Details
The goal of the BLUEiQ is to provide its owners with a better understanding of how ecosystems work and of the natural mechanisms that manage the balance of life within them.
Light provides energy for plants, the plants provide food for the shrimp, and the waste from the shrimp feeds bacteria living in the substrate. The biological waste from the bacteria fertilizes the plants, which completes and renews the life cycle. The only input needed is a bit of sun, and an occasional top-up of water to make up for evaporation. No feeding is necessary!
What better way is there to learn about an ecosystem than to start one yourself? The BLUEiQ models after larger, more complicated ecosystems, and will develop a natural and sustainable internal balance. The BLUEiQ requires very little care and is a unique addition to the home, office, or classroom.
Because we can’t store the living animals in our warehouse, we have them shipped express directly to you (or the recipient of your gift) by the manufacturer when you are ready. It’s important that you will be available to add the shrimp, snails, plants and substrate as soon as they arrive in the mail. An instruction sheet will be included in the first box with a link to follow to the manufacturer's site where you can select what type of aquatic plant and substrate type you want, and you can decide when and where you want it delivered.
The first of two boxes includes standard components: a beautiful 20-page full-color educational Owner's Guide, handcrafted glass container, tweezers, tying thread, thermometer, and magnifying glass.
The second box (no additional cost, and is shipped free of charge), includes the livestock and substrate of your BLUEiQ: 5 dwarf shrimp, 2 snails, your choice of aquatic plant, and your choice of substrate type.
Using the tweezers, tying thread, and magnifying glass, you'll design your BLUEiQ environment.
Consider BLUEiQ as a gift for the home or office; eco-friendly gift wrapping available. BLUEiQ is environmentally responsible. Both boxes are constructed out of 100% consumer recycled material. All livestock are cultured in the United States without chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or antibiotics. All species are routinely verified clear of national and state invasive species publications.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
We want you to be completely satisfied with every purchase you make. If you are in any way dissatisfied with a product you ordered, we'll exchange it, replace it or refund your money within 30 days of purchase. Simply email us the problem, and we'll take care of you. Certain products have extended warranties (up to 50 years!) that are listed on the particular product page. Please call us at 1-888-451-6752 if you need further clarification.
Additional Information
| Weight | 5 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Height 10", Width 6" |
| Origin | Made in the U.S.A. |
Shipping Information
- Shipping Details:
- Insured against damage or loss while in transit
- This Product Ships To:
- US Lower 48
- Ships Via:
- USPS
Questions about the BLUEiQ Miniature Ecosystem
5 Item(s)
- From Allison at 2/21/11 6:49 AM
- From Caroline at 5/26/11 2:05 PM
- From Magrin at 7/4/11 1:02 PM
- From Hunter at 11/25/11 2:19 PM
- From Lori at 3/4/12 5:56 PM
- How long will it sustain itself? Do the shrimp outgrow it? Do they reproduce?
- Neos (the shrimp) will live up to two years. There is a 97% chance that you will receive neos of both sexes in your shipment and if you maintain the recommended light and temperature, it is likely that they will reproduce, which means that the system can survive much longer than that.
The neos will grow to maximum length of about 1 inch and will have plenty of space in the BlueIQ. - Do you find this question helpful? Yes No
5 Item(s)
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- No-hassle, 30 day returns
- No sales tax
- Quick shipping
- Secure shopping (SSL, PCI, McAfee Secure)
- In business since 2000
- Member of Better Business Bureau, Green America, and US EPA Watersense
- Carbon-neutral, Family-owned business that promotes sustainability!
Customer Reviews
I received this wonderful gift several months ago. Very fun to have in the house. After it is setup, you only have to check on it once in awhile. I guess I'll be giving this gift to someone next!
Would you recommend this product to a friend? Definitely yes
So I ordered blueiq as a gift for myself and I couldn't be happier. What lead me to buy in the first place were the beautiful pictures of blueiqs. I just thought, "If I had something like this on my desk," it'd make my day go by a lot easier--don't get me wrong, I love my job, but sales can be extremely stressful.
I ordered blueiq on Monday and received "BLUE One" (the non-living stuff), the same week Thursday. I was very impressed with the package; it was nicely packaged in eco-friendly packaging (paper tape and recycled paper). The colored box of blueiq was beautiful and unique. I knew just by looking at it the company put a lot of thought into the product's construction. The Owner's Guide blew me away...full-colored and extremely educational--it covered key topics such as the ecosystem, shrimp aka "neos", light, water, and more. So after examining everything, I was excited to start the process of getting my livestock. If you go on theblueiq.com, there is a section called "Order 2." The first step is to create an account with your blueiq's unique serial number. Well, my only problem was I couldn't find the serial number. After emailing customer service, they told me it was on the inside front cover of the Owner's Guide (I feel this could've been more clear, but customer service responded to me within a few hours so that’s ok.).
Anyways, with the serial number, I created my account. I enjoyed looking through the options of gravels, "substrate," and plants. I chose Najas grass and fine substrate. I made my selections on Saturday evening, and my package, "BLUE Two" arrived on Wednesday, a few days later. The 2nd package was as thoughtfully put together as the 1st. Everything fit snugly. There were several items included in the 2nd package: 1 bag with the neos and snails, 1 bag with my substrate choice, and 1 bag with my plant choice. I received more neos and snails than I expected (7 and 3 respectively).
Setting up my blueiq was very easy. There are lots of videos demonstrating how to set it up as well as very complete instructions in the Owner's Guide. I must admit, it was stressful because I didn't want to hurt any of the neos and snails, but with some patience, I got my blueiq setup! (For those wondering, I did be sure to setup my blueiq after work hours.)
My blueiq has been going strong for 3 weeks now and many of my co-workers frequently stop by to take a look or ask questions. The unit brings some peace to my hectic work environment. I never would've thought this would be possible, but I enjoy watching the snails very much. They glide around the glass container effortlessly and beautifully! Blueiq is a must have for any office. Thank you Eartheasy!
Would you recommend this product to a friend? Definitely yes
| Quality |
|---|
Quite pleased
By on 11/23/10
I gave this to my brother who is of the 'science type'. Once he got the first box, he then logged in and ordered the different rocks and plants that he wanted, which shipped direct to him for free. He reports that everything went fine, and that it's a fascinating little ecosystem. He's really thrilled with it.
Would you recommend this product to a friend? Definitely yes
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