Closed Aquatic Ecosystem, Small Sphere, with Turntable Base
Brand | EcoSphere |
Target Species | Shrimp |
Material | Glass |
Special Feature | Lightweight |
Item Weight | 16 ounces |
Shape | Round |
Style | Modern |
Color | clear |
Included Components | Care handbook, EcoSphere, Turntable base |
About this item
- No maintenance aquarium, a complete miniature world
- World's first totally enclosed ecosystem utilizing NASA technology
- Unique gift item, perfect blend of science and art
Customer ratings by feature
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This Item EcoSphere Closed Aquatic Ecosystem, Small Sphere, with Turntable Base | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
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Price | Currently unavailable. | $89.95$89.95 | $89.99$89.99 | $45.00$45.00 | -8% $219.95$219.95 List: $239.45 | $26.99$26.99 |
Delivery | — | Get it Apr 4 - 9 | Get it Apr 4 - 8 | Get it Apr 1 - 3 | Get it Apr 5 - 10 | Get it as soon as Sunday, Mar 31 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Giftable | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 3.5 | — | 4.4 |
Value for money | 3.9 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 3.2 | — | — |
Easy to assemble | — | 5.0 | 4.6 | 5.0 | — | 4.7 |
Sold By | — | pet shrimps | Rainforest Aquarium | Orchid Gene | pet shrimps | mafeng000 |
tank volume | — | 9 fluid ounces | 8.5 fluid ounces | — | 0.5 gallons | — |
material | Glass | Glass | Glass | Glass | Glass | Glass, Borosilicate Glass |
shape | Round | sphere | Round | Round | — | Conical |
weight | 1 pounds | 1 pounds | 1 pounds | — | — | — |
style | Modern | shrimp bubble gold | Small Ecosystem | Modern | Modern | Compact |
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Product guides and documents
Product details
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- Product Dimensions : 4 x 4 x 4 inches; 1 Pounds
- Item model number : Small Sphere with Base
- Date First Available : April 23, 2015
- Manufacturer : Ecosphere Associates, inc
- ASIN : B00WJ5PC5M
- Customer Reviews:
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Customer Review: The Best Pet Ever
Karen•in•California☀️
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Customer Review: A View into a Shrimp’s World
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Customer Review: Most beautiful gift ever
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Product Description
Small Sphere EcoSphere (4" diameter) with turntable base. This fascinating enclosed world contains 3 to 4 marine shrimp, algae and micro-organisms. Made from hand blown glass, each EcoSphere is a completely enclosed, self-sustaining little world. The EcoSphere only needs indirect light and comfortable room temperature (between 60F and 80F.) The EcoSphere works on the basis that a closed system recycles its nutrients and does not produce excess waste. The shrimp consume the algae and micro-organisms and they, in turn, break down the shrimp waste. External light, either artificial or natural, keeps the algae growing. There is no feeding or water changes required.
WARNING:
CHOKING HAZARD -- WARNING: This product contains small magnets. Swallowed magnets can stick together across intestines causing serious infections and death. Seek immediate medical attention if magnets are swallowed or inhaled.
Important information
Directions
The EcoSphere only needs indirect light and comfortable room temperature (between 60 and 80 Fahrenheit)
Legal Disclaimer
Due to the live nature of the product EcoSpheres only ship to the continental USA, they cannot be shipped to Alaska, Hawaii, AFO/FPO, PO boxes, nor Internationally due to export/import requirements.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the size, gift-giving, and entertainment value of the vivarium. For example, they mention it contains 4 good size shrimp, is perfect size to sit on a desk, and is a whole world in a small container. That said, some disagree on value and quality.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the vivarium. For example, they mention it's very cool to look at, an elegant centerpiece, and a conversational piece for visitors. Some appreciate the cute details and the fact that it makes the entire space look innovative. That said, some complain about the condensation build-up in the sphere.
"...It came with four awesome little shrimp, a snail, moss and a great piece of drift wood. The shrimp were red and active...." Read more
"...They never cease to entertain me. They are so cute and fun and it brightens the day for my friends and family when they receive my constant pictures..." Read more
"...Adorable shrimp, easy to take care of, and an overall good quality tank!! Definite purchase!" Read more
"...It's a simple and elegant system" Read more
Customers find the vivarium entertaining to watch. They say the shrimp are cute, mesmerizing, and delightful. Customers also say the ecosystem is relaxing and interesting to watch, and that it brightens their day.
"...I will be a repeat customer. Wonderful little ecosystem for a nice oasis of life on your desk, right before your eyes." Read more
"...They never cease to entertain me. They are so cute and fun and it brightens the day for my friends and family when they receive my constant pictures..." Read more
"...shipped as Christmas presents. They are beautiful and fascinating to look at." Read more
"...This is a very enjoyable fun and creative item to have. It's definitely something that interests anyone who sees it...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the gift. They mention it's a good gift for a child with low maintenance requirements. They also say it'll make a creative and elegant gift.
