Review for Small 5" Pod EcoSphere

Self-contained and self-sufficient ecosystem—no maintenance required.

Please upgrade your Flash Player in order to view the product image...
Click here to install latest Flash Player
EcoSphere is a calming balance of earth, water, air and life--all parts of a working self-sufficient ecosystem that's much more than science; it's an original work of art. The delicate coexistence of animal and plant life (red shrimp, algae and microbes) thrives in the handblown glass sphere of seawater. It's easy to care for--just provide sufficient light and enjoy the aesthetic blend of science and art, beauty and balance. This technology was developed by NASA scientists as part of a growing initiative to study our planet's biosphere. Makes a unique gift for those who contemplate the mystery of life on our planet and enjoy the serenity of nature!

The inside story
EcoSphere is a delicate balance of earth, water, air and life--all parts of a working ecosystem.

Light--the foundation of life.
Fluorescent light or indirect sunlight provides everything your ecosystem needs; there's no feeding or cleaning required.

Seawater--provides the backdrop for this educational, self-contained marine environment.

Red shrimp--chosen for their nonaggressive tendencies towards one another, these tiny crustaceans live in perfect harmony with their mini environment.

Algae--healthy growth sustains and nourishes shrimp by supplying food and oxygen.

Microbes--to feed the algae.

Other materials--Gorgonia sprig, gravel, shells and glass provide ample hiding places and smooth surfaces for microbes to attach themselves to and thrive.

Glimpse into the future
This technology was developed by scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory as part of a growing initiative to study our planet's biosphere. NASA was researching self-contained communities for space explorers to live in during long-term flights. Out of this research came EcoSphere--a world in perfect balance.

Life expectancy
EcoSphere has an average life expectancy of two years; however, in the right conditions some have lived for up to 10 years.

For best results:
  • Do not shake!
  • Supply 6-12 hours of light a day
  • Avoid direct sunlight
  • Keep temperature at 60-85°F


    • SHIPPING WILL BE DELAYED DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER.THIS ITEM SHIPS FEDEX OVERNIGHT. CUSTOMER MUST SIGN FOR PACKAGE AS IT CONTAINS LIVING CREATURES WHO WILL PERISH IF LEFT IN A DARK BOX FOR MORE THAN 48 HOURS OR IF THEY GET TOO COLD OR HOT.
    **SHIPS TO 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES ONLY.

    Order Now

    $65.00

    Please select an option
    waiting ...


     
     

    Small 5" Pod EcoSphere

    SKU# 355727p

    Customer Rating

    Review Snapshot®
    Avg. Customer Rating:
     
    4.9 stars
    (based on 10 reviews)
    100% of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

    Customers most agreed on the following attributes:

    Pros:
    Durable(4), Good value(3), High quality(7)
    Cons:
    Pricey(3)
     
    Great Gift!
    Review for Small 5" Pod EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By Ann from New York on 10/6/2009
    Gift:
    Yes
    Pros:
    Easy To Setup, Easy to Use, Efficient, Quality Construction, Reliable
    Best Uses:
    Everyday Use, Home, Office
    Describe Yourself:
    Quality Oriented
    Primary use:
    Personal
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE POD 5 INCH:

    I bought this for my boyfriend in November 2008 as an early, EARLY Christmas gift :-) I had intended to wait to give it to him, but it was so cool that I just had to give it to him right away! He works in the office of a Fortune 500 company and is the type of guy who simply doesn't bother to decorate ANYTHING, so I wanted to get him something to perk-up his desk and hopefully give him something to look at to de-stress on those awful days we all have. "The Boys" (as he calls them) have done great for nearly a year, surviving and thriving on your typical office lighting. He's had a few people comment on them, with one co-worker begging to know where he got it because it was "so cool!" Definitely a good gift for any adult and well worth the money. Makes me feel good to know that I was able to give him a unique and relaxing group of "pets" that he can enjoy at work while still appearing professional :-)

     
    I would recommend this to everyone
    Review for Small 5" Pod EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By PLVerified Purchaser from New York, NY on 1/16/2009
    Gift:
    Yes
    Pros:
    Interesting
    Cons:
    Expensive
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE POD 5 INCH:

    Only a couple of months old, so far its been great. Doesn't take up that much space. Very interesting to watch what the little guys are doing. Easy maintenance, but the instructions are not that detailed. Not sure if i'm giving them too much light or not enough light.

     
    Amazing Gift
    Review for Small 5" Pod EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By Lyn from IL on 1/7/2009
    Gift:
    Yes
    Pros:
    High Quality

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE POD 5 INCH:

    I got this gift in 2002 as a random "Thank You"
    It is amazing...all of the 4 shrimp are still alive and have grown double in size, one is almost the size os a tic tac. Great gift to get & give.

     
    Ecosphere
    Review for Small 5" Pod EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By BennettVerified Purchaser from Franklin, NC on 1/5/2009
    Gift:
    Yes
    Pros:
    Durable, High Quality
    Cons:
    Expensive
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE POD 5 INCH:

    I got this as a gift - it's certainly something for those who have 'everything'! Fascinating to watch, hopefully the shrimp will live for many years....

