Microcosm terrestrial and aquatic landscape habitat: a free standing 'miniature mountain chain' topiary, upper pool, waterfall and pond-aquarium hybrid habitat with natural curves

摘要

“The Microcosm Terrestrial and Aquatic Landscape Habitat” is a free-standing, fired-clay Topiary structure with Upper Pool, Waterfall and Pond-Aquarium Hybrid. It is built of fired stoneware clay shaped into naturalistic, “para-geological” forms of “miniature mountains” by my art craft. There is an Upper Pool for water on the rear “miniature mountain.” From the Upper Pool, a Water Course leads to a Waterfall constructed of clay, simulated “rocks.” The Waterfall splashes into a Main Catch Basin, a Pond. The Pond is framed by three “miniature mountain” structures, connected together into a loosely horse shoe shape. It is important to note that the gradiently sloping, support structure provided by the “miniature mountains” is a plausible emulation of naturally occurring geologies. In place of a fourth “miniature mountain” to enclose the Pond, the Pond is enclosed in front by a pane of glass ⅛ inch to ¼ inch thick. The pane of glass is adhered to the clay using silicon sealant. The Pond holds water. Thus, the “Microcosm Terrestrial and Aquatic Landscape Habitat” is a Topiary with an Upper Pool, Waterfall and Pond and Fish Tank Aquarium Hybrid. Nothing else like it exists. You can look at the device as a pond, or horizontally to see the underwater habitats as with a fish tank aquarium. As previously stated, the unit is free standing and can be easily moved around. Ceramics glazes, water, submersible electric fountain pump, tube, terrestrial plants, aquatic life like fish, amphibians, mollusks and crustaceans complete the device. The support slopes (mini-mountains) which structure the “Microcosm Terrestrial and Aquatic Landscape Habitat” are para-geological, sloping and naturalistically pleasing. These structural support slopes are embellished with nooks,