II. Materials:
- Tank
- Water
- Rocks
- Turtle Cove
- Aerator
- Filter
- Filter Sheets
- Light
- Light Clamp
- Turtle Food
- Pitcher
- Paper Towels
- Scrubber
- Sponge
- Turtle
- River Rocks
- Rock Sifter
- Rock Container
- De-Chlorinater
- Bacteria Supplements
- Cup
III. Procedure:
-Find a clean tank
-Clean your tank
-empty any water inside and wash all rocks and scrub at any residue left over from water DO NOT USE SOAP
-Use paper towels to dry
-put your rocks in a rock sifter and rinse and shake under running water
-Place rocks in the tank
-Add your water
-Add dechloriator and bacteria supplements to ensure a safe and pure water environment for your fish
-Add your filters and aerator
-Test your water
-After approved tests results, add your aquatic pet
-Repeat once a week
Testing for Ammonia and Nitrite:
You will also need to test your water for Ammonia and Nitrite. To test your water for Ammonia, you will need two test tubes, 2 lids, a dropper, both ammonia solutions, and a card that tells you the levels the water is at. To test for Nitrite you will need all the same except also the nitrite solution, and card that shows levels of Nitrite.
To Test your water, you will need to take the dropper and collect a water sample from your tank. Put water in both of the test tubes. Drop 8 drops of each of the ammonia solutions into one test tube. place the lid and shake. Put 5 drops of the Nitrite solution into the second test tube, place the lid on it and shake. When both solutions have settled, compare against the card with the different levels, both should be the lowest possible
You will also need to test your water for Ammonia and Nitrite. To test your water for Ammonia, you will need two test tubes, 2 lids, a dropper, both ammonia solutions, and a card that tells you the levels the water is at. To test for Nitrite you will need all the same except also the nitrite solution, and card that shows levels of Nitrite.
To Test your water, you will need to take the dropper and collect a water sample from your tank. Put water in both of the test tubes. Drop 8 drops of each of the ammonia solutions into one test tube. place the lid and shake. Put 5 drops of the Nitrite solution into the second test tube, place the lid on it and shake. When both solutions have settled, compare against the card with the different levels, both should be the lowest possible
IVA: Quantitative Data (Observations)
4/16: We finally bought the turtle and we named him Franklin. We have added a cove for him to hangout on but he doesn't seem to like it very much, in fact he just kinda shuns it. But he is swimming and he seems really happy. We still need to buy turtle food and a light...but we will get that tomorrow because he was already fed by Petsmart today anyways.
4/17: Today we felt the water and it was freezing and he wouldn't eat. He also seemed really cold because he wasn't mobile at all. So we have to buy the light today. We've also added some pond worms and bugs to the tank from the lab we have just done today.
4/18: Water levels are good, the water is still pretty cold, i think it has something to do with the cold weather outside. But Franklin finally ate today, not much, but he ate.
(Weekend)
4/21: Walked in, it seems that all of the plants were moved but the water is starting to get a little dirty but the water has, thankfully, warmed up and Franklin is finally eating. The chemicals were not unbalanced and everything seems fine!
4/22: Today we tested the water again and the levels got all weird and we had to change it. But nothing interesting happened.
4/23: Today we didn't check out water quality because we did it yesterday but we watched him nad fed him, he's eating at a normal pace and normal amount and today we added pond plants to the water and duck weed.
4/24: We fed Franklin, we fed 3 pellets today and he ate them.
4/25: Franklin has been seeming to completely eat soooo much more! We replaced the filter today and me and Courtney have decided we need to change the water
4/26: Today is the day we change Franklin's tank cause its dirty but we havnt checked the water quality yet but we will once we change his tank.
4/29: We messed up the tank water. We tried to use a rock sifter to clean the rocks amd we couldn't get it to work, instead we moved all the dirt and stuff from under the rocks and stirred up the water, making the whole thing brown. But neither of us could come after school to change it so we have to wait till tomorrow.
4/30: We finally changed the tan today and cleaned everything. The water chemicals are normal and the water looks healthy and clear.
5/1: Water is still good, and we fed him today
5/2: We will have to test the water since we havn't done that in a while but it still looks pretty good, we cleaned his filter too.
