Exploring marine microbes
Exploring marine microbes
I've set up a small (about 5 liter) marine tank about two weeks ago. This was furnished with some pebbles, gravel, old shells and a blade of seaweed - and of course whatever organisms were clinging to these at the time - scooped from a rocky pool at the coast. I also added an air-stone to induce some water movement. This morning I've dropped in two slides, and hopefully something of interest will settle down and cling to its surface by this evening.
Re: Exploring marine microbes
Interesting way to get a sample on a slide!
Zeiss Standard WL (somewhat fashion challenged) & Wild M8
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)
Re: Exploring marine microbes
True. Its efficacy remains to be seen...75RR wrote:Interesting way to get a sample on a slide!
Re: Exploring marine microbes
I love the experiment - very interesting to see what happens.
Keep us updated!
Keep us updated!
John B
Re: Exploring marine microbes
Removed the slides, wiped the underside, and had a look. For an extended examination, I had to use a cover glass, otherwise all I ended up seeing after three minutes were salt crystals. Here are my finds (my classification is, of course, open to correction):
Arthropods
Diatoms
Moluscs
( At least, I think this is a tiny shell and a radula )
Ciliates
This Hypotrich appears to be making more of itself. Also, it wouldn't hold still to allow for proper focusing!
A strange goose necked ciliate:
Arthropods
Diatoms
Moluscs
( At least, I think this is a tiny shell and a radula )
Ciliates
This Hypotrich appears to be making more of itself. Also, it wouldn't hold still to allow for proper focusing!
A strange goose necked ciliate:
Re: Exploring marine microbes
That was a bountiful experiment.
I take it that you used "fresh seawater" as opposed to the reconstituted stuff some aquariumists use?
Fun GIF at the end!
I take it that you used "fresh seawater" as opposed to the reconstituted stuff some aquariumists use?
Fun GIF at the end!
Zeiss Standard WL (somewhat fashion challenged) & Wild M8
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)
Olympus E-P2 (Micro Four Thirds Camera)
Re: Exploring marine microbes
That's right, the sea water was from the same pool where I gathered the stones etc. I've now added a few grains of rice to the tank to see if the bacterial and concomitant wildlife count can be boosted a bit.
Re: Exploring marine microbes
Thank you for sharing, it's interesting to read about the project! According to a book I have it is possible to create a rice infusion by simply adding grains of rice, so my guess is that it will affect the amount of microbes in a positive way.
Re: Exploring marine microbes
It is great to have someone doing marine (as opposed to fresh water) critters. And you have such a wonderful variety. I think the goose-necked ciliate may possibly be Lacrymaria? (My previous post does not appear in this thread so I must have clicked "Preview" but forgot to "Submit" )
Re: Exploring marine microbes
Mmm ... I think you hit the nail on the head with it being a Lacrymarian. Thanks for the pointer.