Six Years Ago I Put Saltwater in a Jar, This Happened | Natural Saltwater Ecosphere 6 Year Update

Six years ago I made this huge natural native saltwater ecosphere in a jar. It has had a lot of ups and downs, but to this day is still very successful. The ecosphere has housed crabs, starfish, spionid worms, gammarids and a lot more and is currently still housing a lot of crustaceans, paramecium, and other invertebrates and microbes. This seawater ecosystem has been a stable tiny world in a jar for years now, and who knows how many more to come!
Enjoy!
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Patrons: Claudia Watrin, Justin Duch, Connor Johnson, Lisa L. Altizer, Nikolas Morka

[@esijash]

What a refined gentleman and his ecosystem

[@michaelkellner6881]

I'm glad there are people who care about the life on our doorstep. (or in the puddle on the sidewalk ) . Why always wander into the distance when there is a real treasure of life in the puddle in front of the house? Wanting to find out something out of your own motivation without it being a fashion trend... That's passion. Truly a true gentleman.

[@LifeinJars]

Why thank you good sir

[@ALaughingMan]

I thought this was a bothered baroness and her bottled biomes... I need glasses. The audio diddnt help >.< All in jest, I have to agree with you OP!

[@k2a2l2]

i am inclined to agree with this statement

[@Karebear9001]

I have a sealed 23 year old jar of water and rocks from the Great Lakes. There's still algae in there! Your channel is fun, thanks for your work

[@scorchinggoat9589]

post it

[@vitamins-and-iron]

post it

[@blobbertmcblob4888]

It post

[@Karebear9001]

@@scorchinggoat9589 i can do a video of it later today, I just put up a pic (idk how YT works much so 🤷🏻‍♀️)

[@carbonation28]

I wonder if algae and stuff from these sealed jars would be useful for research, to like measure contaminants and mutations etc.

[@YochevedDesigns]

You're looking mighty dapper! RIP crabby, you are missed. 🦀

[@pbrown7501]

> dapper suit > funky groove > eulogy for crab > meticulously explains > leaves ultimate sigma

[@aurora_dawn123]

I can't believe it's been six years since this jar was setup, I still remember when it was built, and remember the sadness I felt when the crab died.

[@tohitarmorclass0846]

this feels like a classic youtube video, and i cant stress enough how happy that makes me

[@LifeinJars]

Thanks! :)

[@CarminaEnoctis]

It’s so nice to find someone else who finds meiofauna a interesting as I do-and can put names to them. And has a good way to film them! Thank you to all the patreons!

[@realityisenough]

Algae in the toilets at work

[@mq9047]

My favorite part of these videos is when we… you know… *take a bit of a closer look*

[@LifeinJars]

That is... you know... quite fun

[@hadrian.2796]

These videos always give me a uncomfortable reminder of my mortality and the passage of time. Thank you for updating us though its always nice to check in.

[@LifeinJars]

You're welcome and I'm sorry

[@chasjetty8729]

We’re all sorry, and also thankful. It’s a wonderful short life. We should all do something with it. And these jars, along with my own and now my kids ecosystems, bring me near limitless joy and comfort from knowing when I’m gone my home ,my ‘jar’ if you will, will be ok. Partly because I set it up and raised it well enough. And partly because life, ah, finds a way. Thank you Dr Malcom, thank you existentially conflicted commentor, and thank you life in jars guy.

[@BitBlink]

To this day, this is still one of the most entertaining KZbin channels I’ve ever found. AntsCanada is also very good! Thank you for your very interesting and entertaining work. 😊

[@rockateart9752]

I would never compare life in jars to Antscanda, Brady (leon the lobsters) or JustJoshing (and more) 2nd worst eco channel I have watched. But I don't watch many. Sorry if I hard you.

[@Karebear9001]

@@rockateart9752 yeah ants Canada is just clickbait bullshit storytelling, can't stand that dude

[@BitBlink]

@@rockateart9752 I’m not comparing them. Thanks for your reply. :)

[@rockateart9752]

@@BitBlink oh, my bad

[@LifeinJars]

Thanks so much!

[@Gexps]

Thank you for this humorous and intellectual course into life in jars? in the most gentlemanly way possible, truly a masterclass in your field.

[@LifeinJars]

You're very welcome

[@Breadfan1280]

Well done young man, still applauding your dapper attire! Sir David Attenborough would be proud of your efforts.

