My Filamentous Algae Experiment Options

[goldrush]

Today I would like to share with you what I have in mind to culture some filamentous algae and feed them to the fish to ascertain the benefits these fish may derived after a period of consumption.Filamentous algae are used in this project because I do not use green water and is readily available at my disposal…courtesy of my koi pond.

These can be seen from the pics below that they are CLIFF HANGERS and all I need to do is to tear them away and feed them directly after cutting into minute pieces.

[goldrush]

Before embarking on this experiment I did a mini research on algae and I chanced upon some very interesting findings

Algae, the major food of fish (and thus indirectly of many other animals), are a keystone in the aquatic food chain of life; they are the primary producers of the food that provides the energy to power the whole system. Finding shows that the quantities of filamentous algae were more prominent within the stomachs of the fish studied as compared to free green algae, but no literature promoting these organisms as an important food source was found. Green algae is very low in protein, low in lipids and only provides a mediocre energy level, they do provide links to more important organisms within the fish diet. One suggestion that does arise is that filamentous algae is taken into the stomach while our goldfish are foraging the bottom for migrating chironomid larvae. Filamentous algae are periphytons (attaching themselves to surfaces like orchids to trees) that provide habitats for the chironomid larvae(bloodworms) to feed on these algae. This theory could provide an explanation for why there are large quantities of low nutritional valued filamentous algae found within the stomach of the fish studied.Initial nutritional qualitative analysis may yield unexceptional contents to be proud of, however one cannot dispute other hidden or supplementary properties that can promote better keeping of our fishes.These properties may include

1)Stimulates the production of enzymes that transport fats within the fish's body.

2)Enhances color and luster

3)Increases survival rates through immunity stimulant therefore increased resistance

4)Lessens the usage of medication.

5)Roughage and improve digestion lessening the incidence of SBD