Miniature Aquarium for small shrimp and snails

I picked up some small red shrimp for my community aquarium a few months ago. They were fun to watch, but gradually got eaten or sucked into the filter. So I decided to set up a home for the survivors. I also used the aquarium to let a platy fry mature until he was big enough to fend for himself in the community tank.

The aquarium is 8" x 5" x 4". It's one of those pet carriers they sell in the mall with hermit crabs (much too small as a permanent home for any hermit crab.) I added a sponge filter from this instructable: http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-Aquarium-Sponge-Pump/ , a lighted hood, live plants, a couple of small snails and 4 red shrimp. The aquarium is thriving. It's so fun to have it here on my desk.

Please keep in mind: This tank should not be used for any fish larger than a 1/2" fry. Regular water changes are required to keep your little friends healthy. I usually replace half the water with filtered water every 3 or 4 days.

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Step 1: Parts and Tools List

You will need:
- a small pet carrier with a snap-on lid
- a few red cherry shrimp
- a couple of baby aquatic snails
- live plants and moss
- gravel
- small decorations, I used a glass paperweight
- filtered water and water conditioner

For light and heat:
- a small food container
- a nightlight fixture with cord
- a small bulb, I used a 15 watt picture light bulb. The bulb should fit inside the container with at least a half inch all around. You don't want the bulb to touch the sides of the container once it's turned on.
- painters blue tape

For the filter (thanks laurie0ginale):
- a kitchen sponge, about 1" thick
- a small shampoo bottle from a hotel, washed, chopped, drilled. The neck of the bottle should be large enough to allow your air stone to pass through.
- a small air stone
- 1/4" aquarium tubing, about 2 feet
- a small air pump
- a flow control valve that fits your tubing

Tools:
- scissors
- hobby knife