Dynamic Aquaria is the outgrowth of years of research aimed at studying how to accurately model and construct living ecosystems in mesocosms, microcosms, and aquaria. It is a unique book, presenting scientifically sound information for a growing new area of science--synthetic ecology, or the construction of living ecosystems. At the same time, the authors present thoughtful perspectives on how knowledge gained by creating these smaller ecosystems helps us to understand our wild ecosystems and biosphere as a whole.

For the scientist:
n This book presents an array of new approaches, some revolutionary, to the development and operation of experimental ecosystems
For the professional aquarist:
n This book demonstrates the ever-expanding possibilities for creating functioning ecosystems for educational display
For the hobbyist:
n The book demonstrates the practical potential for building and operating true, "natural" ecosystems, rather than artificial habitats that house a few selected organisms

Walter Adey received his B.S. in Geophysics from MIT, performed graduate studies at MIT and Harvard in Paleontology and Biology, and obtained his Ph.D. in Marine Botany and Geology from the University of Michigan. Since 1977, he has been the Director of the Marine Systems Laboratory at the Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution. Dr. Adey is an associate editor for Restoration Ecology and The Journal of Ecological Engineering. He has authored numerous publications, and has developed several exhibits and operational mesocosm systems.

Introduction. Physical Environment. The Envelope--Shapes, Materials, and Construction. Temperature--Control of Heating and Cooling. Water Composition--The Management of Salinity, Hardness, and Evaporation. Water Motion--Waves, Currents, and Plumbing. Tides--Simulating the Effects of Sun and Moon. The Input of Solar Energy--Lighting Requirements. Substrate--The Management of Rock, Mud, and Sand. Biochemical Environment. Metabolism--Respiration, Photosynthesis, and Biological Loading. Organisms and Gas Exchange--Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, and pH. Nitrogenous Wastes and Nutrients--Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and the Micronutrients. Control of the Biochemical Environment--Filters, Bacteria, and the Algal Turf Scrubber. Biological Structure. Community Structure--The Framework. Trophic Structure--Ecosystems and the Dynamics of Food Chains. Primary Producers--Plants that Grow on the Bottom. Herbivores--Predators of Plants. Carnivores--Predators of Animals. Plankton and Planktivores--The Floating Plants and Animals and Their Predators. Detritus and Detrivores--The Dynamics of Muddy Bottoms. Symbionts and Other Feeders. Ecological Systems in Microcosms, Mesocosms, and Aquaria. Models of Coral Reef Ecosystems. A Subarctic Shore--The Maine Coast. Estuaries--Ecosystem Modeling Where Fresh and Salt Waters Interact. Freshwater Ecosystem Models. Summary. Microcosms, Mesocosms, and Aquaria as Ecosystem Models--A Synthesis. Index.