DIY shrimp biosphere, is it humane and if so how do I make one?

Jspigs

Jspigs

There is always more to learn
Aug 5, 2009
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I am thinking about making a DIY biosphere with a ghost shrimp, some mts, hornwort and other plants, established gravel, etc.

the jar would most likely be a 1-quart pickle jar or something similar. I might be able to buy a bigger jar if need be but I already have the 1-quart pickle jar.

Would this be humane?

Would established gravel and a bunch of plants (hornwort and java moss) be enough to handle the ammonia generated by one ghost shrimp and some trumpet snails?

I could add a few established ceramic rings to the jar in addition to the plants/gravel.

The jar will not have a heater but my room generally stays pretty warm (almost always above 70*F,rarely much cooler, usually warmer).

although biospheres are supposedly not supposed to be opened, I will open it to feed the ghost shrimp and to occasionally do a water change if need be.

If this sounds like it would be humane then I would appreciate tips from people who have made them.

I talked to someone in the chatroom about this and they didn't think the plants and established gravel would be enough to handle the ammonia but I wanted to get more opinions.
 
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Last summer I kept a couple ramhorns in a half gallon or so container...the idea itself is not inhumane IMO. I never bothered to check the water quality but I suppose I'm not as invert sensitive as other people, especially since they were hitchhikers anyways. I would probably go with something bigger if you are really that concerned about it.
 
If it's opened, it's not really a "biosphere" anymore is it? It'd just be an aquarium.
 
Would a ghost shrimp and trumpet snails be okay if the jar was closed, sealed, and rarely (if ever) opened?
 
no, probably not.

the reason the glass biospheres they sell commercially work, is that they are sterilized and sealed with only the appropriate bacterias, and the hawaiian shrimp they use get smaller over time, essentially eating their own shells and nutrients over a slow death.
 
I have decided to try it. Worst comes to worst I notice something is wrong and I will take the shrimp and snails out and place them in another aquarium.
 
Get one of those giant pickle jars that hold like a gallon of water. Use plenty of plants. Set it up in a well lit area, preferably one that gets a lot of direct sunlight, and let it sit for a while without animals so that it can build up some algae and stuff then add a couple snails or so later on. That really is going to be your only way of creating a "true biosphere." Algae will have to be the primary source of food since you will not be able to open up the jar for feeding if it is going to be a true biosphere. I'd do it with a rams horn or two to start. Projects like these are great and important for the hobby, so please document everything from what plants, animals, substrates, where you put the jar, what kind of jar, ect...Keep us updated on everything you use and everything you observe. And as always, takes lots of pics of the build, before, during, after pics:):)
 
How are you going to light this container, so that the plants get sufficient light to produce O2 to support the living creatures in it if it's mostly sealed? And wouldn't any plant show signs of nutrient deficiency after a while? I don't know of any plant (hornwort is included in this) that doesn't eventually start yellowing, dropping leaves, getting holes etc. if it isn't kept happy with sufficient light and fertilizer. I don't see ghost shrimp and snails producing iron or any of the other things plants need, and I know hornwort is notorious for dropping its "needles" - perhaps other plant cuttings would be more appropriate, or else something like Java moss.

So while I think I know what you are after, a pretty jar full of plants and teeming with life, I don't think it's practical, really, to put creatures in it. Check this out for inspiration: http://www.aquahobby.com/tanks/e_tank0603.php

I'd say leave it without any creatures (just plants) or just baby MTS, myself.
 
I just finished setting it up and adding the inhabitants.

The plants are java moss and hornwort.

If the hornwort does start to yellow, I will replace it with more java moss, and if that yellows I will probably end up placing the inhabitants in different tanks.

For lighting I have placed it where it will get indirect sunlight.

I ended up using a half-gallon mason jar (largest the store had). I had to purchase a six pack of mason jars because they only sold them in bulk, lol.

I used a bunch of established gravel (for water purification) and then some new gravel on top of it (for aesthetic reasons).

I added three established ceramic rings (for extra water purification) on top of the gravel.

I added some snails that came with the plants and established gravel.

And last but not least, I added a berried ghost shrimp. I got a berried one because they were the same price as the non berried ones and because I have the ability to house the young. I know some people say ghost shrimp young won't survive in fresh water but I have also heard that they will so I am staying hopeful:).
 
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