Due to circumstances beyond our control, the 2 liter bottles are not
readily available to use for the ecocolumns in the STC Ecosystems
module. We believe we have come up with a good replacement
using 32 oz. deli containers and lids.
The 3 bottles that were cut down into 3 column pieces – A, C, and T – are being
replaced by 2 deli containers and 2 lids.
The first container, “A”, is un-altered from its
original state, except the A marking.
The second container, “T”, has been drilled through the bottom in several places
for drainage.
The 4” square of screen is now a 3-1/2” circle that
fits in the bottom of the terrarium.
You will find it necessary to reduce the amount of soil
and gravel in order to leave room for the plants to grow.
Using ½ to 2/3rds the amount suggested in the book
should work just fine.
The first lid is un-marked and un-cut. This can be used to put under the
Terrarium when it is first set up (Lesson 2), to catch drips.
The second lid is marked with a circle and has a starter slit in the center. This lid
can easily be cut with scissors along the line. When finished, it becomes the “lid”
on the aquarium. When joined with the terrarium (Lesson 7) it holds the
terrarium up out of the water and serves as the “C” (Connector).
When assembled, your ecocolumn should look like this (except yours will have
fish, snails, bugs and plants):
As an attempt at recycling and cost saving, we’d like to try to reuse these items
next year.
Thanks to Angie Ruzika and Eugene District 4J for sharing this design!