Bottle Biosphere Guide File

Light intensity, temperature, nutrient levels, and container volume determine carrying capacity. Overloading with organisms or organic matter leads to eutrophication and collapse.

| Component | Purpose | |-----------|---------| | Clear glass bottle/jar (1–5 L) | Transparency for light; glass holds shape better than plastic | | Gravel or small stones | Drainage layer | | Activated charcoal | Prevents mold & odors | | Potting soil (organic, no fertilizers) | Substrate for plants | | Sphagnum moss | Retains moisture | | Distilled or spring water | Avoids chlorine and chemicals | | Aquatic plants: Elodea , Java moss , Duckweed | Oxygen production | | Land plants: Fittonia , Selaginella , small ferns | Low-light, high-humidity species | | Small animals (optional): Ramshorn snails , Opae'ula shrimp , springtails | Algae control, decomposition | | Cork or rubber stopper + sealant | Airtight closure | Bottle Biosphere Guide

To create a bottle biosphere, you must build a self-sustaining closed system that mimics the Earth's natural cycles small ferns | Low-light

Compare biospheres under red, blue, white, and green LEDs springtails | Algae control

Last updated: November 2024