Creating a self-sustaining ecosystem is a fun and educational activity. You can create a water ecosystem in the fish tank. In addition, you can also create a terrarium inhabited by various kinds of plants. The process of making an ecosystem is quite simple, but maintaining the balance of the organisms that live in it is quite complicated. By experimenting, setting aside time, and increasing persistence, you can create a self-sustaining ecosystem.
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Method 1 of 4: Creating a Water Ecosystem
Step 1. Determine the size of the ecosystem
If you are new, start by creating a small-scale ecosystem. However, if the tank is too small, it will be difficult for you to maintain and maintain an independent ecosystem in it. Using a large tank, you can house several different species. In addition, a large tank has ample space for organisms to grow and develop. Make sure the tank is made of clear material so that the ecosystem in it gets adequate lighting.
- The ecosystem in a small glass bowl is quite easy to build and doesn't take up much space. Although quite difficult to maintain, the ecosystem in the small bowl is perfect for beginners.
- Medium aquariums with a volume of 40-110 liters have more space for the ecosystem to thrive. However, these aquariums are quite expensive and the space for the development and growth of the ecosystem is still limited.
- A large aquarium with a volume of 230-760 liters has a very wide space for the ecosystem to grow and develop. In addition, you can also place several different species of organisms in it. However, these aquariums are very expensive and take up quite a bit of space.
Step 2. Make sure the tank is exposed to the fluorescent light
Fluorescent light is needed to support the development of plants that live in your ecosystem. Experts recommend that you provide 2-5 watts of fluorescent light for every 4 liters of aquarium water.
Incandescent lamps cannot help plants to grow
Step 3. Prepare the substrate
The substrate is the material that is placed at the bottom of the aquarium. Plants will grow on the substrate. The substrate must be made properly in order to help the development of the ecosystem and recycle the nutrients in it.
- If using a small bowl, cover the bottom of the bowl with 3 cm of sand and 1 cm of gravel.
- For medium and large aquariums, cover the bottom with 5 cm of sand and 3 cm of gravel.
- Sand and gravel can be purchased at your nearest pet store or taken from your local pond.
Step 4. Fill the container with water
Water is very important because it can provide a food source for fish and other organisms, such as algae and microorganisms. You can fill the container with distilled/bottled water, non-chlorinated tap water, or water from another aquarium.
- If using distilled/bottled water or tap water, mix flake fish feed with water to promote growth.
- Filling the container with water from another aquarium can help with growth. This is because the water already contains the nutrients needed.
Step 5. Buy some herbs
When choosing a plant, consider: how fast it grows, its size, whether it can be eaten by fish and snails, and a place for it to grow (at the bottom of the tank, on the surface of the tank, or on the stems of other plants). To cultivate an environment inhabited by a variety of plants, you can grow the following plants:
- Plants growing at the base: Hairgrass, Juncus effusus, or rotala
- Plants that grow on the surface: kiambang, seroja
- Plants growing on the stems of other plants: Riccia fluitans, Vesicularia dubyana, Vesicularia montagnei, Fissidens fontanus
- Make sure the plants are settled (grow and take root) before placing fish or snails in the ecosystem.
Step 6. Place the small animal
The next stage in designing the ecosystem food chain is placing small animals such as small snails, water fleas, and small planaria. These animals will be a source of food for fish that do not eat plants or algae. An used aquarium filter can also help increase the number of seeds in the aquarium. You can buy it at the nearest pet store.
Most of these organisms are invisible. Before placing fish in the ecosystem, you should wait for 2 weeks to make sure the organisms have grown and developed
Step 7. Place the fish or shrimp
Once the plants and microorganisms in the aquarium have grown and developed, you can introduce large fish into the tank. Start by placing small marine animals such as guppies, endler guppies, or crawfish. Place 1 or 2 sea animals at a time. These animals can reproduce quickly and can be a source of food for larger fish.
If you have a large aquarium, you can place more fish. Balancing the number of fish is quite complicated and time consuming. Before placing more fish, make sure each species in the tank has had enough time to adapt
Method 2 of 4: Caring for Aquatic Ecosystems
Step 1. Change the aquarium water
Aquariums must be cared for to ensure the animals that live in them remain healthy. Every 2 weeks, 10-15% of the water in the aquarium should be replaced with new ones. If using tap water, put the water in an aerated bucket for 24 hours. This is done to remove the chlorine content of the water.
- Check your home's water source to make sure it doesn't contain metals.
- If the quality of the tap water is not good, use filtered water.
Step 2. Control algae growth
A gravel suction machine is a tool that can help control algae growth in the aquarium. When changing the water, vacuum up the gravel in the tank as well to control algae and remove any leftover food that has accumulated.
