Bio Bowl Terrariums are DIY terrarium kits designed for hobbyists to create lush, self-contained planted displays, often used for terrestrial or emersed aquatic plants. Below is a detailed description of their sizes, shapes, and components based on available information:
Sizes and Shapes
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Size: suitable for desktops or small spaces, making them ideal for home or office settings. They are typically smaller than large aquariums or fish tanks, likely ranging from small (e.g., 5–10 inches in diameter) to medium sizes, based on their comparison to fish bowls or similar glass containers.
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Shape: Bio Bowls are spherical or bowl-shaped, made from borosilicate glass, which is durable and clear, providing a 360-degree view of the terrarium. The design is open-topped or includes a slotted lid for ventilation, distinguishing it from fully sealed terrariums. The spherical shape is often likened to a “rose bowl” or fishbowl, offering a wide mouth for easy planting and maintenance.
Components
Bio Bowl Terrarium kits are designed to provide the essential foundation for a terrarium, leaving room for customization with plants and hardscape. The kits typically include the following components:
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Container: A borosilicate glass bowl, which is heat-resistant and transparent, ensuring durability and optimal visibility. Some kits may include an aluminum alloy frame or components for structural support.
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Integrated LED Light: A full-spectrum LED light system with adjustable brightness (three levels) and preset timer options (three settings) to support plant growth. The light also serves as a partial cover, with a slotted design to ensure proper airflow and prevent plant drying.
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Planting Substrates: Two types of substrate are included, typically tailored for terrestrial or marginal plants, providing a nutrient-rich base for growth. These substrates are designed to support plant roots and maintain appropriate moisture levels.
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Sphagnum Moss: Included to retain moisture, enhance aesthetics, and support plant health. Moss helps create a natural, lush appearance and aids in humidity regulation.
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Seiryu Accent Stones: Small decorative stones that add a natural, rocky aesthetic to the terrarium, serving as part of the hardscape foundation.
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Optional Additions (Not Included): The kit does not include plants or driftwood, allowing users to select their preferred species (e.g., succulents, air plants, ferns, or small tropical plants) and additional hardscape elements like driftwood or larger rocks to personalize the setup.
Additional Notes
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Customization: The Bio Bowl emphasizes flexibility, encouraging users to choose plants and hardscape elements to create a unique ecosystem. Suitable plants include small, slow-growing species like mosses, ferns, or air plants for closed setups, or succulents and cacti for open terrariums, depending on the desired humidity.
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Care and Maintenance: The open or ventilated design requires occasional watering (e.g., every couple of weeks or when soil is dry) to avoid overwatering, as there’s no drainage hole. The LED light ensures adequate illumination, but the terrarium should be placed in bright, indirect light to prevent overheating.