An aquarium is a man-made ecosystem that is contained in a large, usually clear enclosure. Aquariums contain whatever animals people choose to put in them. An aquarium like we would find in a classroom would likely contain different types of fish, leeches, crabs, and snails. Larger aquariums like those found in museums and places like Sea World, can contain animals as large as turtles, sharks, octopus, rays and corals. Smaller aquariums contain limited plant life, which is mostly flowerless plants like algae, grass or small lilypads.
Aquariums are a man-made ecosystem, and are unique in that many of the things needed for life are provided by man or machines. Light and light energy is provided by the aquarium light bulb. Fresh water is provided by the filter, which sucks the water out of the tank, cleans it, and returns it to the tank. While the aquarium light can be considered a source of energy (food), most of the food is provided by adding fish food pellets or flakes to the tank. Other Sources: Aquarium Information Parts of an Aquarium |