I Made a Tiny Ecosystem Out of an Abandoned Fish Tank (And Let It Grow)

Updated: February 26, 2025

tanks for nothin


Summary

The video showcases the process of setting up a mini aquarium that evolves into a thriving ecosystem. From stabilizing the tank to introducing a diverse array of creatures like shrimp, catfish, and Indostomus, the speaker carefully builds and monitors the habitat. Over four months, the tank experiences growth and development, with shrimp babies hatching, populations increasing, and detailed observations of the tank's natural evolution. However, challenges such as excessive foam and the need to relocate guppies highlight the ongoing maintenance and dynamic nature of an aquarium ecosystem.


Setting Up the Mini Aquarium

The speaker sets up a mini aquarium, sparking an ecosystem that quickly grows out of control. The process involves stabilizing the aquarium, building a unique cast of tiny creatures, and setting up a new home for the overflowing population.

Tank Cleaning and Scaping

The tank needed cleaning before being ready for scaping. The speaker scraped and wiped the tank, cut it in half, and turned it into a base. They filled it with water, checked for leaks, and prepared it on a small scale before using it for a bigger project.

Creating Hiding Spaces

The speaker cuts spaces for shrimp to hide, glues rocks, pours sand into sections, adds topsoil, driftwood, and frogbit plants. They tidy up the tank and let it grow naturally, observing the shrimp population and their behavior.

Introduction of Anchors and Fish

Anchor catfish are added to the tank, known for their hiding skills. The speaker decides to add a fish that looks like a fish and describes its behavior. The tank also hosts Indostomus feeding on microfauna and other aquatic life.

Shrimp Reproduction and Tank Development

Shrimp babies grow, evidenced by shed exoskeletons and egg-carrying females. The speaker counts mothers with eggs, observes their growth, and notes the tank's development over four months. The foam in the tank takes up too much space, and guppies are not moved across.


FAQ

Q: What is the process described in the file?

A: The process described in the file is setting up and maintaining a small freshwater aquarium ecosystem.

Q: What steps were taken to prepare the aquarium for the ecosystem?

A: Steps taken to prepare the aquarium included stabilizing it, cleaning it, cutting it in half to turn it into a base, filling it with water, checking for leaks, and preparing it on a small scale before scaling it up for a bigger project.

Q: What elements were added to the aquarium to create a suitable environment for the creatures?

A: Elements added to the aquarium included spaces for shrimp to hide, rocks, sand in sections, topsoil, driftwood, frogbit plants, and eventually anchor catfish and Indostomus feeding on microfauna.

Q: What signs indicated the growth and development of the shrimp population?

A: Signs of growth and development of the shrimp population included shed exoskeletons, egg-carrying females, and the observation of shrimp babies growing over time.

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