Microaquarium Setup

       Last week we set up our microaquariums. The set up includes a small glass tank, a stand holder, and a lid. The aquariums were coded with small colored stickers on the top left side according to lab section, table, and seat. Once the aquariums were labeled, we chose our water source and plants to be observed. My water source is Tommy Schumpert Pond which is within the Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge. The two plants I have included in my aquarium are Amblystegium varium and Utricularia gibba. Once the aquarium was set up, I began to view it under a microscope. I was able to observe an organism called Cyclops. this is a small rather transparent organism that was between 1-1.5 mm. They move very quickly and tended to reside in the areas closer to the sands and plant life. The organism has one visible eye at the top of its head. Another organism that I was able to observe appeared to be Daphnia. This organism is also transparent, quick moving, and tends to stay around the floor and plant areas. I also observed a small transparent organism that appeared to be a shrimp. the last organism I observed was smaller than the rest and moves quicker as well. This organism was transparent and appeared to be some kind of mite. Once we were done viewing to aquariums, we placed them in the corner of our lab room according to lab section.