Observation 4

It would appear the majority of specimen in my MicroAquarium have perished. The dead organisms aren't grouped in any particular area and are fairly evenly distributed throughout the tank. A few Nematoda still thrive in particular regions, mainly around the remainders of the beta pellet. It's been very interesting to watch life progress in such a miniscule manner.

Observation 2

The number of organisms in my MicroAquarium have significantly decreased. However, the variety of species has expanded significantly. There is an immense amount of dead organisms, however, the majority of the deceased are around the top of the tank, surprisingly. There are spots of yellow appearing and I am hypothesizing that the microorganisms are using these pockets of yellow as some form of nutrition.

Observation 1

Smith DG. 2001. Pennak's Freshwater Invertebrates of the U.S. John Wiley and Sons Inc.

Smith DG. 2001. Pennak's Freshwater Invertebrates of the U.S. John Wiley and Sons Inc.

Rainis KG, Russell BJ. 1996. Guide to Microlife. Franklin Watts.

Rainis KG, Russell BJ. 1996. Guide to Microlife. Franklin Watts.

My first observation was an interesting experience and had quite a few surprises in store. I have a growing selection of microorganisms making my MicroAquarium their new home. The majority of these organisms appear to be grouping around small pockets of a yellowish substance that I'm assuming they're using to gain energy. I have yet to spot a noticeable difference in the amount of organisms growing around the the two different species of plant put into our MicroAquariums.
Also, a food pellet was entered into our MicroAquariums. Here are the specifics: "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%.

MicroAquarium Setup

This last week we discussed, set up and reviewed our MicroAquariums. The process was undoubtedly interesting and entirely painless. We were given a small glass container and multiple selections of water from various sources around the surrounding area. Dr. Ken McFarland thoroughly explained the necessary procedures to us and then proceeded to keep a watchful eye on our progress. Once our MicroAquariums had been completed, we reviewed the process of examining and recording our progress. We also included two types of plants. My water source was: Carter Mill Park at spring source, Carter Mill Road, Knox Co. Tennessee Partial shade exposure N36 01.168 W83 42.832 940 ft 10/10/2010
   - Plant A:  Amblestegium sp. Moss. Collection from: Natural spring. at Carters Mill Park, Carter Mill Road, Knox Co. TN. Partial shade exposure. N36 01.168 W83 42.832. 10/9/20 11
                    - Plant B:  Utricularia gibba L. Flowering plant. A carnivous plant. Original material from south shore of Spain Lake (N 35o55 12.35" W088o20' 47.00), Camp Bella Air Rd. East of Sparta Tn. in White Co. and grown in water tanks outside of greenhouse at Hesler Biology Building. The University of Tennessee. Knox Co. Knoxville TN.