5/3: The tank is pretty dirty now...we need to changed the water next week.
5/6 Our water appears to be clear and clean. We tested the water and now we seem to have a probelm with our nitrate and nitrite, so we will have to add bacteria supplements to get the color from purple to blue. But our ammonia is perfect
5/7: Our nitrate was a deeeeeeep purple which is really bad, so we had to change the entire water and tank immediatly. We arent sure what the cause is.
5/8: Water appears clear so I tested it today. We added bacteria supplements to try and make the water quality a bit better
5/9: No new observations today
5/10 After adding bacteria supplements our nitrate and nitrite have gone down alot to the point where our water is healthy looking now. We also used the rock sifter and used it correctly to clean our tank.
5/13: We tested out ammonia today and its fine but our nitrite and nitrate are just a huge problem for us. We're wondering if it is because we feed him alot and its his waste thats causing it, or the light, or if there is something chemically wrong with the water besides those two possiblites.
5/14: Mrs. Ellis explained to us that it is the turtle's waste and the heat from the lamp that is causing our problems. If our ammonia is fine, then there is nothing to worry about since turtles can withstand much more, chemical wise, than fish.
5/15: Cleaned our tank
5/20: Slowly our time with the turtle is ending. I checked the water quality today and the levels were perfect for ammonia and as for nitrate and nitrite, well they're still the same as they have been but i am not worried about it.
4/29: We messed up the tank water. We tried to use a rock sifter to clean the rocks amd we couldn't get it to work, instead we moved all the dirt and stuff from under the rocks and stirred up the water, making the whole thing brown. But neither of us could come after school to change it so we have to wait till tomorrow.
4/30: We finally changed the tan today and cleaned everything. The water chemicals are normal and the water looks healthy and clear.
5/1: Water is still good, and we fed him today
5/2: We will have to test the water since we havn't done that in a while but it still looks pretty good, we cleaned his filter too.
5/3: The tank is pretty dirty now...we need to changed the water next week.
5/6 Our water appears to be clear and clean. We tested the water and now we seem to have a probelm with our nitrate and nitrite, so we will have to add bacteria supplements to get the color from purple to blue. But our ammonia is perfect
5/7: Our nitrate was a deeeeeeep purple which is really bad, so we had to change the entire water and tank immediatly. We arent sure what the cause is.
5/8: Water appears clear so I tested it today. We added bacteria supplements to try and make the water quality a bit better
5/9: No new observations today
5/10 After adding bacteria supplements our nitrate and nitrite have gone down alot to the point where our water is healthy looking now. We also used the rock sifter and used it correctly to clean our tank.
5/13: We tested out ammonia today and its fine but our nitrite and nitrate are just a huge problem for us. We're wondering if it is because we feed him alot and its his waste thats causing it, or the light, or if there is something chemically wrong with the water besides those two possiblites.
5/14: Mrs. Ellis explained to us that it is the turtle's waste and the heat from the lamp that is causing our problems. If our ammonia is fine, then there is nothing to worry about since turtles can withstand much more, chemical wise, than fish.
5/15: Cleaned our tank
5/20: Slowly our time with the turtle is ending. I checked the water quality today and the levels were perfect for ammonia and as for nitrate and nitrite, well they're still the same as they have been but i am not worried about it.
