Under a microscope

[DonW]

Anyone play around a microscope? Watching water clarity and critter populations. A month or so ago my average phyto count per drop was about 30 with a zoo count of 10. Although with a phyto count of about 30 the water looked clear to the naked eye. Since the addition of my skimmer the phyto count is about 5 and zoo count is just hit and miss, lucky to see one in a sample. When you do get 2 in a sample they quickly consume the phyto reducing it to 0.

This may seem a little dumb watching populations, but I would like to know that my corals are actually being fed. I'm also aware that this is propably not the most accurate way to determine populations, I'm sure its better than nothing.

It definatly explains the bleaching event my tank has had since the skimmer addition. Since every system is different I'm wondering what or if anyone else has done this and what were the results.

Thanks
Don

 

[jlehigh]

Very interesting Don! Especially given the talks around what skimmers do and do not pull our of our water.. I would like to get a microscope eventually but it's low on the list at the moment.

 

[wrightme43]

I dont know Don, but I will be watching and reading on this thread. Steve

 

[mojoreef]

It definatly explains the bleaching event my tank has had since the skimmer addition

Lower phytoplankton and zooplankton counts have created a bleaching event? Don can you explain this one out for me buddy.


Mike

 

[DonW]

Lower phytoplankton and zooplankton counts have created a bleaching event? Don can you explain this one out for me buddy.


Mike

Nope, just much clearer water. I should have cut the photo period or went slower.

Don

 

[mojoreef]

Don have you taken a water sample from along the surface of the LR?? if not give that a shot.


Mike

 

[DonW]

Don have you taken a water sample from along the surface of the LR?? if not give that a shot.


Mike

I usually take samples about 1/4 off the rock so as not to suck up detrius. I'll get some more tonight. I try and post some pics if I can figure out how to. They usually turn out ok but I can only get 200x magnification.

Don

 

[DonW]

Out of ten samples the only sign of free swimming life was this one poor zooplankton trapped in cyno threads. Not a good pic, but easy to see under the regular scope.

 

[DonW]

Here is another source of unwanted crud.

 

[wrightme43]

Hey Don, that second pic. what is it, if you dont mind. I'm stumped. Steve

 

[DonW]

Hey Don, that second pic. what is it, if you dont mind. I'm stumped. Steve

My finger, pretty gross thats after washing.

Don

 

[wrightme43]

Yuck, I never would of guessed. LOL So thats why they say to keep them out of the nose. LOL