Review for Small 4" Round EcoSphere

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

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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.

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    Small 4" Round EcoSphere

    SKU# 355735p

    Customer Rating

    Review Snapshot®
    Avg. Customer Rating:
     
    4.6 stars
    (based on 16 reviews)
    94% of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

    Customers most agreed on the following attributes:

    Pros:
    Durable(4), Good value(7), High quality(8)
     
    Very relaxing and meditative to watch
    Review for Small 4" Round EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By mel91 from Los Angeles, CA on 10/7/2009
    Gift:
    Yes
    Pros:
    Easy To Setup, Easy to Use, Efficient, Good Value, Quality Construction, Reliable
    Describe Yourself:
    Quality Oriented
    Primary use:
    Personal
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE SPHERE 4 INCH:

    I'm amazed that after almost 8 years, 2 of the red shrimps are still alive and swimming vivaciously. I read they were meant to only survive a year or so and am happily surprised that I get to enjoy these little shrimps swimming to and fro in the ecosphere. At first I was hesitant about spending so much money, but now it's totally worth the cost. I will be buying another one later on if the shrimps finally expire. I highly recommend it.

     
    Beautiful and worth it!
    Review for Small 4" Round EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By JD of ATLVerified Reviewer from Atlanta, GA on 7/21/2009
    Gift:
    Yes
    Pros:
    Easy To Setup, Easy to Use, Efficient, Quality Construction, Reliable
    Best Uses:
    Everyday Use
    Describe Yourself:
    Quality Oriented
    Primary use:
    Personal
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE SPHERE 4 INCH:

    I have had my eco-sphere for 5 years now. Pepe, my sole surviving shrimp named after the Muppet, has lived a lonely existence as his other 5 friends that arrived with him passed within six months of receiving the sphere as a gift. I was living in Florida at the time and we had multiple hurricanes that season and the sphere spent a lot of time out of sunlight when we were evacuated. That being said, I have been amazed by the sphere and Pepe's ability to survive and entertain. The glass is sturdy and has survived multiple moves, including 12-hour drives and bumpy roads. I say hello to Pepe in the morning and sometimes get lost watching him swim around. Highly recommend for an office or a friend who travels and can't have other pets.

     
    not good
    Review for Small 4" Round EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By dani from co on 7/8/2009
    Gift:
    No
    Pros:
    Pretty
    Cons:
    Cruel
    Bottom Line:
    No, I would not recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE SPHERE 4 INCH:

    This system is not complete and will let your shrimp starve to death over the course of time. Why not set up an actual tank with shrimp instead? It's more fun to build one, you can find very stylish tanks and there are plenty of varieties of freshwater shrimp to keep.

     
    gift for the person who has everything
    Review for Small 4" Round EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By kk from florida on 4/16/2009
    Gift:
    Yes
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE SPHERE 4 INCH:

    Gift to my boss about 6 years ago. Still in the office going strong. Just like another post stated, originally started with 3 shrimp but now only one. There is something fascinating about watching the little shrimp swim around.

     
    The Best!!!
    Review for Small 4" Round EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By Amandatory from San Diego, CA on 3/20/2009
    Gift:
    Yes
    Pros:
    Cool conversation piece, Interesting
    Cons:
    none
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE SPHERE 4 INCH:

    We have had our biosphere for over 7 years. I originally purchased it for my then boyfriend, now husband and it has been a fun reminder of the beginning of our time together. We have moved with our biosphere and it has been happy in every place we've lived. The only disturbing thing is that our biosphere once had 3 shrimp in it and now only has one big one. He resorted to cannabalism, another interesting study in survival and nature!

     
    No fuss pet
    Review for Small 4" Round EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By SamVerified Purchaser from Charleston WV on 1/16/2009
    Gift:
    Yes
    Pros:
    Durable, High Quality
    Cons:
    Expensive
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE SPHERE 4 INCH:

    Great for college dorm rooms. [...]

    [2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

     
    Ecosphere makes a great gift
    Review for Small 4" Round EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By DonVerified Reviewer from Augusta, ME on 3/5/2008
    Pros:
    Durable, Good Value, High Quality
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE SPHERE 4 INCH:

    My 4" diameter Ecosphere is now 3 years old and going strong. It requires no care other than normal room temperature, a bright spot out of direct sunlight, and an occasional dusting. The small red shrimp are very active and interesting to watch.

