FAQ
There is algae growing in my ecosystem, is there something wrong?
Small amounts of algae are a sign of a healthy, well-balanced ecosystem and provides food for the inhabitants and added beauty to a natural environment. Large amounts of algae, while unaesthetic, are not dangerous. Algal outbreaks are usually a sign that something is out of balance, too much feeding, too much light etc. If you start to see unusual amounts of algal growth, Stillwater ecosystems will make the necessary adjustments during maintenance visits to keep growth to an acceptable level.
There are dry white lines at the edge of the water, is that normal?
Cincinnati area water is blessed with wonderfully hard water full of minerals that can appear anywhere water evaporates. You may notice it at home as spots on dishes, dry crust on your faucets, and many other places. The plants, fish, snails, and shrimp in your ecosystem thrive in this mineral-rich water. You may even see the invertebrates in your ecosystem grazing on the minerals at the water’s edge! During regular maintenance visits, Stillwater cleans the water’s edge to keep the accumulation of minerals to a minimum.
There seems to be more shrimp or snails in my ecosystem than I remember, is that possible?
As your ecosystem matures, is not uncommon for happy shrimp to reproduce, providing never-ending generations of interest! Snails can reproduce readily as well and in well balanced ecosystems their numbers self-regulate. Large numbers of snails usually are a sign of overfeeding. Adjustments to feeding schedule and regular removal during maintenance visits will keep snail numbers under control.
One of the fish is behaving abnormally, should I be concerned?
If you notice a change in behavior in one or more of your fish, notify Stillwater Ecosystems as soon as possible. Behavioral changes can be a sign that something may be wrong with that fish or the ecosystem. During maintenance visits, Stillwater checks the health of all the inhabitant and checks the water quality to make sure that your ecosystem is in balance. Plants and fish will die of natural causes on occasion, and it is a normal part of keeping an ecosystem that has relatively short-lived inhabitants. Stillwater Ecosystems warranties all inhabitants that are lost to natural causes for the first six months. Please see Warranty Information to know what to do if this occurs.
I will be out of town for a while, will the ecosystem survive without my care?
Not a problem. The inhabitants will survive for several days on their own without any care. They even benefit from occasional fasting. For extended trips, Stillwater will provide care for an additional fee.