Final Observation

Final Observation--

Last Thursday I observed my micro-aquarium for the last time. There was quite a bit of life and movement at the bottom near the dirt. I learned that the specks that are scattered everywhere are called diatoms, a major group of algae (Pennak 1989). Interspersed among the diatoms were many varieties of protozoa and rotifers.

This is a diatom called a melosira (Pennak 1989).

This is an acanthocystis (Pennak 1989).

An amoeba swimming around some diatoms.

Anisonema have two flagella on opposite sides. One is used to latch on to firm objects and the other propels it through the water (Pennak 1989)

Here is a broad view of the bottom of the micro-aquarium showing the large amount of cynobacteria that is growing. 

The Euchlanis Rotifer has a forked "foot" that is used to latch on to a firm object (Pennak 1989). 

I also found a few of these insect larvae. I was not able to identify the specific species they belong to. They preferred to stay hidden among the algae and dirt.

November 7th--Fourth Observation

Immediately as I looked into the microscope I saw a two large rotifers swimming around. This gave me false hope, sadly not all of the organisms have not done so well as the rotifers. I noticed that more organisms have died and sank to the bottom, however I haven't noticed a smaller population. Hopefully this indicates that my micro aquarium.
     
 It seems that worm-like larva like attaching to the bottom and I have noticed some on the hedwig plant sample. I also was able to identify hydra at the bottom as well.  Last time I observed organisms thriving in the condensed water in the air bubbles but they are no longer as numerous.

October 31, 2013--Third Observation--With Betta Fish Pellet

October 31, 2013--Third Observation

This week my micro aquarium received a new food source, a beta fish pellet. Before putting my micro aquarium under a microscope I saw a speck moving jaggedly and very quickly. I followed it under the microscope and discovered it was a rotifer. Many of the organisms that I noted last time have grown bigger. There is also a large amount of dead organisms, I specifically noted a tardigrade and a worm, at the bottom of the container.
 I noticed that the three places crammed with life was at the bottom where the dead had sunk to, near the betta fish pellet, and in the little air bubbles where water droplets condensed on the glass. The latter had many tiny bacteria and single celled organisms floating around everywhere like how picnic ants completely cover the fallen bits of food.