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]

My Experiment

Two groups of fishes of similar size and color(either full red or red and white) were chosen with one acting as control.All parameters were held constant with one group receiving algae and pellets while the other receiving only pellets.All things being equal.Care has to be exercised that no forms of other algae is available and consumed by fish and no color enhancers are used through feeds.All fishes are exposed to sunlight and the period and duration are held equal for both tubs.

Fish tested have to be fed with algae first thing in the morning as algae is never a preferred food So to break fast,I introduce algae as an appertiser.The algae are harvested fresh from the pond washed and cut into tiny strips.On examination of the algae strip I find numerous larvae,crippy crawlies which highlight the commensal habitat which the algae provides and a potential live food source.So the salad is not served as pure vegetarian meal but topped with extra meaty finds!The rest of the day,they are fed with usual pellet food as algae can never be deemed as a staple diet but rather as a supplement.In the evening a second serving of algae is given to the test group with excess left for fish to forage throughout the night.

First day observation

The test group was observed by faecal examination for evidence of algae consumption. Faeces show short and stout dark green production throughout the day with no evidence of light brown or black as seen in control where no algae is consumed.

30 days trial would be implemented to assess the outcome.

Wish me luck.


goldrush