Classroom Experiment

[Shogunblue24]

Hi all. I've had an idea for a bit of an experiment, but I'd like advice as I know there'll be someone with experience of what I'm about to try.

First some background info. I'm a primary school teacher and keen fish keeper. In my classroom I have two small tanks, one coldwater and one tropical. Later this week I plan close down the 30 litre cold water tank. It has housed the usual small cold water fish for the last three years, but I'm down to just the one white cloud minnow. Rather than restock, I intend to send my lonely friend to new home and try something more exciting with the tank.

My idea is to create a tank to display pond wildlife. I've done something similar in the past, but only kept the various invertebrates in the classroom for day or so. The experience is very exciting for the children as it gives them a chance to see these creatures in action rather than just at the bottom of a net.

Rather than just keeping these creatures for a day or so, I’m thinking of attempting something longer term, perhaps as long as 10 weeks or so. Obviously, with this in mind, there are limits to what invertebrates would be suitable and there’s also the question of feeding, filtering etc.

Back when I was a wee lad, I remember my father attempting something along the same lines to ensure the survival of his newt tadpoles. There were definite complications as I remember and I’d rather avoid anything that might possibly harm any of the creatures in such a tank.

So in short, what I’d love is some helpful advice as to what invertebrates would be best suitable for such a tank and suggestions for solutions for problems that may occur with this kind of tank. Links to existing useful threads also very much appreciated.

Many thanks, Andy

(I hope I've put this in the correct area of the forum. If not, mods please feel free to shift it.)

 

[phoenixgsd]

i remember doing something similar as a youngster, however it is now against the law to remove spawn or tadpoles from the wild, have you thought about shrimps

 

[Shogunblue24]

Hi phoenixgsd, I wouldn't be planning on putting amphibian spawn or tadpoles in the tank. I'd be too worried about a possible escape, but I wasn't aware that removing frog spawn was illegal. I may mention this to my class as I'm sure they'll be tempted after we start our pond dipping lessons.

 

[phoenixgsd]

Hi phoenixgsd, I wouldn't be planning on putting amphibian spawn or tadpoles in the tank. I'd be too worried about a possible escape, but I wasn't aware that removing frog spawn was illegal. I may mention this to my class as I'm sure they'll be tempted after we start our pond dipping lessons.

taken from the wildlife trusts website.....Our native amphibia have been protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. All amphibians are given some protection, but the natterjack toad and great crested or warty newt have been given special protection.

i think too many of us now have patios and alot of people dont even have gardens now, coupled with the fascination of having spawn/ tadpoles in a jar back in the 70s didnt help matters, numbers and natural ponds are dissapearing

 

[MisssMarie]

Try a crawfish? They're fun!

 

[Tom499]

Crayfish are also a protected species.

You could catch the non native variety, but I think you would need a license.

There are alot of interesting smaller invertebrate that would look good in such a set up.

 

[MisssMarie]

You can buy some crawfish online for your class, I forget the website, but they sell specifically to schools. I'll try to find the site today

 

[Shogunblue24]

Well the project is actually well on the way. I started on Thursday by closing down the cold water aquarium, emptying the tank and popping in a 4 inch aquatic soil substrate. I retained my filter from the coldwater tank and set it running in the hope that the water from the old tank combined with the filter would get things moving nicely bacteria-wise.

On Saturday I visited a local nature reserve (well actually the beck just outside the actual reserve) and collected a few plants. For those who may be concerned at this point, I only took plants that were growing in more than abundant numbers and that I know from experience are common in other ponds in the area. In other words, nothing rare or protected. Later the same day I installed the plants in the tank.

Although I'd noticed the odd snail on the plants, I hadn't anticipated the vast array stowaways I'd inadvertently put in the tank. Just watching the little critters for 10 or so minutes I spotted - rams horn snails, common pond snails, daphinia, water mites, a greater water boatman, a diving beetle, midge lava, damsel fly nymphs and a few other invertebrates I'm not yet familiar with. Pretty cool, but I hadn't really intended to get started on the livestock side of things till next week. Thankfully I think the tank was just about ready to accept squatters.

So yes, things are moving incredibly fast and I suspect some of the occupants may need to be removed (ability to fly being an issue), but I'm quite pleased already. I'll try to remember to grab a photo tomorrow of the tank so people can see the mess I've made.

 

[bae1994]

Sounds interesting

Bae

 

[Shogunblue24]

Photos and a little bit of video via my mobile phone.

http/s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/shogunblue24/Pond%20Life/

As you can see, the water is yet to fully clear, but the kids already adore it.