1/26-30 Weekly Updates/Observations

Updates:
The differentiation of protein content in feed for each tank began after data collection on Friday. Changes will be observed on Monday: the Galactic Branch (1) received fish food with a crude protein content of 38% and the Terrestrial Branch (2) received a fish food with a crude protein content of 54.5%.

Observations:
Glycine max (soybean) seeds were planted on Wednesday (1/28), and by Friday (1/30), there were 4 visible sprouts in the Galactic Branch (1) planter and 3 visible sprouts in the Terrestrial Branch (2) planter. Average plant height will be taken starting in next week's data collection and will continue through the experiment.

G. max sprouts in the Galactic Branch planter

G. max roots jutting into the Terrestrial Branch tank from its planter

1/30/15

Week Casualties: 2

Tank 1- Galactic Branch (Freshwater)

• Nitrate: 0 ppm

• Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Total Hardness: 25 ppm

• Alkalinity: 40 ppm

• pH: 6.8

• Vertical Behavior: Bottom

Tank 2- Terrestrial Branch (Freshwater)

• Nitrate: 0 ppm

• Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Total Hardness: 50 ppm

• Alkalinity: 40 ppm

• pH: 7.2

• Vertical Behavior: Bottom

1/26/15

Weekend casualties: 2


Tank 1- Galactic Branch (Freshwater)

• Nitrate: 0 ppm

• Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Total Hardness: 25 ppm

• Total Alkalinity: 40 ppm

• pH: 7.2

• Vertical Behavior: Middle/Top

Tank 2- Terrestrial Branch (Freshwater)

• Nitrate: 0 ppm

• Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Total Hardness: 25 ppm

• Total Alkalinity: 40 ppm

• pH: 7.2

• Vertical Behavior: Bottom

What is the Fish Corps?

1. Purpose: The purpose of our aquaponics set up is to determine the optimum amount of nitrates in a system, via protein content in fish food, to support plant growth without harming the fish.
2. Hypothesis: If protein levels in fish food are increased, then nitrate levels will increase, and therefore increase plant growth while supporting the Carassius auratus auratus (goldfish) through plant use of CO2 and release of oxygen into the water.
3. Qualitative Data: We will observe the frequency of the vertical behavior of fish to determine relative oxygen content in the water (comparing the times they spend near the top/middle/bottom with the chemical values), raw and mean plant growth (in centimeters), and relative fish size.
4. Quantitative Data: We are recording nitrates, nitrites, pH, alkalinity, hardness, and plant growth in centimeters.
5. Frequency of Data Collection: Data will be recorded biweekly (Mondays/Tuesdays and Fridays). 
6. Method of Data Collection: 5-in-1 aquarium test strips will be used to test for the aforementioned qualitative data. A ruler with centimeters will be used to measure plant growth. To gauge fish vertical behavior, we have divided both tanks into 3 regions: bottom, middle, and top.
7. Progress Documentation: The data values and observations in our aquarium-side lab notebook will be listed on this blog. Sporadic photographs and general updates will appear on our Twitter (@FishCorps). 
8. Final Data Report: Final data will be presented on a separate page of this blog in a research paper format.
9. Determination of Success: The success of this project depends on the survival of our fish and a clear difference in the effects of protein in the fish food on the growth of the plants.
10. The Initial Set-Up:

1/20/15

Tank 1- Galactic Branch (Freshwater)

• Nitrate: 0 ppm

• Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Total Hardness: 25 ppm

• Total Alkalinity: 40 ppm

• pH: 7.2

• Vertical Behavior: Bottom

Tank 2- Terrestrial Branch (Freshwater)

• Nitrate: 0 ppm

• Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Total Hardness: 50 ppm

• Total Alkalinity: 80 ppm

• pH: 7.2

• Vertical Behavior: Bottom

1/19/15

With the o-fish-ial start of the aquaponics venture tomorrow, today we are recruiting ten aquatic members of the Fish Corps. Requirements include:

• Be of the species Carassius auratus auratus
• Be brave in the face of danger

We are also scouting for suitable flora associates to support the Corps. Requirements include:

• Be either of the species Glycine max or Nasturtium officinale
• Work well with others

The successful assembly of the Fish Corps is dire to AP Biology and the future of the world.

-A