Echoes - Stromatolite Reef - Hypersaline
This is a journal discussion for a new setup I'm building to recreate a stromatolite reef environment. Stromatolites are pillow, pillar or mushroom-shaped underwater stone structures built by photosynthesizing microbial mats through complex processes. They were dominant features of the oceans through much of the Earth's history and fossil stromatolites are among the oldest evidence of life. But they began to decline in extent more than a billion years ago, probably as a consequence of competition and predation from eukaryotic organisms occupying the same habitats. Today, stromatolites only occur in special extreme environments, such as hypersaline lagoons, that exclude most competing life forms.
I have not found much evidence of stromatolite culture in aquariums, so this project is all experimental. I hope I can get results growing the microbial mats and the stromatolites by maintaining the right water chemistry and other parameters. Hardware is basic. The tank is a shallow square (24" X 24" X 10" [61cm X 61cm X 23cm]) illuminated with a Kessil A160 Tuna Sun and with an economy wavemaker powerhead for water movement.
The floor of this tank is expanded PVC sheet, which is substantially less costly and lighter in weight in comparison with thick plate glass. And practically unbreakable. Silicone sealant does not stick to PVC very well, but the seams are sealed around three sides and sandwiched in that plastic base, so I doubt I will get any leaks.
Here's the layout with grey aragonite sand and stone bases that are intended grow the stromatolite microbial mats. I flattened the top surfaces of this "dry live rock" by grinding against our concrete sidewalk, which is easy to do with such soft material.
Thanks for reading. I'll post more details and updates as I put this project together.
This is a journal discussion for a new setup I'm building to recreate a stromatolite reef environment. Stromatolites are pillow, pillar or mushroom-shaped underwater stone structures built by photosynthesizing microbial mats through complex processes. They were dominant features of the oceans through much of the Earth's history and fossil stromatolites are among the oldest evidence of life. But they began to decline in extent more than a billion years ago, probably as a consequence of competition and predation from eukaryotic organisms occupying the same habitats. Today, stromatolites only occur in special extreme environments, such as hypersaline lagoons, that exclude most competing life forms.
I have not found much evidence of stromatolite culture in aquariums, so this project is all experimental. I hope I can get results growing the microbial mats and the stromatolites by maintaining the right water chemistry and other parameters. Hardware is basic. The tank is a shallow square (24" X 24" X 10" [61cm X 61cm X 23cm]) illuminated with a Kessil A160 Tuna Sun and with an economy wavemaker powerhead for water movement.
The floor of this tank is expanded PVC sheet, which is substantially less costly and lighter in weight in comparison with thick plate glass. And practically unbreakable. Silicone sealant does not stick to PVC very well, but the seams are sealed around three sides and sandwiched in that plastic base, so I doubt I will get any leaks.
Here's the layout with grey aragonite sand and stone bases that are intended grow the stromatolite microbial mats. I flattened the top surfaces of this "dry live rock" by grinding against our concrete sidewalk, which is easy to do with such soft material.
Thanks for reading. I'll post more details and updates as I put this project together.
Last edited: