Prototype:

In our prototype we created our layered ecosystem that would facilitate a symbiotic relationship between all the layers. In order to do this, we needed to create shelving support to hold each layer, moving in the living organism and installing the sensor.

For our individual layers, we made laser cut pieces that were hinged by tape so it could fit through the entrance of our jar. We designed the fungi layer so the holes would allow excess water to pass through more easily and the overall weight of the layer would be reduced. We then mounted window screen material to the front and back of this layer so that any matter from this layer would not be able to permeate into the algae layer below.

For the plant layer, we went with a “hammock” design so that this layer could eventually become an aeroponic system, in which these plants would hang above while the roots could potentially become an embedded part of the fungi layer. As the leaves would die, it would also be able to go into the fungi layer for decomposition. This layer was also laser cut and hinged, with an inner ring connected to an outer ring using elastic. Using elastic helped keep the tension in balance as we moved the layer into the jar. The inner ring also has a mesh pocket sewn onto it, which allows the plant to sit inside it. 

The plant layer just required placing the plant into the pocket to complete the layer. For the fungi layer, we had to slice up our mushroom brick so that the substrate could be spread across the layer. As advised by the Internet, we combined the chopped substrate with coffee grounds to give it a some nutrient support.

Our algae layer was moved in last, since we were concerned about having to unfold our scaffolding and having it accidentally be submerged. We ran our pump so that one end was in our bucket of mixed algae and other end was squeezed through the layers so it reached the bottom layer.

In terms of scaffolding, we went through a few iterations. At first we were considering building rods with support (as seen in our paper prototype). Upon seeing the other groups’ laser cut scaffolding structure, we decided that we wanted to make something that would take up less room. As a result, we decided to eliminate any rods and use a metal to glass glue to adhere L brackets onto the sides to hold our shelves. This tactic worked until after we installed the plant layer and noticed the shelves were caving in. In response, we wound laser cutting rings and legs that could be placed to support each layer separately.

As we built each layer, we installed the necessary sensors for each layer. The moisture sensor was placed with the plant layer on top and the temperature sensor was placed on the wall on the fungi layer. The wires are able to extend through the lid opening so that the microcontrollers and power supplies can be on the outside.