Space Shuttle AdventureWith Sea-Monkeys actually used for space research on several Space Shuttle missions, it's only fitting that this excellent kit was created. The Space Shuttle Adventure kit has had quite an impact since it's release... and although it may initially look like no more than a Micro-Vue aquarium nestled in a Space Shuttle chassis, you'll find instead that it actually charts new territory for Sea-Monkey kits. This is mainly due to being the very first kit with a true built-in aeration system! But first we'll cover the basics of what this kit includes. We of course have the essentials... Water Purifier, Live Sea-Monkey Eggs, Sea-Monkey Growth Food, with a packet of Plasma III and a Sea-Monkey Feeding Spoon. You won't find an Aqua-Leash or Official Sea-Monkey Handbook included with this kit. You'll have to order them separately if you want them (but I know lots of you have 'em already).
And now a word regarding visibility. You'll note that the backdrop of the aquarium is a cool display of the Shuttle's cargo bay. At first I was concerned about this because I realized I would not be able to backlight my tank for illumination. What I discovered is that some thought must have gone into selecting a good contrasting background color that would enhance the visibility of Sea-Monkeys swimming in front of it. With this kit, a little bit of light from the front and the visibility is surprisingly good. "But wait! isn't there a built-in light" you say? Well yes there is (2 AAA batteries required)... but think of this built-in light as more of a mood setting red glow for when the lights in the room are darkened. It is a very cool glow mind you, but if your wanting to observe your Sea-Monkeys, you're better off with a brighter external light source.
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My first impression of this kit was somewhat opposite of my reaction to the Mars Mania kit. Whereas the Mars kit was a bit smaller than I had anticipated, the Space Shuttle was actually a bit larger than I thought it would be... no complaints here! Don't get me wrong... it's still based around the standard 12 ounce Micro-Vue aquarium... but the overall assembly with the Shuttle chassis makes for a rather impressive display. Just make sure you put it in a fairly safe location... for while it is larger than the Mars Mania kit, it is not quite as stable and therefore, more easily knocked over. In performing my standard Tank-Topple-Test, I filled the Shuttle kit with 12 ounces of water (without Sea-Monkeys) and hit the top of the tank with a light backhand swing (much like what you would do in reaching for a drink). The tank toppled over fairly easily... but to be fair... no more so than a standard Micro-Vue. However, if you were to accidentally knock your shuttle from the back side, it's actually pretty stable... but where's the fun in displaying it facing away from you? All in all, not a problem if displayed in a safe location... choose wisely!
Aside from the way cool Shuttle appearance of this aquarium, the other thing that sets it apart from the crowd is of course, the Built-in Bubbler. I sincerely hope that built-in aeration becomes a trend with future kits (and if the upcoming Explora-Sub is any indication, it just might be) as it's a convenient and safe way to get oxygen to your pets. When aerating other kits, I personally clean my Million Bubble Air Pumps with distilled water before and after I use them to keep the possibility of contamination to a minimum. But with the Shuttle kit, the Built-in Bubbler is always there and always ready with no cleaning necessary.
Just a few pumps on the Space Shuttle's nose cone (which houses the same bellows used by the Million Bubble Air Pump) and life giving oxygen is pumped into the aquarium. I always pump it enough to get a decent water current swirling around the tank... thus insuring a thorough aeration. What could be easier? I also take some comfort in knowing that I'm not going to accidentally harm my pets when doing so. As careful as we all may be, there's still always the possibility of harming our fragile Sea-Monkeys whenever we insert anything into their aquarium. The Built-in Bubbler removes this fear.
