DIY Ecosphere: Build Your Own Self-Sustaining Ecosystem in a Jar!

7 min readJul 31, 2023

DIY Ecosphere: Build Your Own Self-Sustaining Ecosystem in a Jar!

Ever wanted to create your own miniature ecosystem? With a little bit of time and effort, you can create a self-sustaining ecosphere in a jar.

An ecosphere is a closed ecosystem that contains all the necessary elements for life, including plants, animals, and water. Once created, an ecosphere can last for many years, providing a fascinating glimpse into the natural world.

In this article, we will discuss how to create your own DIY ecosphere. We will provide a step-by-step guide, as well as some tips and tricks to help you get started.

So what are you waiting for? Start creating your own ecosphere today!

What is an ecosphere?

An ecosphere, also known as a closed ecosystem or a self-sustaining ecosystem, is a sealed glass container that houses a miniature, self-contained ecological system. It is designed to mimic the natural processes of a balanced ecosystem, where living organisms, such as plants, small animals, and microorganisms, interact with each other and the environment to create a stable and self-sustaining ecosystem.

The ecosphere typically consists of a clear glass or acrylic sphere or container filled with filtered water, live plants, small aquatic animals (such as shrimp or snails), and microorganisms. The organisms inside the ecosphere interact and depend on each other for survival. For example, the plants produce oxygen through photosynthesis, which benefits the animals, and the animals produce waste that becomes nutrients for the plants and microorganisms.

Once sealed, the ecosphere becomes a closed environment, with minimal external interference. The living organisms within the ecosphere recycle nutrients, and the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels remain balanced. As a result, the ecosphere can sustain itself for an extended period without requiring external feeding or maintenance.

Ecospheres are popular as educational tools and small decorative displays. They serve as a fascinating and visually appealing way to observe and appreciate the delicate balance of nature in a self-contained environment. However, it is essential to note that these miniature ecosystems are delicate and require careful handling and monitoring to ensure the well-being of the organisms inside.

DIY Ecosphere

why create an ecosphere?

Creating an ecosphere offers several benefits and serves various purposes, making it an attractive endeavor for individuals and educational institutions alike:

- Educational Tool: Ecospheres serve as valuable educational tools for teaching about ecosystems, the interdependence of living organisms, and the delicate balance of nature. They provide a hands-on and visually engaging way for students and enthusiasts to observe ecological processes and learn about natural cycles.

— Environmental Awareness: Ecospheres can raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and the need to protect natural ecosystems. By observing a self-contained ecosystem, people can better understand the fragility and complexity of nature, encouraging them to be more conscious of their impact on the environment.

— Aesthetics and Decorative Display: Ecospheres are visually captivating and can add a unique and beautiful touch to homes, offices, or public spaces. Their self-sustaining nature makes them low-maintenance, creating an eye-catching display without the need for frequent care.

— Therapeutic Benefits: Watching the natural interactions of living organisms within an ecosphere can have therapeutic effects. The calming and relaxing aspects of observing nature can reduce stress and anxiety, providing a sense of connection with the natural world.

— Scientific Exploration: Ecospheres allow scientists and researchers to study ecological processes and interactions in a controlled environment. They can be used as models for understanding ecosystems and conducting experiments related to ecological dynamics.

— Conservation and Research: Ecospheres can serve as microcosms for studying specific species or testing the effects of environmental changes on ecosystems. This controlled environment allows for the observation of how certain factors influence the balance of the ecosystem.

— Accessibility: For those who may not have access to natural environments or live in urban settings, ecospheres provide a means to experience a small-scale version of nature up close.

Steps for Creating an Ecosphere

Creating an ecosphere is a fascinating and educational project that allows you to observe a self-contained miniature ecosystem. Here are the steps to create your own ecosphere:

- Select a Suitable Container: Choose a clear glass or acrylic container with a tight-fitting lid or stopper. The container’s size will depend on the number and size of the organisms you plan to include.

