Guide on how to make a self sustainable shrimp ecosphere

Here’s a full guide on how to make a shrimp ecosphere, especially designed for Opae ʻUla (Hawaiian red shrimp). These self-sustaining mini-ecosystems are beautiful, low-maintenance, and long-lasting—often thriving for years without feeding or cleaning when done correctly.
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🧪 Materials Needed
• Glass container (1–5 quarts, sealed or semi-sealed; mason jars, orbs, or vases work well)
• Marine salt mix (not aquarium salt)
• RO/Distilled water (no tap water)
• Substrate: black sand, crushed coral, or lava rock gravel
• Hardscape: lava rocks, coral rubble, or small ocean-safe stones
• Macroalgae: Chaetomorpha, Gracilaria, or Marimo moss ball (optional but ideal)
• Decor (optional): seashells, small driftwood (rarely used), small ceramic decor
• Live Shrimp: Opae ʻUla (start with 3–10 for small ecosphere)

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🌊 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Brackish Water
1. Mix marine salt with RO or distilled water.
2. Aim for a specific gravity of 1.010–1.014 using a refractometer or hydrometer.
3. Let the water rest 24 hours before adding to the ecosphere.

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Step 2: Layer the Ecosphere Base
1. Add a thin layer (½–1 inch) of substrate to the bottom of the jar.
2. Stack lava rocks or hardscape to mimic natural anchialine pools.
3. Add macroalgae or moss ball to oxygenate and support nutrient balance.

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Step 3: Add Brackish Water
1. Slowly pour the premixed saltwater into the jar to avoid clouding.
2. Leave some air at the top (if not sealing fully).

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Step 4: Introduce Shrimp
1. Acclimate shrimp by floating their bag in the ecosphere for 20–30 mins.
2. Slowly drip in ecosphere water to equalize salinity and temp.
3. Gently release shrimp into the container.

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Step 5: Position and Seal
• Place the ecosphere near indirect sunlight or under an LED desk lamp for 8–12 hours a day.
• Optional: Seal lightly with a lid or cork. Avoid airtight seals unless testing full ecosphere models.
• Avoid temperature extremes (ideal: 68–80°F).

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🧬 How It Becomes Self-Sustaining
• Shrimp graze on algae and biofilm.
• Algae produce oxygen and consume waste.
• Bacteria in substrate break down organic material.
• No filter or heater is needed—balance is maintained by natural cycling.

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🛠️ Maintenance Tips
• Do not feed unless algae growth is minimal. Even then, feed tiny amounts monthly.
• Top off with distilled water when it evaporates—don’t add salt mix when topping off.
• No water changes are needed unless something goes wrong (cloudiness, smell).
• Avoid placing in direct sun or near heat sources.

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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Using tap water (chlorine = death)
• Overfeeding (causes ammonia spikes)
• Too many shrimp (overcrowding ruins balance)
• Sealing the jar completely without allowing for gas exchange (unless tested and stable)

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✅ Suggested Starter Setup

Component Example
Container 1 qt glass jar with lid
Saltwater 1.012 SG, marine salt + RO water
Substrate 1 inch lava gravel
Decoration 1 Marimo ball, 2 lava rocks
Shrimp 5 Opae ʻUla

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🌱 Optional Add-ons
• Small snails like nerites (not always necessary)
• Small air hole drilled in lid if you want minimal gas exchange
• LED puck lights for display purposes