MicroAquarium Week 1

With this MicroAquarium I will be able to observe the diverse ecosystem found in a small sample of water from the selected water source. These small organisms will flourish and compete among themselves from resources due to the moisture and nutrients provided in the MicroAquarium.

To set up the MicroAquarium I took the 3mm x about 2" aquarium, attached it to a base and applied identification colors to it. Poured the selected water source in, added plants A and B, and attached the lid.

The chosen water source is number 6. This water is from Dean's Woods SpringCreek. This is located off Woodson Dr. running through Dean's Woods Road frontage., Knox Co. Tennessee. The SpringCreek is exposed to partial shade. The water was collected from the floor of the creek, including some dirt, the mid-water, and the top-water.

Two plants were added to the MicroAquarium to give oxygen and further diversity. Plant A is Fontinalis sp. Moss. Collection from: Natural spring. at Carters Mill Park, Carter Mill Road, Knox Co. TN. Partial shade exposure. Plant B is Utricularia gibba L. Flowering plant. A carnivous plant. Original material from south shore of Spain Lake (N 35o55 12.35" W088o20' 47.00), Camp Bella Air Rd. East of Sparta Tn. in White Co. and grown in water tanks outside of greenhouse at Hesler Biology Building. The University of Tennessee. Knox Co. Knoxville TN.

When first observing many small organisms were seen. Mainly of two variations: a long worm-like transparent organism and a round ladybug-like organism.