How to Make an Aquatic Ecosystem in a Bottle

Creating an aquatic ecosystem in a bottle is a simple way to observe nature. While the sophistication of a bottled ecosystem is limited, you can incorporate all the aspects necessary for marine life to survive. Remember to feed your animals to increase the longevity of the environment, and refresh the water periodically to limit the amount of water-borne viruses that can infect your animals. Fish or snails are ideal species to place in a small bottle.

Things You'll Need

• 2 two-liter plastic bottles
• 4 cups of gravel
• Aquatic plants
• Fish or snails
• Scissors

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Wash about four cups of gravel.

   • 2

     Cut the top off a bottle and add gravel to about 1/3.

   • 3

     Add water to about the halfway point of the bottle.

   • 4

     Insert aquatic plants such as ferns or a water lily.

   • 5

     Place fish or snails in the bottle. Any larger water animal won't have enough room to live.

   • 6

     Cut the top third off another bottle. Poke holes in its sides for air circulation. Insert it into the top of the first bottle.