IVB:
4/9: ammonia .75
4/15: ammonia .50
4/16: ammonia .25. nitrite 0.0
4/22: quality test
nitrite 0, ammonia: 1.0, total chlorine: 0, free chlorine: 0, total hardness grains: 15 250 pg, total alkalinity: 180, pH: 7.8
4/23: ammonia .25, nitrite 0.0
4/24: ammonia: 1.0, nitrate: 0ppm
5/6: nitrate: 5.0, amonia .25
5/8: ammonia: 0, nitrate: 40, nitrite: 5.0
5/13: ammonia: 1.0, nitrite: 5.0, nitrate: 160
5/17: ammonia 0, nitrite 1.0, nitrate 160
5/20: ammonia 0, nitrite 1.0, nitrate 160, temperature: 25 degrees celcius, pH 7.11
Conclusion Questions
4/9: ammonia .75
4/15: ammonia .50
4/16: ammonia .25. nitrite 0.0
4/22: quality test
nitrite 0, ammonia: 1.0, total chlorine: 0, free chlorine: 0, total hardness grains: 15 250 pg, total alkalinity: 180, pH: 7.8
4/23: ammonia .25, nitrite 0.0
4/24: ammonia: 1.0, nitrate: 0ppm
5/6: nitrate: 5.0, amonia .25
5/8: ammonia: 0, nitrate: 40, nitrite: 5.0
5/13: ammonia: 1.0, nitrite: 5.0, nitrate: 160
5/17: ammonia 0, nitrite 1.0, nitrate 160
5/20: ammonia 0, nitrite 1.0, nitrate 160, temperature: 25 degrees celcius, pH 7.11
Conclusion Questions
1. Discuss each of the following water quality parameters and explain what it is and why it is important.
Amonia:
Nitrite:
Nitrate:
Temperature:
pH:
Conductivity:
Dissolved Oxygen:
Hardness:
Alkalinity:
Chlorine:
2) What is the nitrogen cycle and how does it apply to the sustainablilty of the aquarium? Include a picture with your explaination.
The nitrogen cycle is how ammonia is transformed into nitrate. Whenever the fish "goes to the batthroom" it turns into ammonia and that can turn into nitrate with the help of the bateria called "Nitrtosomonas". After that, the the nitrite- from there- will turn into nitrate and is absorbed by plants. How this cycle relates to the sustainablity is by the way ammonia and nitrite will make the fish ill if not corrected and it relates to its health and the water quality.
3) How has your water quality changed over time? Be specific and give examples.
At first we had a major problem with keeping our ammonia in check and never had a problem with our nitrite. The levels of our ammonia ranged from anywhere .25-.75 for the first couple of weeks. Finally we got the hang of it, and bought a light for a heat source. But now our problem is the nitrite and nitrate, we are not sure if it is because of the light and it's heating up the water or if we might be over feeding the turtle or if there is actually something legit wrong with our water, chemical wise. We ended up changing the water a couple times throughout our project and he is doing pretty good.
4) Why is the oxygen/ carbon dioxide cycle important to the aquatic ecosystem? Explain how this relates to local ponds and creeks.
The cycle is very important to the aquatic ecosytem. Without oxygen, the fish will die. Now granted they don't breathe much oxygen because they're a fish but oxygen is important for celluar resporation, which they need to survive. Plus, it helps with photosynthesis and stuff. Without plants, there cannot be any carbon dioxide in the water for the fish. This relates to local ponds and creeks becasue they are a prime example of how important the oxygen/carbon diocide cycle is. With creeks, they have dissolved oxygen.
Amonia:
Nitrite:
Nitrate:
Temperature:
pH:
Conductivity:
Dissolved Oxygen:
Hardness:
Alkalinity:
Chlorine:
2) What is the nitrogen cycle and how does it apply to the sustainablilty of the aquarium? Include a picture with your explaination.
The nitrogen cycle is how ammonia is transformed into nitrate. Whenever the fish "goes to the batthroom" it turns into ammonia and that can turn into nitrate with the help of the bateria called "Nitrtosomonas". After that, the the nitrite- from there- will turn into nitrate and is absorbed by plants. How this cycle relates to the sustainablity is by the way ammonia and nitrite will make the fish ill if not corrected and it relates to its health and the water quality.
3) How has your water quality changed over time? Be specific and give examples.
At first we had a major problem with keeping our ammonia in check and never had a problem with our nitrite. The levels of our ammonia ranged from anywhere .25-.75 for the first couple of weeks. Finally we got the hang of it, and bought a light for a heat source. But now our problem is the nitrite and nitrate, we are not sure if it is because of the light and it's heating up the water or if we might be over feeding the turtle or if there is actually something legit wrong with our water, chemical wise. We ended up changing the water a couple times throughout our project and he is doing pretty good.
4) Why is the oxygen/ carbon dioxide cycle important to the aquatic ecosystem? Explain how this relates to local ponds and creeks.
