It is a fun and educational activity to build a self-sustaining environment.You can build a fish tank or a terrarium with plants you choose.Striking the balance between organisms is not easy.With trial and error, time, and persistence, you can build your very own self-sustaining environment.
Step 1: It's a good idea to choose a size for your community.
You may want to start small if you're new to building ecosystems.The smaller your container, the harder it is to maintain a self-sustaining environment.Larger containers allow for the inclusion of multiple diverse species.The containers have to be clear to let in light.A small glass bowl is easy to set up and doesn't take a lot of space.Smaller bowls are manageable for beginners.Medium aquariums have more space for growth, but are more expensive than smaller ones.Large aquarium (60–200 gallons (230–760 l)) have plenty of space for growth and diversity and are most likely to be successful; however, they are very expensive and hard to make room for.
Step 2: The tank should be exposed to the fluorescent lighting.
The growth of plants is dependent on fluorescent lighting.It is recommended to provide 2 to 5 watt per gallon of water for a freshwater aquarium.Incandescent lighting won't help your plants grow.
Step 3: Establish the part for the system.
The plants can anchor and grow in the soil of the aquarium.Before anything else is done to foster an environment of growth and recycling, it must be established.If you want to use a small bowl, start with 1 inch of sand and add a little bit of pea gravel on top.Start with 2 inches of sand and 1 inch of pea gravel.Sand and pea gravel can be obtained from a pond or pet store.
Step 4: Water should be put in the container.
The first source of food for the fish and other organisms will be established by the water.You can start with distilled/bottled water, dechlorinated tap water or water from a previous fish tank.If you use distilled/bottled water or dechlorinated tap water, mix some fish with it to encourage growth.Adding some water from an already established tank will help growth.
Step 5: You can purchase plants.
When choosing plants, you want to consider how fast they grow, the size of the plant, whether they are good for fish and snails, and where in the aquarium they will grow.You want to make sure the plants are well-established.
Step 6: They should cultivate micro-critters.
Micro-critters such as small pond snails, daphnia, and micro-planarians are the next step in the food chain.All of the fish that don't eat plants or algae will be served these.It's a good idea to seed your tank with aged aquarium media.It can be purchased at the store.Most of these organisms can't be seen by the naked eye, but you should wait at least 2 weeks for them to get fully established before adding fish.
Step 7: Add food to the system.
Larger fish can be introduced into the tank once the plants and microorganisms have been established.Adding 1 or 2 at a time is what you want to start with.These fish are a great diet for larger fish.You can add more fish in a larger aquarium.It takes time to balance your fish.Before adding more to the mix, make sure each species has time to adjust.
Step 8: The water needs to be changed
Aquariums take care of their animals to make sure they stay alive.Most of the water in the tank should be replaced every 2 weeks.If you are using tap water, it is a good idea to put the water in an aerated bucket for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to air out.Do you know if your local water source has heavy metals in it?If you're worried about the quality of your tap water, use filters.
Step 9: Control growth.
A gravel vacuum can be used to control the algae in your aquarium.The gravel should be vacuumed at the same time as you change the water.A magnetic tank scrubber or filter floss can be used to clean the aquarium walls.Plants, snails, and daphnia can be added to help control the growth.
Step 10: Remove the dead fish.
If any of your fish have died, count them at least once a week.spikes in nitrite, ammonia, and nitrate levels can be caused by smaller fish.There are other fish in your tank.Remove the dead fish as soon as possible.You can use a test kit to check the levels.If the levels are too high, replace the water.Depending on the type of fish you have, the ideal levels for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and pH can be different.
Step 11: Obtain a large glass jar.
A jar or bottle is sufficient for your terrarium.It is easier to work inside of a container with a large mouth.You want to make sure that the container is properly sealed.There are three options: a candy jar, a pasta jar and a mason jar.Make sure the container is washed before being used as a terrarium.
Step 12: Place pebbles in the bottom.
There is a layer of pebbles at the bottom of the jar that protects the plants from flooding.Add pebbles to a depth of about 2 inches.It doesn't matter what type of rock you use.You can use colorful pebbles from the pet store to make it more exciting.
Step 13: Place a layer of activated charcoal over the pebbles.
The charcoal layer is the most important part of the water purification process.It helps keep the environment clean and healthy.A thin layer is enough to cover the rock layer.There is a local pet store that sells activated charcoal.
Step 14: A 2 inch layer of moss is required.
You will add another layer of moss on top of the charcoal layer.Peat moss is rich in vitamins and minerals that will help the plants grow.Peat moss can be found in a local nursery.
Step 15: There is a layer of soil on top of the moss.
Potted soil is the final layer before plants are added.The plants will be able to get the water they need from the combination of all of the layers below the potting soil.Plants need enough soil to take root and have room for growth.The plant came in a pot that was slightly higher than the depth.Most types of soil will suffice.A special type of soil is required for Succulents and cacti.
Step 16: Add plants that are small.
Small plants are recommended if you want to add any plants.Break up the hard soil around the roots of your plants by removing them from their pots.Before planting, trim the long roots.Place the roots of the plant in the well with a spoon.Pack the soil around the plant.Keep the plants away from the edges of the container by repeating this process with the rest of your plants.The leaves should not touch the sides of the container.The moon valley friendship, variegata, aquamarine, minimus aureus, strawberry begonias, and mosses are some of the great plants to start with.
Step 17: Place the terrarium in indirect sunlight.
Once you have added your plants, put the lid or cork in place.In an area with bright but indirect sunlight, the terrarium will do well.The plants won't thrive in a shaded area if you place it in an area with lots of direct light.There is an area near a window.
Step 18: If necessary, water the plants.
There shouldn't be much maintenance with a sealed system.Add some water to it if you notice it is a bit dry.If there is a lot of water inside, leave the lid off for a day or two to let it dry out.
Step 19: If you can see any bugs, remove them.
There could be bug eggs in the soil.If you see anything crawling around inside, let it out and seal your environment.
Step 20: Take care of the plants as needed.
Plants will grow with proper sunlight and water.If the plants get too big, you need to cut them back.The plants should be kept at their desired size.The plants may have fallen to the bottom.
Step 21: It's a good idea to clear out the algae and the fungus.
The sides of the glass can be cleaned easily.You can see through the glass if you wipe it away with a soft cloth or cotton ball.