    [2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

     
    So unique!
    Review for Small 5" Pod EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By KMRVerified Purchaser from Houston, TX on 11/19/2008
    Gift:
    No
    Pros:
    Durable, Good Value, High Quality
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE POD 5 INCH:

    This is perfect for a professional office - I had contemplated getting a small aquarium, and due to the difficulties and feasibilty of cleaning it on a regular basis, opted for this instead. My little guys (scampi, sushi, sake, and red) are quite entertaining when I need a moment to "get away from it all" for a few minutes, and require NO care whatsoever. I can also go out of town with none of the usual pet worries. Visitors to my office are always intrigued!

    [3 of 3 customers found this review helpful]

     
    Rewarding gift to give or receive!
    Review for Small 5" Pod EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By leo11mVerified Reviewer from Portland, OR on 1/24/2008
    Pros:
    Durable, Good Value, High Quality
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE POD 5 INCH:

    I have been wanting an Ecosphere since high school/college, but I never got one. This past Christmas, I got one for myself as a present on a whim - finally. I walked into Brookstone to do some holiday shopping and was surprised to see Ecospheres right there in the store. I got one with four shrimp. One of my little guys did just recently perish, but the other three are doing very well. I may have been giving the pod too much light, so I have since reduced the amount of indirect light exposure in the living room, which is where I keep my pod. I am very pleased with my purchase, and I will surely recharge my system when the shrimp are someday gone.

     
    For the person who has everything
    Review for Small 5" Pod EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By Joe the ManVerified Purchaser from Sterling VA on 1/18/2008
    Pros:
    Durable, Good Value, High Quality, Unique
    Cons:
    Expensive, Express shipping was requ
    Best Uses:
    Conversation peice, It's Alive, Unique
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE POD 5 INCH:

    Low maintenace & pretty to look at

    [1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

     
    Pretty Amazing Christmas Gift
    Review for Small 5" Pod EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By Frankie PaigeVerified Purchaser from Bolivar, New York on 12/20/2007
    Pros:
    High Quality
    Best Uses:
    Great for small office, No feeding involved, They don't die
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE POD 5 INCH:

    The Ecosphere is self contained. There is no feeding or cleaning like a fish tank. No mess. Perfect for a small office space. Will keep you entertained without adding more work to your already hectic lifestyle. Makes the perfect Christmas present.

    [5 of 5 customers found this review helpful]

     
    Six years and counting...
    Review for Small 5" Pod EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By Lori from Long Island on 11/17/2007
    Pros:
    No fuss-no muss enjoyment
    Cons:
    None really
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE POD 5 INCH:

    As long as you keep it out of strong sunlight, the algae won't grow faster than the shrimp can eat it. Six years after I bought it, I still have four of them happily living without any interference from me.

    [3 of 3 customers found this review helpful]

     
    since April 2000
    Review for Small 5" Pod EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By Kathy the dentist with the pet shrimpVerified Reviewer from Duncanville,Tx on 8/4/2007
    Pros:
    High Quality, My pod had 4 shrimp to st
    Cons:
    Algae overgth overtime
    Best Uses:
    Conversationrelaxation
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE POD 5 INCH:

    I have enjoyed this pet for 7 years now.Originally there were 4 shrimp.Now there is only one. Unfortunately the pod is out of balance. I would like help to get it back into balance as I really enjoy watching
    Ringo swim around.

    alternative image tab

    Small 5" Pod EcoSphere

    SKU# 355727p

    Customer Rating

    X
    Small 5
    Small 5

    Small 5" Pod EcoSphere

    SKU# 355727p

    Customer Rating

    Warranty

    Brookstone/OSIM-branded products are backed by a one-year limited warranty

    Our innovative products will provide you and your family with years of enjoyment. And with the Brookstone Protection Plus service and replacement plans, you'll have the added peace of mind knowing that if the unexpected does happen, we will simply repair or replace your covered product.* Our enhanced coverage goes above and beyond the manufacturer's warranty, saving you time and money.

    Service Plan Benefits*

    shipping information tab

    Small 5" Pod EcoSphere

    SKU# 355727p

    Customer Rating

    • A shipping and processing surcharge of $20.00 applies to Small 5" Pod EcoSphere for Standard delivery.

      Your Small 5" Pod EcoSphere will be delivered within See SHIPPING DETAILS for information beginning the next business day after your purchase.
    		 

    Shopping Tools

    E-mail this page

    X
    * Required fields
    Cancel
     
    		 
    		 
    		 
    		 
    Review for Small 5" Pod EcoSphere
    Product Reviews by:
    Title Popularity Price

    View products by:
    Title Price Category
    View categories by:
    Title Category
    Popular Products by:
    Popularity Title Price
    Auto
    Home Decor
    Massage Chairs
    Health & Fitness
    Outdoor & Garden
    Travel
    Tempurpedic
    Tools

    Topseller products by:
    TopSeller Favorites Title Category