Mini-Aquariums - Pets with Zero Maintenance
Posted on January 3, 2006
Filed Under A to Z, Lifestyle |
Dogs, cats, etc. are great pets, but if you’re busy with various projects or traveling, or just otherwise occupied, they don’t always get the time and attention they deserve. Aquariums can be less time consuming, but still require some effort. I like the idea of being able to take off somewhere for an indeterminate period of time without worrying about what to do with pets…
So for Christmas I got the next best thing - sort of a self-contained mini aquarium, but the great thing about it is there’s no upkeep involved – not just minimal, but absolutely zilch. It doesn’t get much better than that.

It’s called an EcoSphere which is basically a completely self-contained, self-sustaining ecosystem. A small aquarium that contains shrimp, algae, and micro-organisms, all sealed up in perfect ecological balance requiring no maintenance at all.
All it needs is minimal light and room temperature – no feeding either. The algae use light to produce oxygen; the shrimp breathe oxygen in the water, and eat the algae & bacteria; bacteria break down the animal waste into nutrients which the algae utilize; the shrimp and bacteria also produce carbon dioxide that the algae use to produce oxygen.
This technology was actually a spin-off from NASA’s research into human life support systems for use in long-term space exploration, which was pretty interesting in itself. Average life for these systems is about 2 to 3 years (normal lifespan for the shrimp is around 5 years), and some systems have gone on for over 10 years.
Needless to say, I’ve become a real fan of these. In a way they’re like a decorative piece of art, but more relaxing.
del.icio.us Digg Reddit Google StumbleUpon Technorati Yahoo!
Comments
Leave a Comment
If you would like to make a comment, please fill out the form below.
LAUGH at GAS PRICES!
Find out how you can drive around using WATER AS FUEL and Ignore Rising Gas Prices
Click Here to Learn More!
STOP PAYING for Electricity!
Let The Power Company Pay You by Creating Your Own Renewable Energy
Click Here to Find Out How!
Categories
- A to Z
- Choices
- Credit Cards
- Diving
- Economy
- Faith
- Healthy Living
- Humor
- Inspiration
- Lifestyle
- Mortgage Smarts
- Personal Finances
- Quit Smoking
- Retirement
- Saving Money
- Technology
- Travel
- Uncategorized
Recently
- Avenues To Coordinate Insightful Teaching For Estate Planning Personnel
- Preferred Timeshare Locations In The Country
- Wellness Clubs
- Stop Smoking Methods - Which Programs Are The Most Effective At Helping You Stop Smoking
- Reception Decorations To Complement The Wedding Theme: Winning Guide
- Practical Vacation Advice: Honeymooning In St. Thomas
- Fun In The Sun With Santa Barbara Eye Care Prescription Sunglasses
- How Much Can I Afford To Borrow For A Mortgage From Home Loan Companies
- Phone Recorders Catch You
- Improving Your Hospital Stay At Emory In The Atlanta Area
- Get More Features With Blu Ray Players
- You Too Can Be Organized: Practical Self Help Info
- Dive With Sharks In South Africa
- Top Family Vacation Ideas: Disneyland Resort Near Newport Beach
- How Smoking Increases Your Chances Of Heart Disease