[@LifeinJars]

Why thank you

[@KenJohnsonUSA]

American anglers and fish farmers often add salt to freshwater for creating longevity and vigor in freshwater fish. It helps with the slime coat and other issues. Since your saltwater ecosystem is your most successful experiment, have you considered adding salt to a new freshwater ecosystem (with an exact duplicate with no salt as a control) to see if there is a noticeable change in vigor and longevity. I'm thinking of how, in the distant future, terraforming planets will be a thing as we establish colonies out in the stars. Once we figure out faster, better modes of transport, we'll need ways to preserve and prepare species for transport. Salt to freshwater ecosystems may be a gateway into this type of research...a way for you to inspire budding future scientists that might one day be working in this fairly new field of study.

[@dogdog4386]

This is a great idea!

[@gigaslave]

It might be interesting to see how much salt it takes to improve conditions, start with 1/4 teaspoon and slowly increase the amount added.

[@Reptile1404]

This is very common in the aquascaping/fishkeeping hobby. Adding salt to a tank is a great way to temporarily strengthen a fish’s immune system, or assist them in fighting infection. It’s actually bad for freshwater plants, however, and is recommended to be removed through water changes after a short period of time.

[@LifeinJars]

That sounds very interesting, I'll add it to the list :)

[@Kraus-]

Freshwater plants and algae are not as tolerant of salt as fish are.

[@Fasciseus]

I love your ability to roll those Latin names so easily off your tongue. You have my admiration.

[@DINGD0NG...]

He does pronounce them wrong very often, but he says them in such an adorable accent that i don't even care lol

[@Wiswaswes]

@@DINGD0NG...because he says them in dutch

[@DINGD0NG...]

@@Wiswaswes Well actually no, he says them in latin/greek (usually latin but sometimes greek is used for scientific names), language they are in, but with a dutch accent. Which again, I find adorable, but makes it slightly incorrect. This is all I'm saying. He says the words correctly essentially, but with the wrong pronunciation, which makes it wrong. Latin is latin and has a specific pronunciation, even if you are saying them while speaking another language. You do not say Carpe Diem with an english accent, you say it with latin accent XD

[@bengaltiger1667]

Trying a North Sea tank might be a fun project. You could put crabs and some other larger creatures in it. Anyway, it's good to see this system is still around. I was wondering about it.

[@bsb3339]

Yeah that's what I thought as well while watching the video! A naturally filled tank, that just has a few technological systems, in order to be able to support a little bit of macro fauna, would be super cool!

[@vitamins-and-iron]

@@bsb3339when you said macro fauna my mind jumped to sheep so now i have an image of a sheep stuffed into a fish tank

[@sforza209]

That would just be a fish tank.

[@bengaltiger1667]

@@sforza209 Correct

[@LifeinJars]

Yep I want to do that, still trying to find a way to keep it cool enough though (that isn't really expensive)

[@alekszzz]

this is a historic occasion

[@SuperSmith]

I just watched that first video last night. What a perfect coincidence.

[@kzookid2051]

I love your channel. Even in a jar after six years, there's something new to explore. I'm amazed at how clear the water is.

[@xItzRevenge]

Years and years ago I commented on a video that your channel was going to blow up someday. Look where we are now

[@ryankieth1675]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="412">6:52</a> “Eaten by everything that wanted to eat it.” Possibly my favorite line ever.

[@pazzieanneknexx809]

This channel really gives me a chance to gain an appreciation for all forms of life - including bacteria and microfauna - that I didn't before. Thank you!

[@LifeinJars]

My pleasure :)

[@IANF126]

the "having the time of my life" on the back of that shirt seals that image, really brings it to the next level.

[@LifeinJars]

Haha, yes

[@habeasdorkus3795]

I agree with Future You. He makes a good point!

[@Jess-cu2ls]

Can't say how much I enjoy this channel, will be watching this video as soon as I get home from work

[@GI_Lowe]

This guy might be the coolest person on the planet. His honest curiosity and dapper presentation make for one heck of an interesting video?!

[@K3Y_D1SAGR33]

6 years and there is still life, what a legendary ecosphere

[@opercula]

From USA, Love it, love it, LOVE IT !! 6 years !! Can you believe it !!

