Biosphere 2

Just an FYI for anyone traveling to Tucson AZ.

My wife and I just returned from there for a weeding. While there we visited the Biosphere 2. It is located 20 miles north of Tucson. For those that don't now what this is, I will briefly explain.

It is a self contained world that was built from 1987-1991. What I mean by self contained is that many different plants supply the oxygen for the researchers to live within this 170,000 sq ft air tight facility. All the waste, water, etc. are recycled. They had pigs, chickens and goats for food. They were in this enclosure for 2 years. During this time they researched and monitored all different types of things. They did not leave this enclosure the entire time they were there.

Why I mention this to the 3REEF members is for the following reason.

Within this facility is a 750,000 gallon coral reef. 100,000 gallons of the water was shipped from the pacific itself, the other 650,000 was made with Instant Ocean salt. The reef inhabits several different types of tangs and other fish as well as different corals. In the viewing area of the reef, they also have 4-5 additional tanks set up as reefs. The large tank is self sufficient now also. Meaning they no longer feed the fish and corals. Wouldn't that be great for all of us keeping our living room setups.  

It was very interesting and well worth the trip. Here is a link for you. The website is pretty plain.

http://www.bio2.com/index.html

Just thought I would share a great experience and the biggest reef I have seen outside of the actual ocean itself.

T

 

Pretty wild place eh? It blew me away.

I did get pretty bummed when I got a close look at the ocean though... seemed in dire need of a water change. Did you go below?

CHECK THIS OUT.

 

Yes my wife and I went below. We did not notice any algae on the viewing glass. The glass was nice and clear. All of the corals we could see were looking good also. Maybe they have made some changes since you were there Matt?? Not sure. They did have some of the red hair algae as seen in your pics. That was a dissapointment. I understand the thought of this, but not sure why they think they can create this naturally. Impossible in my opinion.

It is a wild place though.

T

 

Glad to hear they cleaned it up.
Definitely worth a visit.
I wish it were my house! ;D

 

seems like an awesome place.

 

I wouldn't mind living there myself Matt.

It is defenitley 1 kick ass place.

Hope I can say ass on here?

Can I say ass?  ;D ;D ;D [smiley=hehe.gif]

 

LOL!!!!!

Hey, I don't think you can say that here!!!!!

 

Tone it down, say A$$ that way it's OK

John

 

OOOOOOPPPPPPSSSSSSSSSSSYYYYYYYYYY.

Sorry about my foul mouth. I hate when it does that.

 

Did they happen to mention why microbes (sp?), tampons and ants had a negative effect on the project, and how they lead to the failure of the mission? The microbes they introduced in way to large amounts consumed too much o2, the ants enterred the biosphere and the ladies had to get rid of tampons. The biosphere wasn't self suffient as stated, they had to pump o2 in, which led to the introduction of Algerian ants. Many positives did come out of it though, and it is a darn nice looking place.