How to Build a Mini Ecosystem

An ecosystem is a functional unit in which energy and matter are transferred in and out. Each ecosystem has abiotic factors, which include elements like water and energy, and biotic factors, like animals and plants. The energy flow within the system is initiated from interactions between these factors. The Earth is considered a macro ecosystem, and it encompasses everything that is living and providing for life here. Diverse, smaller ecosystems are in every region of the planet; all share the same basic sustaining principles.

Things You'll Need

• Glass or plastic container with lid
• Pebbles
• Activated charcoal
• Potting soil
• Small terrestrial plants
• Small terrestrial snails
• Water

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Instructions

• 1

  Layer the bottom of the container with pebbles. New pebbles from a pet supply store are easiest to use. If you collect pebbles from outside in a natural habitat, wash them in plain water, with no soap, so you do not introduce too many foreign bacteria into the ecosystem.

• 2

  Layer activated charcoal on top of the pebbles. Activated charcoal is available in the aquarium section at a pet supply store. The layer should be around 1 inch thick and will provide aeration. Layer potting soil on top of the charcoal, around 2 inches thick.

• 3

  Place plants inside the ecosystem. Any small native plant species will work. Dig the plants, keeping the root systems intact, and replant them in the soil in your ecosystem container. Water the plants thoroughly. After watering, the soil should be somewhat drenched; this water will maintain your ecosystem as it moves through the system.

• 4

  Place terrestrial snails inside the container. Small terrestrial snails live in lightly wooded areas in temperate climates and are also available at most pet stores. The snails will eat the plants and the waste produced will fertilize them.

• 5

  Put the lid on the container and set it in indirect sunlight. Remove the lid to apply additional water every month or so, if needed. Remove the lid if an abundance of condensation has built up in the ecosystem to let it dry out. After it has dried, put the lid back on.