[@gabesailer1171]

Nothing excites me more than a new Life I Jars video. I’ve always been very interested in science and I can say without a shadow of doubt that this is my absolute favorite science oriented channel I have ever found. I’ve been watching for more years that in can remember, and I’m very happy that you are still providing us with such interesting content. Keep up the amazing work!

[@LifeinJars]

Wow thanks!

[@Debbie4729]

I love this! As a kid I got amazed at a gutter that didn't drain well,and it contained green slime over mud,and then it had a white worm that stretched it's snout(?I think,or whatever)out long to it's destination.This was in an urban area that had so little of the wild things that I wanted to see.I absolutely love little ecosystems that can be studied.You hit the nail on the head as far as I am concerned! It would be so cool to also figure out what the very tiny creatures are.I am so glad you posted this,because I was so sad that the ocean water seemed hopelessly dead.

[@LifeinJars]

I love that story :)

[@science_and_anonymous]

I have both graduated college and will be going for my PhD in the time this jar has been going...What an experiment!

[@asdfadfafsdfa]

its always a treat when life in jars uploads!

[@lolkayleen2757]

MY FAVORITE SERIES. The 2 year one is what got me to subscribe :)

[@nekomyeggo8821]

Yes! a new post!!!

[@cocoman2804]

Wow it has been 6 years since I started watching already

[@heler292]

I was just talking about this exact ecosystem with my dad over the weekend. Super cool to get an update. Great video as always!

[@jonathanjackgoodman2764]

Sure glad that into wasn't awkward in any way. Went off without a hitch. Total success.

[@ernestobrown9546]

I was a subscriber way back when I was all about ecospheres and foo the flowerhorn. Happy to be brought back! this is such a cool long term project.

[@RandomaLovesPancakes]

Im so happy i found this channel in the middle of the night

[@christopherchuauhang4829]

I miss the lil Young Shell. I think this was around the time I found your channel. Core memory unlocked 🥺

[@gambitaku6179]

This video is so relaxing. Always a good day when bro posts not only that but bro be stylin.

[@AnglophobiaIsevil7]

Hows the crow project going? Im excited to hear any updates on your crow befriending project as its something i always wanted to try my self.

[@LifeinJars]

Don't worry, an update will come!

[@katrinthorsdottir7514]

Love your videos! Good to see you again! ❤❤❤

[@notme1336]

That final contribution was very insightful. It was evident that the gentleman has taken much more than just a little bit of a closer look. The closest look there is, dare I say

[@dfuss2756]

Your experiment just proved something important. I hope to see how your experiment continues to evolve.

[@ellipertzov4429]

Great video o love it when you go back and update on various eco systems you have set up for long term

[@pauljs75]

Neat to see a different biome covered this time around. Even if some of the bigger things didn't make it, the little ones are pulling through.

[@beautifullybroken2458]

This reminds me of my tiny ecosystem that is brackish water with my tiny shrimp, opae ula . They are 6 years old now, and thriving! The only difference is that my lid isn’t airtight,also I have to add water every 6-8 months to keep up with what dissolves. But I went from 5 shrimp to around 60-80 maybe more?! I absolutely love watching them live and thrive, have an entire new generation and how the colors change with each generation.

[@bagelprince3]

i really admire your patience with observation and documentation of these ecospheres. fascinating stuff. (missed ur channel!!)

[@UnstopablePatrik]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="578">9:38</a> Potion Seller vibes.

[@drkipper]

Another interesting vid! So happy when you post!

[@ThieflyChap]

Looking rather dapper there, sir. This bloke is going to be a professor one day, one that his students will think is a riot.

[@spatbee]

RIP crab

[@obviously_manu]

I Love your Video! I had never expected that i could be so fascinated by Something so small and curious. And your Style is extraordinary and i Love it 😊 Time to Look the Rest of your Vids 😊

[@ronnydarko9046]

Looks like you're ready for a pleasant afternoon good sir. Top of the mourning to you!

[@nanvolentine9110]

Another fascinating video! I don't know what your plans are, but whatever they may be, you have an amazing future ahead of you.

[@pittbullking87]

How interesting! I am amazed you have a stable ecosystem in that jar.

[@Davidova]

Thanks for sharing

[@MoonDisast]

Thank you so much for making all these videos, all of them fascinating 🔎👀

[@LifeinJars]

Thanks for watching ;)

[@SudhirN-jc6dx]

Liked your style of presentation. Great video.