- Clean the walls of the aquarium of algae buildup using filter threads or an aquarium cleaning magnet.
- Add herbs, snails, or water fleas to control algae growth.
Step 3. Immediately take the dead fish
Count the number of fish in the tank at least once a week to make sure no fish die. Minnows can decompose quickly and increase the nitrate, ammonia, and nitrite content of aquarium water. This can harm the fish in the aquarium. If there is a dead fish, immediately take it and throw it away.
- Use a water quality meter to check the ammonia, nitrate, nitrate, and acid levels of the aquarium water. Change the water if the content is too high.
- The content of ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, and the ideal level of acidity of the water depends on the type of fish being kept. In general, water should contain 0, 0-0.25 mg/l ammonia, nitrite below 0.5 mg/l, nitrate below 40 mg/l. In addition, the water must have an acidity level of 6.
Method 3 of 4: Creating a Terrarium Ecosystem
Step 1. Use a large, sealable glass jar
Glass bottles or jars of various sizes can be used as terrariums. A container with a large mouth can facilitate the process of making a terrarium. Make sure the container can be sealed tightly.
- You can use candy jars with heavy lids, pasta jars, or jars with tight-fitting lids.
- Before using as a terrarium, wash the container thoroughly so that the dirt in it is gone.
Step 2. Fill the bottom of the container with gravel
A layer of gravel at the bottom of the container can collect water and protect plants from standing water. Cover the bottom of the container with 1.5-5 cm thick gravel.
You can use any type of stone or gravel. You can also use colored pebbles from the pet store to make your terrarium look more attractive
Step 3. Coat the gravel with activated charcoal
A layer of charcoal can help filter out impurities in the water. By reducing bacteria and fungi, activated charcoal can also help keep ecosystems clean and healthy. You don't need to coat the gravel with too thick a layer of charcoal. You just need to make sure the gravel layer is evenly covered with activated charcoal
You can buy activated charcoal at your nearest pet store
Step 4. Add a 1 cm thick layer of Sphagnum flexuosum (peat-moss)
On top of the charcoal layer, add a layer of Sphagnum flexuosum. Sphagnum flexuosum is a nutrient-rich plant that can help absorb water and maintain the nutrients that plants need to grow.
Sphagnum flexuosum can be purchased at the nursery
Step 5. Add a layer of soil for the planting medium on top of Sphagnum flexuosum
The top layer of substrate is a special soil for planting media. Plants can grow roots in this soil. In addition, plants will also get enough water and nutrients from the combination of layers below the soil.
- Add enough soil for the plant to grow and grow its roots. Soil slightly deeper than the plant pot will suffice.
- Most soils for growing media can be used. Succulents and cacti need special soil.
Step 6. Add small plants
You can add any plant to your terrarium, but it's best to add small plants. Remove the plant from the pot and then clean the soil that sticks around the roots. Before planting, cut off any roots that are too long. Use a spoon to dig a small hole in the soil of the terrarium and then place the plant roots into it. Add a little soil over the roots and compact.
- Repeat this process for other plants, but keep them away from the edges of the terrarium.
- As much as possible, don't let the plant's leaves touch the sides of the container.
- Some of the plants that can be planted are ferns, mother-in-law's tongue, Fittonia albivenis, variegata, elephant cat, Saxifraga stolonifera, and moss.
Step 7. Seal the terrarium and place it in indirect sunlight
After planting the plants, seal the terrarium with the lid. Terrarium can be placed in a bright place and not exposed to direct sunlight. If you are exposed to direct sunlight for too long, the terrarium will dry out. However, if the terrarium is not exposed to indirect sunlight, the plants in it will not develop. Instead, place the terrarium near a window.
Method 4 of 4: Caring for a Terrarium Ecosystem
Step 1. Water the terrarium if necessary
If sealed properly, the terrarium does not require too intensive care. When the terrarium is dry, open the lid and add a little water. Alternatively, if the terrarium is too damp, open the lid for 1 or 2 days to allow it to dry out a bit.
Step 2. Remove any insects that are in the terrarium
There may be some insect eggs on the ground or on plants. If there are insects in the terrarium, remove them and then close the terrarium again.
Step 3. Prune the plant if necessary
With enough sunlight and water, plants will grow. If the plant is too large, prune the plant so that the terrarium is not too full. Prune the plants to your liking to keep them growing.
Remove dead plants at the bottom of the terrarium
Step 4. Remove algae and mildew regularly
If algae or mold grows on the glass terrarium, you can easily remove them. Use a cloth or cotton ball to remove algae and mildew to make the terrarium glass clear again.