— Gather Materials: You will need filtered water, live aquatic plants, small aquatic animals (such as shrimp or snails), and microorganisms. Ensure that all materials are free from chemicals or contaminants that could harm the organisms.

— Prepare the Container: Rinse the container thoroughly with dechlorinated water to remove any residue or impurities. Avoid using soap or cleaning agents, as they can harm the living organisms.

— Add Substrate: Place a layer of fine gravel or sand at the bottom of the container. This will serve as a substrate for the plants and provide a habitat for microorganisms.

— Add Aquatic Plants: Carefully introduce the live aquatic plants into the container. These plants will produce oxygen through photosynthesis and provide shelter for the animals.

— Add Aquatic Animals: Gently introduce the small aquatic animals, such as shrimp or snails, into the container. These animals will help create a balanced ecosystem by producing waste that becomes nutrients for the plants and microorganisms.

— Add Water: Slowly add dechlorinated water to the container, filling it to the appropriate level. Be cautious not to disturb the plants or animals while adding water.

— Seal the Container: Securely seal the container with the lid or stopper to create a closed ecosystem. The seal should be tight to prevent air or water leakage.

— Place the Ecosphere: Find a suitable location for the ecosphere. Choose an area with indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight that could cause temperature fluctuations.

— Observe and Maintain: Once the ecosphere is set up, observe the interactions between the plants, animals, and microorganisms. Avoid opening the container frequently, as this disrupts the balance of the ecosystem. Only open it if there is an emergency or for necessary maintenance.

— Maintain Water Quality: Over time, the ecosphere will develop its own balance. However, you may still need to monitor and maintain water quality. If necessary, perform partial water changes using dechlorinated water and clean the sides of the container.

— Learn and Enjoy: Use the ecosphere as an educational tool to learn about ecosystem dynamics and the interdependence of living organisms. Enjoy the beauty and wonder of this self-contained natural world you’ve created.

Animals in an Ecosphere

In an ecosphere, a closed and self-contained ecosystem, a variety of living organisms coexist and interact with each other to create a balanced environment. The most common animals found in an ecosphere include:

- Shrimp: Small aquatic shrimp, such as freshwater or brackish water species, are commonly included in ecospheres. They play a vital role in the ecosystem by feeding on detritus and algae and producing waste that becomes nutrients for plants and microorganisms.

— Snails: Snails are another common addition to ecospheres. They help clean the substrate by consuming algae and decaying matter, contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem.

— Water Fleas (Daphnia): Water fleas are tiny, filter-feeding crustaceans that can be found in ecospheres. They feed on microscopic algae and other particles, contributing to the ecosystem’s nutrient cycling.

— Microorganisms: Various microorganisms, including bacteria, protozoa, and algae, are essential components of an ecosphere. They play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, decomposition, and maintaining water quality.

— Small Fish (Occasionally): In some ecospheres, particularly larger ones, small freshwater fish like guppies or minnows may be introduced. However, adding fish can increase the complexity of maintaining the ecosystem, as they have higher food and space requirements.

Conclusion

The animals discussed here are just a taste of what you can encounter when designing your own ecosystem.

It’s possible that there are even more species waiting to be discovered outside of North America.

We should value and protect the incredible variety of life that may be found in waterways like creeks, streams, and ponds.

The tiny species that call these environments home are often overlooked, but ecospheres make it possible to see and appreciate them up close.

Ecosystems may maintain themselves for years (if cared for properly), but many of the most fascinating organisms in a creek ecosystem won’t make it.

In my opinion, the best way to enjoy an ecosphere is as a temporary tank in which to see the fascinating organisms contained within before returning them to the outdoors after a couple weeks.

This is a great method to see the incredible species inside an ecosphere without endangering them.

I’m glad you could get a taste of life in a different planet through this.

Check out my essay and video instruction on how to set up a freshwater shrimp tank (actual shrimp, not scuds) if you’re interested in keeping small creatures as long-term pets.

And if you’re like fish tanks, you should read my piece on the best species to keep in a 5 gallon aquarium.