"...It comes with overnight shipping and well-packaged to protect from breakage and temperature extremes...." Read more
"...It has wonderful foam to wrap around it to keep it safe. 100% giftable!..." Read more
"...This is a good gift for a child or situation with low maintenance requirements...." Read more
"...And he would love to be able to own a pet. Perfect gift! The first one I ordered the shrimp were all dead...." Read more
Customers like the size of the vivarium. They mention it's bigger than expected, perfect size to sit on their desk, and a whole world in a small container. Some appreciate that the sphere seems to magnify the shrimp, and there is plenty of food to last a long time.
"...It is a visible, easy way to explain our planet's ecosystem to the younger (and sometimes older) members of the family...." Read more
"...The three shrimp were very healthy-looking, somewhat translucent with pink shading...." Read more
"...I was so happy! They made it. It was very well packed and had a heat pack included in the box..." Read more
"...It came with 4 shrimp. These shrimp are very, very tiny and can be difficult to see...." Read more
Customers find the ecosystem in the vivarium to be educational, easy to explain, and a great phenomena for biology class. They say the sphere and it really helps them understand matter cycles and energy flow. Customers also say it comes with instructions and other useful information. They mention the total enclosed eco system is amazing, and it's a good discussion starter.
"...It is a visible, easy way to explain our planet's ecosystem to the younger (and sometimes older) members of the family...." Read more
"Please read the all documentation when you get yours! The ecosystem is fully enclosed but still needs light and temperature regulation...." Read more
"...they all love to come check out the shrimp and it has been a great talking point when learning about ecosystems...." Read more
"...The magnifying effect of the glass makes it easy to watch their little legs and tail fans moving. They began chowing on the green algae with gusto...." Read more
Customers say the vivarium is easy to maintain. They say the pet shrimp require no upkeep. Customers also mention that the ecosphere provides low maintenance.
"...it once in a while with it's magnets, but otherwise it is a very low maintenance pet to have...." Read more
"...so entertainment value isn’t the same, but it is peaceful and very low maintenance. I love mine!..." Read more
"...These little buggers are entertaining to watch and a cool, no maintenance, little piece of nature...." Read more
"...Extremely low maintenance. My 3-year old says hi to them every morning and likes to watch them for a bit. He seems to enjoy them." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the vivarium. Some mention that all 4 shrimp are alive and kicking, while others say that all but three of the shrimp had died.
"...It was torn almost completely all the way around! I just knew the orb had to be broken and the shrimp dead...." Read more
"So I bought this two years and two months ago. It came with four awesome little shrimp, a snail, moss and a great piece of drift wood...." Read more
"...Unfortunately, by the second week of January, all but 3 of the shrimp had died, and those remaining died a few weeks later...." Read more
"...The first one was exactly as descibed. Four alive and happy shrimp swimming around! It's amazing how these shrimp can live in this closed system!..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the value of the vivarium. Some mention it's well worth the money, while others say it'll never buy anything like it again. Some say that it'd be a huge waste of money and a very expensive paperweight.
"...plus years of daily entertainment watching this mini world, it was well worth it...." Read more
"...So I know it wasn't temp that they died from. Very expensive paperweight. Because unfortunately every dang one of them died...." Read more
"...to be more the first year or so, but there are three now and they are doing great...." Read more
"...and still has two shrimp going strong I would say it is an excellent value...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2022
I was so excited to open the second box! I tore it open, pulled out the ecosphere, and to my horror all of the shrimp were dead. And not just dead but also shredded up in pieces. I think that the box was most likely mishandled during shipping. The poor shrimp got shaken up, and with the small stones, torn to shreds. Since my order had been fulfilled through Amazon it was super easy to get a replacement. No cost to send the "damaged" one back and had a replacement in a few days. The replacement had four live shrimp!
The one that I kept is still doing great after 3 months. The one that I gave as a gift is doing great too, and she loved it. She said it was the most unique gift she's ever gotten!
Update: Almost 2 years later and sadly 3 shrimp died after having them about 7-8 months but one is alive and well.
I think I had them in a spot that was getting too much sun during the summer months and this may have been a factor. It's important to follow the guidelines on amount of light and temperature.
Original:
i've seen quite a reviews stating these shrimp are slowly starving themselves to death. i would disagree, in the month i've had my sphere they regularly regenerate their waste line, and it becomes clear after they have a little shrimp bowel movement.
i am slightly concerned one shrimp is unhappy with the environment. two are red, and the third is red when i remove the cover or reintroduce light, but goes pale an hour or two later. unsure if this is just a reaction to UV light as well.
IMO - as long as you take care of these, the shrimp seem to be no more miserable than fish in an aquarium.
i will provide an update if my shrimp die or appear to be in poor health.
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2022
Original:
i've seen quite a reviews stating these shrimp are slowly starving themselves to death. i would disagree, in the month i've had my sphere they regularly regenerate their waste line, and it becomes clear after they have a little shrimp bowel movement.
i am slightly concerned one shrimp is unhappy with the environment. two are red, and the third is red when i remove the cover or reintroduce light, but goes pale an hour or two later. unsure if this is just a reaction to UV light as well.
IMO - as long as you take care of these, the shrimp seem to be no more miserable than fish in an aquarium.
i will provide an update if my shrimp die or appear to be in poor health.
I do recommend this, but only if the owner is going to monitor for the correct conditions. No different than making sure your fish is fed.
Top reviews from other countries
Possibly due to the postal process and cold weather? Seller was great and offered to refund or replace right away.