Comments on: Concerns About Cannibalism http://www.njtroutintheclassroom.org/2008/01/16/concerns-about-cannibalism/ A conservation education initiative of NJ State Council of Trout Unlimited and its chapters, NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife, and leading educators Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:28:08 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.5 by: Brian Cowden http://www.njtroutintheclassroom.org/2008/01/16/concerns-about-cannibalism/#comment-4338 Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:59:34 +0000 http://www.njtroutintheclassroom.org/2008/01/16/concerns-about-cannibalism/#comment-4338 Diane, Yes, cannibalism could account for such losses. If this becomes an issue, there are 3 possible remedies. One is to segregate the cannibal(s). A second is to feed more frequently, but not more food per feeding. Be careful as increased food will lead to more ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, but if you are having good water chemistry then I suggest using this method. The 3rd possible remedy I call "the Soprano method". Use your imagination! At some point, cannibalism will taper off and end. On the UV Sterilizer, I am leaving that decision to the individual schools. I am more and more of the mindset that it is unnecessary as it can also kill much of the good bacteria, but go ahead and try it. You can always turn it back off at any time. I will be looking for input from all teachers this year on this piece of equipment as I am considering eliminating it for the future TIC kits next year. Diane,
Yes, cannibalism could account for such losses. If this becomes an issue, there are 3 possible remedies. One is to segregate the cannibal(s). A second is to feed more frequently, but not more food per feeding. Be careful as increased food will lead to more ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, but if you are having good water chemistry then I suggest using this method. The 3rd possible remedy I call “the Soprano method”. Use your imagination!

At some point, cannibalism will taper off and end.

On the UV Sterilizer, I am leaving that decision to the individual schools. I am more and more of the mindset that it is unnecessary as it can also kill much of the good bacteria, but go ahead and try it. You can always turn it back off at any time. I will be looking for input from all teachers this year on this piece of equipment as I am considering eliminating it for the future TIC kits next year.

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