Made this biosphere about three days ago using what I could find around a local pond (except for the bird skull which I found on a walk).
I put in about half a dozen isopods, but they all seem to have vanished (not sure if they’ve found hiding spots or what).
Didn’t expect for the substrate to compact as much as it did, so the waterline of the reservoir is higher than I intended.
Slightly concerned at the sight of mold growth which can be seen around some of the wood pieces and the bird skull, and am wondering if I should introduce microfauna such as springtails.
Would appreciate any advice as to the sustainability of my project!
by FirmGrasperOfThroats
1 Comment
Definitely springtails! There’s never a no answer if you should put any in there or not :).
Since you asked for feedback, there are quite a few things that need improving/changing before this has a good chance of thriving.
Lets start with the moisture. I have a saying “when u see water sitting in the pot, it’s bound to rot”.
This is when something what’s called a “false bottom” comes into play. It’s an about 1 inch layer of pebbles or stones with the soil on top. This way the water can run through the soil and you can see if something collects on the bottom. If it doesn’t that’s the indicator that it’s too much.
I still don’t know exactly why some setups grow mold and why some don’t, but I know springtails will take care of it if there is something left to save.
The other thing is the window placement. If the sun shines through it into the jar, it’ll start cooking.
As to the isopods…they would have needed leaf litter and a lot less moisture.
Keep on trying! Any chance u can find some moss to add and cover up the soil? Drain some of the water, add springtails and take it out of the sun, remove the wood pieces, cuz those add to the mold growth (at least in my personal experience, dunno if it’s a thing or not)..