The cycle is very important to the aquatic ecosytem. Without oxygen, the fish will die. Now granted they don't breathe much oxygen because they're a fish but oxygen is important for celluar resporation, which they need to survive. Plus, it helps with photosynthesis and stuff. Without plants, there cannot be any carbon dioxide in the water for the fish. This relates to local ponds and creeks becasue they are a prime example of how important the oxygen/carbon diocide cycle is. With creeks, they have dissolved oxygen.
55) What problems did you face when trying to keep the aquarium stable? How did you solve these problems?
d The water would always get dirty really fast and trying to keep the ammonia levels down was a big problem for us. The only solution we had was to change the water once a week and add chemicals that would reduce the levels of ammonia while still keeping the other chemicals in check. Then once that problem was solved, our nitrite was horrible but mrs. Ellis told us it was just because of over feeding and the light heating up the water.
66) What are 5 educational concepts that you learned through this project?
1-How to measure ammonia levels
--How to measure nitrite and nitrate levels
--How to fix problems by yourself and learning how these chemicals interact with each other and will either kill your fish or let your fish live happily
-- You learned responsiblity and how to properly care for something other than yourself and konwing that it was you and your partner who were able to keep this turtle/ aquatic animal alive.
--That turtles are super hard to keep clean and caring for their water is a tedious task, and ive learned that i will NEVER buy a turtle. Ever.
77) What was the most interesting thing that happened during this project? The worst? the Weirdest?
Well the most intersting that happened was that it hissed and tried to bite at me whenever I was reaching in to grab it because me and Courtney had to change it's water, becasue it was gross. The weirdest was the fact that turtles HISS. and the worst thing was that IT HISSED AT ME AND TRIED TO BITE ME WHEN I GIVE IT FOOD, LOVE, A LAMP, AND THIS COOL TANK AND THIS IS HOW IT REPAYS ME.
88) What was your favorite part of this project? Why?
I I really like science alot, so my favorite part was testing the water and seeing what I did effect it.
99) What advice would you give next year's students about this project? How would you change this project for the better?
jJust don't get a turtle, it is a lot of work. Like seriously. They're dirty, expensive to keep up, they smell, they hiss and bite, they move stuff around in the tank, and the nitrate and nitrite are hard to keep up with. Plus they live for 15 years. Buy carefully. The project in itself was actually really cool and fun, I'm not sure how to make it any better!
a
d The water would always get dirty really fast and trying to keep the ammonia levels down was a big problem for us. The only solution we had was to change the water once a week and add chemicals that would reduce the levels of ammonia while still keeping the other chemicals in check. Then once that problem was solved, our nitrite was horrible but mrs. Ellis told us it was just because of over feeding and the light heating up the water.
66) What are 5 educational concepts that you learned through this project?
1-How to measure ammonia levels
--How to measure nitrite and nitrate levels
--How to fix problems by yourself and learning how these chemicals interact with each other and will either kill your fish or let your fish live happily
-- You learned responsiblity and how to properly care for something other than yourself and konwing that it was you and your partner who were able to keep this turtle/ aquatic animal alive.
--That turtles are super hard to keep clean and caring for their water is a tedious task, and ive learned that i will NEVER buy a turtle. Ever.
77) What was the most interesting thing that happened during this project? The worst? the Weirdest?
Well the most intersting that happened was that it hissed and tried to bite at me whenever I was reaching in to grab it because me and Courtney had to change it's water, becasue it was gross. The weirdest was the fact that turtles HISS. and the worst thing was that IT HISSED AT ME AND TRIED TO BITE ME WHEN I GIVE IT FOOD, LOVE, A LAMP, AND THIS COOL TANK AND THIS IS HOW IT REPAYS ME.
88) What was your favorite part of this project? Why?
I I really like science alot, so my favorite part was testing the water and seeing what I did effect it.
99) What advice would you give next year's students about this project? How would you change this project for the better?
jJust don't get a turtle, it is a lot of work. Like seriously. They're dirty, expensive to keep up, they smell, they hiss and bite, they move stuff around in the tank, and the nitrate and nitrite are hard to keep up with. Plus they live for 15 years. Buy carefully. The project in itself was actually really cool and fun, I'm not sure how to make it any better!
a
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