Field Reports

Hello all.

I was just wondering if anyone might be willing to share how many fish they have left as of Feb 15, 2007. I am down to about 18, but they seem healthy and 2/3 are really growing.

Thanks to anyone who will reply.

L. Diglio
Pequannock Valley Middle School
Pompton Plains, NJ

Our "younglings" are still going strong after the Holiday Break. At least 100 are still surviving. I am quite pleased and somewhat surprised with the progress since this is my first year with the project
Each student in the class is keeping a "Trout Journal" where students make entries on a weekly basis through observations and questions that they would like answered.
On a daily basis, during their recess, three students maintain the tank on a daily basis. I call them "Trout Inspectors." Some of the tasks include daily pH and ammonia levels, cleaning the intake tubes of the filter, changing the water when needed, just to name a few. All the info is recorded in a log.
Each week one of the "Inspectors" is rotated and a new one takes its place so each student can serve as an inspector for the three weeks. It’s been working well.
In language arts class each student wrote a short story from the view point of the trout. Will be posting soon.

Mr. Ludwig and Mrs. Scibetta’s 5th Grade class

For about three weeks our group has worked on our tank. Over this time the pH had dropped to 6.8 and risen to 7.2. We have kept the pH, ammonia, and nitrate levels as close to what they are supposed to be. We have had days where as much as 19 have died. But still, we have about 280 fish left alive. Today, we changed some water for the second time. It is tedious work because you need to get the replacement water at just the right temp. Then you need to take water out with a pump. That, too, is hard because you need to make sure none of the fish get too near the pump. Then once that is done, you need to put the new water in. It is really heavy! On a whole I enjoy taking care of the trout. My partners and I get along really well.
Keri Ross
Grade 9
December 15 2006

Several teachers have expressed concern over mortality of eggs,  sac fry or alevins at this early stage.  What you are experiencing is mother nature at work.  It is perfectly normal to see losses at all stages of life.  I remember delivering between 350 and 400 eggs last year to Marilyn Steneken’s class and later releasing about 50 fish.  While that may seem like a large loss, I think Sparta Middle School would tell you that it was one of, if not the, best years ever for success!  Of course, we are seeing some losses due to high water temps, overfeeding, etc. and this too is a part of the experience.  One thought that my counterpat in NY gave me is to have schools who’ve experienced large losses share alevins from another school.  This helps build a sense of community with our TIC classes and I urge you to reach out to one another if you need help.  Of course, you can always reach out to yours truly.  Remeber that losses are a natural process and go a long way in teaching our students about life.  Just wait until it’s time for CANNIBALISM!!!  Again, a perfectly natural process both in nature and in our tanks.  Happy parenting.

For future reference, how long can the fish go without being fed? I am worried about the winter break being such a long one. Does any expert out there think the fish can make it for 2, 3 or 4 days without food??? Thanks!

How are everyone’s trout doing? We have SOOO many- the students estimate there are about 200!! We haven’t had any die in a couple weeks.