[@mr.lonewolf8199]

Looking smooth my friend

[@kurtdowney1489]

Simply amazing great video and documentation

[@coldhazzard]

I LOVE THIS NEW FORMAT

[@tsykin]

Nice jar, please continue showing us you ecosystems ♥️

[@piedralisk7]

Oh man I misses your vids, happy for a new upload

[@wxstream8005]

I love what you have made!! Your interest is like mine, wonderful job!

[@HueManatee]

i love your little touches of humor

[@squirrelsadoc]

I enjoyed this great video with my morning coffee. ❤

[@esra_erimez]

Thanks for making Life in Jars fun

[@k2a2l2]

your the goat🔥never stop these videos

[@amfvideos6810]

Wow. Amazing

[@jaekalldaygames7607]

i just rewatched the salt water episodes like 2 nights ago

[@MrSwifty21]

You should do an enormous closed ecosystem, like a custom 3ft aquarium, made airtight. That should, in theory, be able to sustain larger organisms like a crab for far longer.

[@hoangvu_2004]

Your voice is so relaxing, i love it 😄

[@jeffreyyoung4104]

I did this once as a kid, and I was able to get a bunch of stuff from Lake Michigan into a one gallon glass jug, and it remained alive for a few years, until my mother uncorked it and tossed it as rotten.

[@areurdytoparty]

LIJ IS THE ONLY ECOSYSTEM CHANNEL I WILL WATCH. EVER.

[@vitamins-and-iron]

what if he started a second channel

[@EffToyz]

you are too now a part of ecosystem!

[@areurdytoparty]

@@vitamins-and-iron I'd be all over that

[@demon.that.draws777]

Lmfao the end ahhh I like this kind of stuff, but if i didn't i'd still watch because you are delightful haha thank you for the video, RIP the crab

[@FifiNaturals.Club3]

I would have given up after all the algae died. I'm glad you kelp going👍

[@StraightOuttaPaddock]

ur videos are amazing man

[@LifeinJars]

Thanks

[@Fallen0203]

ooooo happy to see an update on this one! Its awesome how stable its managed to stay, though I wonder what it would look like now if the heat wave hadn't happened

[@LifeinJars]

Me too!

[@yrecros]

I loved this!

[@angieg.5562]

After all this time I never knew you were color disabled. You are good at colors! Great job! Another great video:) super cool!

[@remcovanvliet3018]

"Ladies and gentlemen, this is, Running on Ecospheres. I am your host, the Report of the Week, and today I have for you..."

[@goodways0]

I unironically love your style.

[@LifeinJars]

Thanks

[@p0llencrumbs748]

Hey LIJ!! I wanna know more about ecosystems and i LOVE your videos, i cant find any documentary or channels to learn more about ecosystems, as interesting as your videos? Do you have any reccommendations?

[@zythean4096]

A great video as always

[@LifeinJars]

Thank you

[@354sd]

Fascinating

[@petrkonecny3286]

Very interesting video, it is really cool to see the evolution of an ecosystem up close.. even if it looks like there isn't, there is so much Life in those Jars :D

[@LifeinJars]

That's right!

[@Windswept7]

So relaxing 😌

[@ThunderChickenBucket]

Love the duds keep up the awesome science!

[@Wildflower-xe8sn]

Fascinating and so cool 😎

[@bigsarge2085]

So cool!

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

So festive!

[@berenicehickey9755]

Fascinating..

[@obieobrien5883]

Not only humorous but quite interesting!

[@DutchCarnivore]

Great, salty, content!

[@Christian-lh7ux]

Thank you for the update ❤ Yeah, it was quite some time since the last on 😅 Btw, this year my family and I are going to Denmark for vaccation. It will be on the coast of the Baltic Sea and I'm planning to make my own jar because of you. Also the reduced salinity of the Baltic Sea should make it possible to use some of the macroalgae and critters in a brackish aquarium I hope 😊

[@LifeinJars]

Cool have fun

[@cdrift]

dedication to thr experiment. 6 years!

[@ataxy]

you should try a sort of magnetic movement system in the jar to keep it sealed while still having water movement

[@whisperwhipper2240]

such a unique fun channel

[@sythekkkk]

amazing