Mini Aquarium
Aquatic desktop ecosystem
Materials
- Plastic jar with flat viewing panel
- USB camping bulb
- Sweet gum seed pod
Ecosystem
- Amano shrimp
- Pond snails
- Aquatic plants: frogbit and duckweed
What:
A small, USB-powered lamp housing a self-sustaining closed ecosystem. Designed to satisfy functionality, education, and curiosity in a low-maintenance system while appreciating the beauty and tranquility of nature.
Why:
The colors, movement, and life of plants and creatures in ecosystems are fascinating. The effort, cost, and time often deter people from exploring hobbies like aquariums or terrariums. A simple, low-maintenance, and replicable system makes this hobby accessible to more people.
How:
Using easily accessible materials found at DAISO, a plastic jar with a flat viewing panel avoids perspective distortion and makes cleaning simple. A reassembled USB LED camp bulb was repurposed for the necessary lighting. A balanced system of plants and animals ensures sustainability:
- Amano shrimp control algae and organic debris.
- Pond snails break down waste and organic material, supporting nutrient recycling.
- Duckweed and frogbit shade the interior, regulate algae growth, and filter the water.
- The system thrives with little intervention, offering a window into the beauty of balance in nature.