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The Darwin Tank - A unique jellyfish aquarium

A Jellyfish aquarium as Objet d'Art

The Darwin Tank - A unique jellyfish aquarium

A Jellyfish aquarium as Objet d'Art

1 Campaign |

Bruxelles, Belgium

$29 USD 1 backers

0% of $20,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal

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Overview

The Darwin Sect pays homage to the perfection of nature. We have the immense fortune to live in the most incredible laboratory; from the first life forms to the present-day natural biodiversity, living creatures have had to adapt in astonishing ways. The morphological and teleonomic transformations are breathtaking and Darwin Sect considers this in itself, a work of art.

MADE IN THE KINGDOM OF BELGIUM

Designed to enhance the natural beauty of the jellyfish.

Sit back and rejoice in the subtle, fluid movements of your jellyfish in a habitat specially designed for them. Let the shadows cast on the walls and ceiling hypnotize you. Scrutinize their alien anatomy through the curved dome, which acts as a magnifying glass. Perfectly rounded and with fluid lines which echo the delicate shape of the creatures within, the Darwin Tank gives the impression there is but a single membrane between the water and the air. A drop of the ocean, right in your home…

After months of research, the first prototype!

Jellyfish are surprisingly poor swimmers, and are carried along by currents, no matter how weak. This is why we devised a system allowing the pump to aspirate the water without harming the jellyfish. After months of extensive research, several prototypes and the valuable advice about fluid dynamics from Professor Jeroen van Beeck from the von Karman Institut, we perfected our StreamMaker. Rigged with LEDs, our 375mm high prototype allows us to admire the evolution of 3 to 4 adult Aurelia aurita jellyfish.

Who are we ?

Florence Samain and Dave Monfort. We are the founders of The Darwin Sect, which, since its conception in 2014, showcases a vast array of insects, beautifully staged in Napoleonic era globes. We are passionate about letting people discover the natural beauty occurring in the world around us. To do this we continuously search for new inspiration which can reawaken childlike wonder, which we continuously find in the limitless ingenuity of nature.

press release about the Darwin Tank

How does the Darwin Tank work?

The shape of our aquarium implies that the opening is underneath, which is made possible by an adjustable Inox clasp with quick fittings. This clasp exerts an equal pressure on bevelled sides and contours of the globe and the bottom, called the flange. The prefect seal of the aquarium is guaranteed by the O-ring seal which is nestled in the flange of the globe.

To open the tank, it has to be turned upside down. Due to its substantial weight when filled, you will need to empty the aquarium partially to facilitate and complete any and all manipulations. Once the aquarium has been partially emptied, paying close attention that the jellyfish are still comfortable, the aquarium can be easily handled and opened.

Counterparts

Postcards = 10$

4 postcards - jellyfish by Ernst Haeckel - 1905

Tote Bag = 25 $
cotton tote bag / sac en coton - Darwin Sect logo
+ Postcards
4 Jellyfish = 100 $

4 Aurelia aurita - Medium size
+ Postcards + Tote Bag

The Darwin Tank Full Kit - Earlybird = 1640 $

!! GET 20% OFF !! only 8 available

              1 x Darwin Tank
              1 x base / socle
              1 x Filter / Filtre
          1 x LED system
            (package weight +- 32 kg)
             + Postcards + Tote Bag

The Darwin Tank Full Kit = 1970 $

              1 x Darwin Tank
              1 x base / socle
              1 x Filter / Filtre
          1 x LED system
           (package weight +- 32 kg)
             + Postcards + Tote Bag

A bit of engineering

1. The globe in Boro

The globe has to resist the pressure of the water within, therefore we have chosen one of the most resistant transparent materials : Boro 3.3, specially created for laboratory use. Our globes are fabricated in Belgium by Pierreglas. Experts in their field since decades, this exemplary partner has supported us since the conception of our product.

2. The StreamMaker

We manufacture this element out of a super clear acrylic. This production, which will be done by Clem in Kortrijk, Belgium requires the thermoforming of the acrylic elements. This acrylic piece is crystal clear and can be replace if needed.

3. The external filter

The Darwin Tank was developed to be used with an external filter. In the kit on offer, we have chosen a model that allows the speed of the pump to be regulated manually (the model depend on your country). The filter is connected to the pump by 12/16mm (int/ext) hoses.

4. The quick fittings

The Darwin Tank is attached to the filter by two quick fittings attached to the bottom of the globe. These fittings are self-locking, no liquid can escape when released. Releasing the quick fittings happens by the simple press of a button.

5. The base

The Darwin Tank rests on a base which hides the hoses which connect the external filter. The base is manufactured in MDF and is 110cm high, and 32cm wide. A door allows easy access to the external filter system, the lighting system, and the filling pump. The base weighs 20 kilos.

6. The lighting system

We have opted for RGB LEDs, which can be individually controlled and which give a beautiful light effect They can diffuse 3 spectrums: red, green and blue. By carefully mixing the colors and by playing with their intensity it is possible to create a warm white light (3000K) or a colder white (6000K).

Packing

The delivery fees include a special polystyrene box made for a safe transport. This box will also be use as a support for your globe during cleaning.

Several species for your Darwin Tank…

Aurelia aurita

The moon jelly as she is commonly known, measures between 2 and 10 cm, and thrives in a habitat between 14 and 26°C with a salinity between 1024 and 1028. This species is the most common and is found globally. Easy to maintain in an aquarium.

Mastigias papua

The spotted jelly, lagoon jelly, golden medusa, or Papuan jellyfish measures between 2 and 8cm, and thrives in a habitat at 18 to 24°C with a salinity between 1024 and 1028. Requires full spectrum lighting.

Cotylorhiza tuberculata

Commonly known as a Mediterranean jelly or fried egg jellyfish, this species measures between 2 and 5cm, and thrives in a habitat between 20 and 27°C with a salinity of 1024 and 1028. Requires full spectrum lighting.

Rhopilema esculentum

Also called the flame jellyfish, measuring between 3 and 8cm, she thrives in a habitat between 20 and 27°C with a salinity of 1024 to 1028. Requires full spectrum lighting.

Phyllorhiza panctata

A spotted Austrailian species, measuring between 4 to 8 cm, its ideal habitat is water between 24 and 28°C with a salinity of 1024 to 1028. Requires full spectrum lighting.

Catostylus mosaicas

Also called blue blubbers jellyfish, measuring between 3 and 8 cm, this jellyfish thrives in water between 24 and 28°C with a salinity of 1024 to 1028.

Acromitus flagellatus

A spotted Austrailian species of jellyfish, measuring between 4 to 8 cm, its ideal habitat is water between 24 and 28°C with a salinity of 1024 to 1028. Requires full spectrum lighting.