Dynamic Aquaria

9780120437900

0120437902

Dynamic Aquaria is a unique book based on scientifically sound information for a major new area of aquarium science, synthetic ecology, or the construction of living ecosystems. Major new concepts are presented that will provide the reader with practical advice on how to more closely approximate natural ecosystems in closed, artificial environments. Interactions of the physical and biochemical environments as they relate to various size model systems-mesocosms, microcosms, and aquaria-are explained. A core ecological concept, the food web, is also introduced into aquarium science and the problems that arise when the dynamics of the food web and the community structure become compressed are discussed. the authors also present thoughtful perspectives on how understanding our wild ecosystems and our ability to simulate them increases our knowledge of ecology and our biosphere. Several model ecosystems are covered, including the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Everglades mesocosms, and salt brackish and fresh water ecosystems of smaller aquarium size.