MicroAquarium Observation #3

First of all, prior to my observations this week a Beta food pellet* was added to each MicroAquarium as a source of food for the organisms within, and the effects were extremely obvious. The most notable effect the Beta pellet must have had within my aquarium was the evident increase in numbers of organisms. It seemed as though wherever I looked there were at least five to ten times the amount of rotifers, seed shrimp, cyclops, and desmids than in my two previous examinations. The variations of size within these species was incredible as well, particularly the cyclops. The other notable difference in my aquarium from last time is the apparent disarray. There has been a loss of water, and the water within has a light yellow hue to it. Plants seem nibbled, broken, and torn; the remains of seed shrimp line the outside of both plants, and yellow pellet like structures coat everything in the aquarium. I have identified these organisms as developing diatoms, and I am anxious to see how the residents of my aquarium will take to these organisms  in the weeks to come. The diversity of species has increased as well. I noticed two distinct species of rotifer; one being slightly smaller and thinner than the other, possibly Colurella uncinata. The other species is larger and rounder, possibly Lepadella ovalis (Donner 1966, p. 18-19). Other new, unfamiliar organisms I identified were coleps. I noticed these organisms mostly enjoyed open areas, away from both plants and soil. These small protozoa feed off of damaged cells and debris, which may explain their recent increase in numbers (Patterson 2003, p. 162). I have noticed the presence of algae yet I cannot identify any specific species, but I will try to do so next week, as well as take pictures of the new organisms in my aquarium.



*"Atison's Betta Food" made by Ocean Nutrition, Aqua Pet Americas, 3528 West 500 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84104. Ingredients: Fish meal, wheat flower, soy meal, krill meal, minerals, vitamins and preservatives. Analysis: Crude Protein 36%; Crude fat 4.5%; Crude Fiber 3.5%; Moisture 8% and Ash 15%.