     
    Amazing!
    Review for Small 4" Round EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By Alex from Boston, MA on 2/17/2008
    Pros:
    Durable, Good Value, High Quality
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE SPHERE 4 INCH:

    I had one of these things for 4 years and would have had it longer if someone hadn't shaken it too hard. The first 3 out of 4 shrimp died within about a year but the last lived until the shaking incident. I had the optimal amount of algae with an indirect light source and it hardly required any cleaning. I will get another one soon!

     
    very cool product...would recommend
    Review for Small 4" Round EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By catVerified Purchaser from south carolina on 1/11/2008
    Pros:
    High Quality
    Best Uses:
    For my husbands desk
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE SPHERE 4 INCH:

    It is just a cool product. I can't say it is useful, but it is a great concept and fun to watch.

     
    Review of 4 Inch Ecosphere
    Review for Small 4" Round EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By ChadVerified Purchaser from Suffolk, VA on 1/11/2008
    Pros:
    Good Value, High Quality
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE SPHERE 4 INCH:

    [...] it was a great present for my girlfriend. She loves it.

     
    Exciting
    Review for Small 4" Round EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By Science FiendVerified Purchaser from Sarasota, FL on 1/11/2008
    Pros:
    Durable, Good Value, High Quality
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE SPHERE 4 INCH:

    Very interesting and scientific.

     
    A jreat pet
    Review for Small 4" Round EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By keaton from lexington, ky on 11/25/2007
    Pros:
    Best pet their is
    Cons:
    Expensive
    Best Uses:
    Just to look at and enjoy
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE SPHERE 4 INCH:

    I think they are the best pets on the market and i plan to give them to my teacher since this is her first year i think she should Have a first class pet.

    [1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

     
    My ecosphere is an entertainment.
    Review for Small 4" Round EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By Mitt the motherVerified Purchaser from Ashburn VA on 10/23/2007
    Pros:
    Eye-catching
    Cons:
    Breakable
    Best Uses:
    As entertainment
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE SPHERE 4 INCH:

    It requires no care and it lasts for years.

    [1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

     
    Great for your desktop
    Review for Small 4" Round EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By NixinatorVerified Purchaser from Huntington Beach, Ca on 10/22/2007
    Pros:
    Good Value, High Quality
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE SPHERE 4 INCH:

    I keep it on my desk. I look at it when I want to relax or when I'm day dreaming or spacing out.

    [1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]

     
    Love my Biosphere
    Review for Small 4" Round EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By IanVerified Reviewer from Odenton, MD on 9/10/2007
    Pros:
    High Quality
    Best Uses:
    Bookshelf, Office
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE SPHERE 4 INCH:

    I love my little biosphere. It's the perfect pet for work because all it needs is light... no need to feed, change water or anything else. The three little red shrimp are always swimming around and eating the algae that grows.

     
    Perfect for your home or office
    Review for Small 4" Round EcoSphere - Customer Ratings
    By nsar from Illinois on 8/5/2007
    Pros:
    Good Value
    Bottom Line:
    Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    Comments about SM ECOSPHERE SPHERE 4 INCH:

    This is a beautiful product, the perfect balance. Aesthetically pleasing little globe which is its own little world. Nothing gets in or out besides the light and yet because it is so perfectly balanced the little inhabitants can live together peacefully. The busy little shrimp buzz around the sphere floating through the water, its just truly beautiful and great for your office, or home.

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    Small 4" Round EcoSphere

    SKU# 355735p

    Customer Rating

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    Small 4 Round EcoSphere
    Small 4 Round EcoSphere

    Small 4" Round EcoSphere

    SKU# 355735p

    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*

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    Small 4" Round EcoSphere

    SKU# 355735p

    Customer Rating

    • A shipping and processing surcharge of $20.00 applies to Small 4" Round EcoSphere for Standard delivery.

      Your Small 4" Round EcoSphere will be delivered within See SHIPPING DETAILS for information beginning the next business day after your purchase.
    		 
     
    		 
    		 
    		 
    		 
    Review for Small 4" Round EcoSphere
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