Side line on why some aquarists do not trying to make it more sustainable:
with not much choice of anything interesting in LFS or by mail-order (not US), one stuck with species, that require specific conditions, and have to provide these conditions.
Another option is to keep the tank, and select inhabitants, that do not disturb self-sufficiency (almost). Some even go so far, that do that for a deep sand bed.
Choices, choices... Or absence of them
