Mini Aquarium

Mini Aquarium Lamps

[2017] [Kobe] [Aquarium] [Lighting]

What:

The Mini Aquarium Lamp is a small, USB-powered lamp that houses a semi self-sustaining closed ecosystem. Designed to satisfy functionality, education, and curiosity in an low maintenance system appreciate the beauty and tranquility of nature.

Why:

The calming colors and movement of plants and creatures in natural ecosystems offer a unique way to bring peace and curiosity into daily life. 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:

The ecosystem was created entirely using easily accessible materials found at DAISO. A plastic jar with a flat viewing panel avoids perspective distortion and makes cleaning straightforward. A disassembled USB camping bulb was repurposed completely to provides the necessary light for the ecosystem, minimizing waste.

Inside the jar, 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 result is a closed ecosystem that thrives with little intervention, offering a window into the beauty of balance in nature.

Materials:

• Plastic jar with flat viewing panel
• USB camping bulb (disassembled and repurposed)
• Amano shrimp (nano shrimp species)
• Pond snails
• Aquatic plants (frogbit, duckweed)
• Sweet gum seed pod