Introduction: The project is reaching its final stage. I have recently created a setup that consists of a mason jar with a peat base where I placed some plastic scaffolding. On this scaffolding, I tied some java moss. In addition to that, I have introduced various components to enhance the ecosystem. These include 2 cherry shrimp, 1 ghost shrimp, sea monkey eggs for their visual appeal, daphnia eggs to control excess algae, pearlweed to create a carpet-like floor, and some algae obtained from my aquarium to initiate algal growth. Interestingly, the moss also brought along some snails from the PetCo store, providing a backup cleanup crew in case of algal blooms. My primary concern now is to ensure the survival of the shrimp and prevent any potential risks that could jeopardize their well-being.
Month 1: June
The moss tree and pearlweed have shown notable progress in their growth. It seems that adjusting the water level has had a positive impact. Unfortunately, the sea monkeys didn't survive the change, but I hope the daphnia are still thriving and effectively controlling the algae. To address the loss of the cherry shrimp, I introduced another ghost shrimp to the jar. Additionally, in order to combat the excess algae, I added a nerite snail, which should contribute to keeping the algae in check. I hope these adjustments will contribute to a more successful ecosystem in the jar.
Month 2: July
This experiment has resulted in a spectacular failure. As we reach the end of July, there is an utter absence of life within the jar. The daphnia population has become extinct, and the once-present strange worms and snails have also perished with no trace of their remains. Algae has proliferated extensively, covering every surface of the jar. Although the pearlweed and moss are technically alive, they are barely discernible due to the overwhelming algae growth. The shrimp have decayed to such an extent that their bodies are no longer visible. At this point, I have made the decision to completely clean out the tank as I believe it is beyond salvageable. Alternatively, I may treat the water in an attempt to eliminate the algae. The failure of this experiment could be attributed to various factors: excessive use of plant root tabs leading to an algal bloom, excessive light exposure, or potential issues with the water itself. Moving forward, I will investigate the problem and take steps to repopulate the ecosystem accordingly.
Month 3: September
The second phase of this experiment has shown significant improvement. I have successfully maintained this jar for approximately three weeks, and everything is progressing smoothly. The jar contains a variety of Rotala plants positioned at the back, alongside a moss string I acquired from Petco. Currently, the sole inhabitant is a snail accompanied by its offspring. Bladder snails, being hermaphroditic, can reproduce without a mate. Although I attempted to introduce shrimp, they unfortunately perish within a few hours of introduction. It is possible that either I acclimated them too quickly or there is an underlying issue with the water quality. However, I have ordered an API Aquarium Test Kit from Amazon, which will enable me to identify the source of the problem.
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