Closed ecosystems are a fascinating demonstration of how interconnected all life is. This idea led to an extraordinary fusion of nature, science, and design – and ultimately our passion to bring and develop these small worlds further in Europe.
1. The Scientific Foundations
In the 1960s, scientists at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, part of NASA, investigated closed ecological systems. The central question was how light, water, oxygen, nutrients, and living organisms could form the most stable possible cycle within a confined space.
This research laid important foundations for understanding small, closed habitats.
2. A product idea emerges in the USA
From the scientific principle of closed ecosystems, the idea of a small ecosystem in a glass emerged in the USA. The product became known there under the brand EcoSphere and made the natural cycle of shrimp, algae, and microorganisms immediately tangible for many people for the first time.
3. Two families meet
The Ehrlich family met the US-American Harmony family and learned about their extraordinary closed ecosystems. Their shared enthusiasm for these small living worlds led to a personal and business connection.
The idea of introducing closed ecosystems to Europe and providing long-term customer support began to take shape.
4. 2001: EcoSphere Europe is founded
EcoSphere Europe was founded in 2001. In the following years, extensive experience with closed ecosystems, their biological development, careful manufacturing, and long-term customer service was gained in Europe.
From the original product idea, a European family business developed with its own knowledge, workflows, and a close relationship with its customers.
5. 2022: A new chapter as eccosmo
With the retirement of the American founding family, a new chapter began for our European company in 2022. We reoriented our product world and have since continued our closed ecosystems independently under the eccosmo brand.
Based on our many years of European experience, we now independently develop, manufacture, and support eccosmo ecosystems, and have simultaneously expanded our activities to the US market.
Living systems cannot simply be standardized
A closed ecosystem reacts differently than an ordinary product. It develops, adapts, and changes over time. That's why our knowledge comes not just from fixed manufacturing instructions, but primarily from years of observation and practical experience.
Over many years, we have learned how different lighting conditions, temperatures, algae cultures, and biological starting conditions affect an ecosystem. This knowledge now flows into every single manufacturing step, quality control, and service decision.
No two filled glasses are completely identical. The shrimp and the natural algae development also differ. This is precisely where the special character of each small world lies.
Understanding Nature
We do not consider an ecosystem to be a decorative item, but a living biological interaction.
Work carefully
Each system is manually prepared, designed, filled, monitored, and controlled.
Take Responsibility
Our service doesn't end with the sale. We support our customers with care questions, warranty claims, and future refills.
With eccosmo, we are further developing the idea of the closed ecosystem. The name represents our current product world, where scientific principles, natural materials, and modern design come together.
Different shapes, sizes, and collections make it possible to choose an ecosystem that suits your home. At the same time, the essential remains unchanged: a real, living system is always at the heart of it.
EcoSphere Europe's many years of experience form the foundation for every new product and every further development.
Today, our ecosystems in Rheinbach are carefully prepared and assembled. Glass, gravel, gorgonian corals, water, and biological cultures are individually selected for each system.
The shrimp are gently introduced. Subsequently, the ecosystem needs time to stabilize. Only after its condition has been checked is it prepared for shipping.
This process cannot be fully automated. Experience, attention, and a trained eye remain crucial for each individual ecosystem.
Every shape, every gorgonian, and every development is unique. Find the closed ecosystem that suits you and your home.