Ecosphere

Description

Absolutely fascinating, totally captivating and educational to boot - this is the original Ecosphere, the world's first completely closed ecosystem. A complete self-sustained miniature world encased in glass. The ecosphere makes perfect gift or purchase; this unique mini-aquarium originates from a technology-transfer by NASA.

The ecosphere is not just a scientific breakthrough, but a perfect work of art. Easy to care for, the Ecosphere is a fantastic teaching-tool, which provides a view at life on our planet and the technology of future space-travel.

With the Echsphere you begin to feel as though it’s a window looking into an entirely different planet, watching as the Micro-organisms - Red Shrimp & Algae - thrive in their unique environment. The beauty of their self-contained world is further enhanced by the fan shaped gorgonia branches, giving this spherical water drop a real three dimensional depth.

How EcoSpheres Work

The EcoSphere is a display of a working ecological system. While it is beautiful to view, it also demonstrates the delicate balance of a closed ecosystem like the Earth. Contained within the completely sealed glass is a small variety of shrimp, algae, and microorganisms living in a filtered sea water environment.

The EcoSphere contains some of the same essential elements that are found on our planet. The Earth is represented by the gravel at the bottom with water filling two-thirds of the system while air fills the balance of the space. Fire is the light, which streams in each day. Finally, life: the algae, shrimp and microbes that float and swim in the water.

The EcoSphere's biological cycle represents a simple version of Earth's' own ecosystem. Light together with carbon dioxide in the water enable the algae to produce oxygen by photosynthesis. The shrimp breathe the oxygen in the water while nibbling on the algae and bacteria. The bacteria break down the animal waste into nutrients, which the algae utilize.
The shrimp and bacteria also give off carbon dioxide, which the algae again use to produce oxygen. And so the cycle renews itself.

What is in the EcoSphere?

Along with the shrimp there are algae and filtered sea water. The EcoSphere also contains gorgonia and gravel as a part of the working ecosystem. Gorgonia, the non-living branch like material, and the gravel are surface area in the ecosystem. The gorgonia and gravel are also a hiding place for microorganisms - a place where they can not be eaten by the shrimp. All other areas in the water are accessible by the animals. By having more surface area for the bacteria to grow on the eco-system has the ability to break down more of the waste materials.

How Long will They Live?

The average life of the small sphere and small pod is 2-3 years. The other units tend to last longer because they have more shrimp. The life expectancy of these shrimp is known to exceed 5 years. We do not know how long your EcoSphere will live due to different light and temperature conditions throughout the country; and we do not know the exact age of the shrimp when an EcoSphere is made. The oldest EcoSpheres are now over 8 years old and are still going strong. Some systems without shrimp are still living even after 18 years. As long as there is one shrimp alive in the EcoSphere, it is a functioning unit.

Delivery Details

• Delivery for this item is £4.95
• Please allow up to 7 working days for delivery (although it’s usually quicker than this)
• These items can not be shipped overseas.