Progress+&+Data

Progress & Data
Update: 5:03 PM, 5/16/2010: We conducted a small beaker experiment on Thursday with fertilizer, treated water and tap water

_ Initial pH Value pH value after introduction of fertilizer Tap Water: _ 4.5 - 5.0 _ N/A Treated Water: _ 5.0 _ 4.5 (immediately); 5.5 (one hour later) Fertilizer: 0.5 - 1.0 _ N/A

The small experiment was conducted in order to solve the question: whether algae growth affects the pH level of the water. Dissolved CO 2 is acidic, and algae removes it from water during photosynthesis to maintain life processes**. Doing so can cause the pH value to rise very rapidly, especially if it is warm.** Fertilizer as well as phosphorus also cause algal blooms.

Before the addition of fertilizer, the pH levels of all the tanks were at 6.0 - 6.5. After the addition of fertilizer, the experimental tanks went to a pH level of 7. Algae growth increased in experimental tanks (As observed). Fertilizer is acidic (as shown by our smaller experiment), and therefore when added, decreases the water pH value. Yet, if fertilizer stems algal growth*, then algal growth increases the pH value. High levels of phosphorous (which is the chemical we are primarily working with in fertilizer) also causes algal blooms.


 * To clarify, conduct a experiment: Effect of phosphorus (through the use of fertilizer) on the growth of algae.

[]

To understand: Once fertilizer addition was stopped, algae growth slowed down. A few days after fertilizer addition was stopped, pH values in both experimental dropped to 5.5. Why? ^ Another small beaker experiment?
 * Requesting members to fill in incomplete data and review claims and edit if required.

additional data about connections between algal growth and pH levels: [[http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/ansci/livestoc/nm1281w.htm|

[|**http://www.nfkc.info/nfkconliine/Algae%20and%20How%20to%20Control%20It.htm**] [|**http://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=52023**] [] = =
 * http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/ansci/livestoc/nm1281w.htm**]]

These are some pictures on tuesday that i took of the tanks,
===I was able to get a close up picture of the fish and as you can see, it is difficult to see them.Also, if you look at the pictures from before you can see that the tank changed drastically from being attractive with coral to its current murky state. === === ===

Photo Update: 04/14/10 Here are some of the first pictures of our tank with minnows inside (taken during feeding time). More pictures will be added soon!


 * Update: 4/13/2010

PLEASE AWAIT FURTHER OBSERVATION UPDATES. THERE ARE MANY ISSUES TO BE MENTIONED FOR TODAY.

HERE IS A BIT OF THAT...

A mistake had been made in the past two weeks of the experiment. Only 4.4 mL of conditioner & supplement was being added to the tanks when there should have been 5 mL being added to the tanks instead. 4.4 mL was the amount designated for 8.79 gallons of water, however, our tanks contained 10 gallons of water-10 gallons of water require 5 mL of conditioner and supplement. The mishap occurred when the tanks were being refilled with water two weeks ago.

The following occurred:**


 * 1) **1.21 gallons/10 gallons of water had evaporated from the tanks.**
 * 2) **1.21 gallons of water was added to the tank.**
 * 3) **The time had come to pour in the conditioner.**
 * 4) **Conditioner instructions: 5 mL per 10 gallons.**
 * 5) **Our brains for some reason (known only by that which is the "unconditional") upon mutual agreement subtracted 1.2 gallons from the total 10 gallons of water that were in the tank at the time to get 8.79 gallons of water. (8.79 gallons was the total amount of water in all tanks before evaporation...talk about us being Fatheads!)**
 * 6) **Accordingly (and now we realize wrongly) we calculated the amount of solution required for 8.79 gallons of water. Which brought us to 4.4 mL.**


 * As you can see our minds were just somewhere else that day!

From now on 5 mL of conditioner and supplement will be added to the 10 gallons of water.**

4/12/10- Observation

This is the first observation of the tanks since our little swimmers have been introduced! I'm glad to say that most of our babies are making themselves right at home, swimming energetically and giving favorable responses to the food. Unfortunately, we have five gone. None in Experimental One, Three in Control One, One in Experimental Two, and One in Control Two. Interestingly, one dead fish was covered in water mold and another was sunk to the bottom of its tank. The other three were skimming the top of the water.

After the daily feeding it should be noted that the fishes in both experimental tanks were very active and immediately responded to the food. However, the fishes in both Control tanks were seen hiding under the coral or swimming very close to the gravel. Hopefully this is just a case of bashfullness.

Also, pictures were unable for this day because Professor Paroly was conducting her lesson at this time. Professor Tu kindly escorted us to do our quick feedings and observation due to conflicting schedule timing.


 * RIP: Bobo I, Bobo II, Bobo III, Bobo IV, and Jimmy. You will be missed. :'(


 * History of Progress & Data in Ascending order**.

03/11/10 - Each tank was filled with 40,000mL of tap water. Masking tape was also used to mark the water level in order to observe evaporation levels.



03/15/10 - After the weekend, we came back to observe the tanks and monitor the evaporation rates. The cloudiness of the tank receded a bit and is looking much clearer! When conditioner is added it will be in even better shape. We also have available photos of the water level in relation to how much it has evaporated, but due to lighting and resolution, it is not visible. If you wish to view or have a copy of these pictures, you can ask me (Shanice), and I will gladly send/show them to you.



03/24/2010 - Here are some pictures of the 8 live plants which were purchased today to be placed in the water tomorrow (Thursday, March 25, 2010). There will be two of these aquatic plants within each tank.

(close up picture of the bag with plants ^)



03/25/10 - Here are some new pictures showing the tanks with the plants added!

The Tank Close up All Four tanks We also conditioned the water within each tank as well. The instructions on the bottle of conditioner specify 5 ml of conditioner for every 10 gallons of water. Each of our tanks contains 40,000mL, or approx +/- 10 gallons
 * Let X represent the amount of conditioner to be placed within each aquarium tank.

8.79gal __=__ 10gal __X mL --- 5 mL

X= 4.4 mL of conditioner (per aquarium tank)

Supplement was also added to each tank. Similar to the amounts for conditioner, 5 mL of supplement is specified for every 10 gallons of water. The conversion would be the same, giving us__

8.79gal __=__ 10gal__ X mL --- 5 mL

X= 4.4 mL of supplement (per aquarium tank)