The Shallow Ecosystem on My Desk (150 Day Evolution)

Summary

This video chronicles the journey of creating a unique, self-sustaining desk aquarium. After mishaps with tank modification, the creator assembles a beautiful aquatic ecosystem using repurposed materials, live plants, and a mix of fish. Despite setbacks, like degraded plants and a broken tank, the creator’s ingenuity shines through as they design a lush, vibrant aquascape. Over time, the tank evolves into a thriving, colorful environment, complete with fish, microfauna, and healthy plants, all requiring minimal maintenance. The result is a captivating, natural display that transforms the workspace into an immersive, dynamic ecosystem.

Takeaways

• 😀 The creator wanted to make their desk more interesting by creating a small, immersive ecosystem.
• 😀 They found a free tank on Facebook Marketplace and decided to cut it in half for their project.
• 😀 The tank cracked during the cutting process due to improper handling, leading to a major setback.
• 😀 After the tank broke, the creator salvaged the glass from the top half to repair the bottom half.
• 😀 The creator learned the importance of planning and being cautious when working with glass.
• 😀 The hardscape design evolved with the discovery of a rock with roots growing through it, which inspired the rest of the design.
• 😀 The layout included an island, raised land areas, and space for plants, aiming to mimic a riverbed.
• 😀 The creator added a nutrient-rich mud bed beneath the sand to promote plant growth and support the nitrogen cycle.
• 😀 After struggling with degraded plants, the creator sourced free plant trimmings from an online contact and hoped they would thrive.
• 😀 The ecosystem included a mix of fish and microfauna, such as gobies, corydoras, and guppies, to maintain balance in the tank.
• 😀 The tank eventually thrived, with plants, fish, and a healthy balance of microfauna working together to create a vibrant ecosystem.

Q & A

Why did the creator choose to build a little ecosystem instead of just using houseplants?

The creator wanted a more immersive natural experience, which they felt houseplants alone couldn't provide. They aimed to create an ecosystem that would evolve and be visually engaging.

What mistake did the creator make when cutting the tank, and what was the result?

The creator accidentally left a blade wedged between the brace and the wall while cutting the silicone seal, causing the tank to crack and become ruined. This forced them to come up with a new plan for the tank's reconstruction.

What did the creator use from the broken tank to repair it?

The creator used the glass from the top half of the tank to repair the broken bottom pane, which helped salvage the tank.

How did the creator decide on the layout of the tank's hardscape?

The creator experimented with different rock placements and found that a sloped design was more interesting than a flat one. They also considered visibility from all three sides of the tank when deciding on the placement of taller features.

What material did the creator use as a nutrient base for the plants?

The creator used garden soil, sieved to remove larger pieces, as a nutrient base for the plants. The soil provided essential nutrients and humic material for beneficial bacteria.

What issue did the creator face with the plants they initially added to the tank?

The plants had degraded due to being stored for weeks before being added to the tank. As a result, most of them did not survive in the new environment.

How did the creator address the lack of healthy plants in the tank after the initial planting?

The creator found a source for free plant trimmings online, although they were uncertain about the survival of these plants, given that the previous ones had struggled in the new environment.

What did the creator do to help the plants and fish adjust to the tank?

The creator added a small pump to distribute heat and prevent temperature fluctuations, which could occur when opening the window. This helped create a stable environment for both the plants and the fish.

Why did the creator choose not to use a mechanical filter in the tank?

The creator relied on natural processes, using plants and fish (like gobies and corydoras) to keep the tank clean. These organisms helped maintain the balance of the ecosystem by recycling nutrients and controlling waste.

How did the creator encourage the guppies to feed in a particular spot in the tank?

The creator trained the guppies to come to a specific feeding ring by regularly placing food there. This helped maintain order during feeding time and gave the fish a routine.