Follow-up to Water Test

pH testing of Tanks 3-5 produced 6.2 this morning. You can do the Maths!

Cleaned Risers, filter basket, backwashed, adjusted biofilters and added more material to biofilter 1.

Slowed water flow to biofilter 2 to equalise flow between the 2 biofilters. Added Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter to biofilters

Fish fed well. Added a further 200g of Bi-Carb Soda to sump...

** WHAT DO YOU THINK THE NEW pH reading will be?

*** Water Chrysanthemums from reservoir (with the secrete ingredient- WWW?)

Water Test

Mr Harris's Yr9 AT class and Peter tested Tanks 3-5...
pH 4.2
Temp 28°C

Water quality: pH neutral to alkaline, moderately to quite hard water, a little salt can be added
Temperature: 4 to 28°C

The recirculation system is running approx 3,500l (total capacity 10,600l when in full production- all Tanks 1-5) including water in sump/biofilter/foam fractionator.

Water quality and conditions: Bass can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, from quite acidic to very alkaline pH, moderately to very hard water, and quite high salt levels. Although the need to reduce stress results in control of pH and the addition of chemicals to attempt to stabilise pH to neutral 7.0!

* The gradual addition of Bi-Carb Soda will increase pH from 4.2 towards a value 7.0+. Initially 200g was added to the sump.
* see later postings for updates on pH changes.

WHAT pH DO YOU THINK THE ADDITION OF 200g WILL RESULT IN? ** Pls comment **

Further info @...
http://www.adelaideaquariums.com.au/faqs/freshwater/fish/perches/austbass.html

Yr9 AT Management Team Jobs

Feeding Fish Stock
Fertilising Chrysanthemums
Cleaning Aquarium, replace 1/3 water, vacuum Aquarium bottom to remove excess food. Add Bass

Yr10 AT Class Activity

Photos taken of Recirculation System components including Risers, Filter Basket, Bio-Filter, Foam Fractionator, Sand/Zeolite Filter and Ultravioloet Steriliser for class project.

Planting Bed 2 covered with shade cloth and Chrysanthemums transfered from shade area behind ARC to Planting Bed 2.

Full description of lesson available at...
www.calendar.yahoo.com/tasksandprojects

Reluctant Feeders

Bass still reluctant to feed. Cleaned ARC ready for TAFE inspection later this week.

Aquarium 2 and 5 leaked when test filled last week. Emptied and moved off bench for repair- silicon gun!

Transfer of Bass from CCAF/MPG's to ARC

This morning XXX Australian Bass were transported from CCAF MPG's to Wadalba ARC. Students will care and grow out the Bass for CCAF. All Bass survived the quick trip from Kariong to Wadalba and acclimatised quickly to the recirculation system.

System Clean- Risers flushed clean, backwash and refill of sump. The Foam Fractionator was recommissioned to remove 'scum' excess protein from the system.

NEW Pump fitted to Foam Fractionator

Thanks to our new 'farm hand'... Mr Godwin, the replacement pump has been fitted to the foam fractionator.

Management Team ARC Jobs

Raining

• Drain and move Worm Wee to Reservoir to assist in fertilising Chrysanthemums
• Feed Bass- no dead fish, tank clean
• Drain Aquarium 2- leak. Will need to reseal with silicon
• Covered Garden Plot 1 with shade cloth to later move Chrysanthemums in full sun, easy watering
• Fed Worms