How to Build a Self-Sustaining Ecosystem in an Aquarium

Create a world that can survive on its own right inside of a standard aquarium tank by building a self-sustaining ecosystem. A self-sustaining ecosystem, which will show kids and adults how animals survive in different terrains, can offer a home for a pet without the necessity of caring for both animal and habitat. You can build different types of ecosystems in a glass aquarium such as a woodland, a pond or a desert terrarium.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Tight-fitting lid
  • Plants
  • Crickets
  • Meal worms
  • Toad, turtle or salamander
  • Sand
  • Fertile soil
  • Small pebbles
  • Charcoal
  • Water dish
  • Driftwood pieces
  • Distilled water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Layer pebbles, sand and charcoal on the bottom of the aquarium and top off with a layer of fertile soil. Make the mixture on the bottom of the aquarium approximately 2 inches deep. Switch the sand with the soil when you are building your layers if you are making a desert ecosystem.

    • 2

      Plant a variety plants, such as mosses, ferns and liverworts in the soil to create a woodland terrarium-style, self-sustaining ecosystem. For a pond ecosystem, plant cabomba, anacharis and elodea, and for a desert ecosystem, plant a pincushion cactus, a night-blooming cereus or a fishhook cactus.

    • 3

      Add some smooth pebbles, shells, sticks or pieces of driftwood throughout the tank, which will provide a place for the animals and insects to sleep, climb and hide under. Your choice of extra items and decorations depends upon the type of ecosystem you are creating.

    • 4

      Set out a dish filled with distilled water for two days before placing it in the aquarium. You can purchase water dishes in various shapes, sizes and designs, including dishes that look like a pond or a rock bed that will fit with your terrarium theme.

    • 5

      Add the animals and the insects to the aquarium and cover it with a lid. Animals for a woodland setting include salamanders or small toads, while snails, newts, water insects and tadpoles work well in a pond terrarium. For a desert ecosystem, use a desert tortoise or a horned lizard. Insects selected will depend upon the eating habits of the animals placed in the terrarium, but they can include grasshoppers, crickets or meal worms.