal, the smallest from what I could find, is Tom Aquatics mini internal filter, sometimes sold as Tom Dive Clean filter. Filter cage could be removed, and replaced by piece of filter floss on gutter guard mesh (large cell plastic mesh). Its 45 gph could be pointed upward, then no mess inside he tank.
Sponge filters, even mini, are too big, if it's not a long tank.
I have a dwarf in a 3 gallon with a beta, he dominates the bottom and the betta dominates the top (predators typically leave each other alone, but this is not always the case tho make sure your the betta is dosile). HOWEVER the dwarf cpo is a fragile lil guy he needs tons of food, hiding space (to molt), live plants (to eat), lots of moss (to eat), and exceptionally clean water at 200 tds. I have sucessfully kept mine for several months in such a small environment, but its no jarrarium. The water runs through 3 layers of charcoal filtering to keep him happy, annnnd I have the tank heater to 78 degrees. There great pets to own, but Im nearly certain he would die in a filterless ambiently heated environment
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00891I1Q2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_4anPzbTSF1SGW
This is the smallest tank I've managed to keep one alive in with a bit of tweaking on the filter. This is a fairly inxpensive rig, it's pretty low tech in terms of lighting. So I advise keeping it near a window for cheap yet effective light.
So in conclusion i highly advise raising one of these guys there a riot to watch (so cute :3), but if your hearts set on a jarrarium use either neo shrimp or snails. If you can get a filter in the jar potentially fish.
hrm. well, I have something very similar to this and the listed dimensions put it at half the size of this other one. is there a reason for the complication in this style you linked?
I'm starting to lean towards just buying a small natural sponge and just shoving a hose into it myself.
Since I don't have a filter or heater on the tank, I was thinking of using the airstone just to ensure there was some water flow through the tank. Plus it would assist in CO2/O2 exchange. I'm still considering using the airstone, though you are right that limiting airflow is a must. Have you ever used an air flow regulator (ie. https://www.amazon.com/Jardin-Aquarium-Control-Single-4-Piece/dp/B00880E10E)?
Thanks for the plant ideas! I think for now I'll let my tank cycle and settle in for a month or two before I decide on what plants I'd like to add. My goal is to have the back covered in Vals and the front left covered in DHG. Other plants would just be a bonus! By the way, I did pull the Anubias up out the substrate a bit to ensure the rhizome was uncovered. Since the roots were fairly long, I didn't have to tie it down.
In regards to shrimp, I have a few ghost shrimp but I still find them hard to see. I'd love to go with a few RCS though! How many do you think would be initially appropriate for 2 gallons?
I've been using this nano filter on a ~2 gallon tank and it's been amazing. Not sure if you have a flat side to stick it on, but if so, this filter allows you to adjust the flow. It's great.
I only started with my jar a few months ago, but here's what I've learnt. I knew going in that a jarrarium would be a bit of a challenge in some ways, but now I understand what makes it so. With such a tiny amount of water in the jar, any small change can lead to big changes in water chemistry. Most aquarium chemicals (should you need to use them) are made to dose larger tanks, and as such you basically have to measure out drops with an eyedropper / syringe to use them in a jar. You have to think a lot about your inputs into the jar in terms of light, temperature, nutrients, etc. because introducing something in excess might cause algae blooms, plant or fauna distress, etc. And it's very easy to do things in excess because, again, it's such a tiny jar.
That said, my jar seems to be going okay so far and I've learnt a lot about the chemical / biological processes in an aquarium that I think I might have missed if I was trying to set up a larger tank. Diana Walstad's book helped a lot too - the whole book, not just the PDF linked in this sidebar. If you are slightly obsesssive like me, don't mind having a jar that might have a bunch of weird things growing in it, and are happy to take things very slowly, a jarrarium is fun!
when i had a bowl (something i recommend to any one on this sub) i used a weaker version of the bulb i put in a normal desk lamp, and i managed to get some crypts to grow quite big with some willow moss
Try this substrate: www.amazon.com/dp/B003JW54TS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_m85uxbDFFVP8A
Edit: That glue stuff was just an example. No need to add any glue if you're just going to layer the bottom with it.
The best Jarrarium substrate IMO.
Composed of crushed lava rock, its porous, Ph neutral, and you don't need to wash it beforehand.
My filters are: ReptiClear F150 in my planted+shrimp tank (http://www.amazon.com/Exo-Terra-Repti-Compact-Filter/dp/B004PBE36M)
And Tetra Whisper 1-3gal, modified to shorten the lower tube for a lower water level for my fiddler. (Http://www.amazon.com/Tetra-25846-Whisper-BioScrubber-3-Gallon/dp/B000HHQ712)
I'll upload pictures eventually.
Slightly off topic but before you add the shrimp, check the water temp! Keep it away from windows that have direct sunlight to avoid temp fluctuation. Some variety of shrimp can be seriously harmed by ~3 degrees in change daily. I'd recommend a small heater. You can usually get them pretty cheap at LFS.
On the topic of filtration, if you have a few mossballs and some thick-leaved plants, you should be alright. Check your params every few days and if you're reading too high be sure to add a small sponge filter.
That being said, substrate and light can be important. If your plants aren't getting proper nutrition, the dead or decaying leaves and debris settling on the substrate can cause a small rise in ammonia.
Also get a small chunk of driftwood in there, shrimp go crazy over it.
Ikea RANARP lamp with a 14 watt daylight compact fluorescent bulb
Substrate is pool filter sand and river pebbles.
Plants include several crypts, ludwigia repens and peruenis, susswassertang, java moss, bacopa, purple cabomba, riccia flutens, duckweed, frogbit, dwarf water lettuce, and an oriental sword.
Filter is a cheap sponge filter that I modified by drilling several pieces of driftwood out. I hollowed out the bottom piece to hide the sponge intake and then ran tubing up the long piece for the outflow.
Dosing with metricide (excel substitute), and NilocG macro and micro fertilizer.
I will probably just stock it with a small snail or some of the red cherry shrimp culls from my other tanks.
amazon link. I wouldn't recommend this one (difficult to adjust the lens without moving the slide, not particularly powerful), but it is cheap.
Hi! I actually just added an under-gravel heater to encourage breeding. They seemed to be doing fine without it, but I thought it would help the pregnant mom and future broods.
This is the heater that I'm using right now. It seems to be doing a good job. It keeps the water around 79 degrees. Though it might be a little much for a 1 gallon tank.
They've had some self-contained aquatic ecosystems with shrimp and microorganisms that they've been selling for a long time. They're supposed to last 2-3 years, but I'm sure you could make it last longer if you're willing to do occasional maintenance like you're talking about. I don't know what sort of shrimp or microorganisms they use though. I do know that if you're going to put plants in it, there will be an initial cycle where the levels nitrogen levels have to even out. It causes plant die-off, and unless you clean out the dead plant bits, it causes the nitrogen to spike more, which in turn causes more plant die-off.
Edit: If you're up for some reading, Ecology of the Planted Aquarium explains how to set up the most natural aquarium possible, without air pump, water filters, etc.
Ooh, I love ADA tanks, they're super nice! Neon tetras do need a heater, too, as they're tropical fish, and even 5 gallons wouldn't give them enough swimming room to be happy.
Some small schooling species that would do well in room temperature water would be emerald dwarf rasboras or celestial pearl danios, but in a tank that small, I would shoot for a school of only 5.
For 5 gallons, this is probably the best, most cost effective light to grow plants with. I also highly recommend this filter, as it's super easy to use, quiet, and perfect for nano tanks.