Ecosystems by Design

[bedard]

Here's a complete ecosystem aquarium type that I've seen on TV last week.

Ecosystems by Design Company Information

A kind of upgrade of the El Natural tank where you don't have to feed the fish anymore because the system creates it's own food.

A really interesting project !


You can have a look at the TV screening but unfortunately for most of you guys, it's french.

La semaine verte | zone Information | Radio-Canada.ca

 

[tedr108]

A little pricey for me, but very cool concept...

Reminds me of my summer outdoor tubs (only for fish that can handle temperature fluctuations) ... happy fish, feeding only necessary at fairly high fish loads, lots of breeding ...

 

[VaughnH]

That is an interesting service, and it is primarily an aquarium installation and upkeep service. I hope someone who tries this will let us know how it works out.

 

[Tom Barr]

I'll do it using a non CO2 planted tank and if the client adds water and feeds the fish once in awhile, I'll be happy to charge you a weekly or monthly fee and show up once every 6-12 months for the service

Non CO2 tanks do the same thing, in FW, using plants, not algae will work better for cycling and export of wastewater. See the Algae scrubber thread for marine systems.

I'm not keen on so many inverts, worms etc etc, I know parasites and other issues will ensue with many species of fish.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[waehner]

That is a fascinating science project, probably not the most effective way to manage an aquarium. Specifically, I wonder what prevents pockets of the compost from becoming anaerobic and foul. I also wonder what keeps the insect "pets" in.

Outdoors, this kind of system can be very efficient at producing edible fish and purifying water. Google "aquaponics" or "permaculture" if you're interested. While these topics aren't terribly relevant to the hobby of aquascaping, the skills and knowledge used in the hobby all apply to aquaculture systems.