Accidental Control Experiment

beckypyyeung · Post by **beckypyyeung** » Fri Jun 03, 2005 8:00 pm

An adult Cherry produced some babies two to three months ago in my home tank. Finally I decided to keep seven at home and two in my office. The tank at home got a filter, some gravels and some java moss. The tank in my office is just a small one (a simple plastic tank that can hold about one litre of water), with two little stones, some gravels, a bit java moss and a bit floating plant. I have heard that both java moss and the roots of the floating plant produce micro-food. I haven't fed the two of them for a month, whilst I feed the seven babies at my home with fish food every two to three days. I'm surprised to see that the two babies without fish food in my office now are bigger than four of the seven babies at home.

beckypyyeung · Post by **beckypyyeung** » Fri Jun 03, 2005 8:06 pm

Initially I didn't feed the two babies in the office just because I was afraid fish food might make the water look cloudy. I observed them every day and found that they were doing well without any fish food. I changed about one fifth of the water every two weeks. That's all.

Don't know if this method is correct, but they really look healthy and grow steadily. And the air-conditioning of my office is strong enough to give them cool water in the summer. Now I wonder if water quality and temperature are the keys to success rather than any other factors.

chlorophyll · Post by **chlorophyll** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 3:09 am

Initially I'd think warmer water, plus less of a crowd, would be contributors to what you've seen. But is it actually cooler in your office than at home?
Does the office tank get any/more sunlight?

I guess something in your office setup is bringing algae and/or microbe growth considerably better than your home tank. Less unnecessary water movement and dilution maybe? Having an abundant and continuous source of live food is obviously much better, more natural, and much more fun for the kids!

beckypyyeung · Post by **beckypyyeung** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 4:42 am

Now in my country the day temperature is 33 degrees Celsius and my office is air-conditioned. I believe the room temperature of my office is around 23 degrees Celsius. I never put the small tank under sunlight coz as far as I know, shrimp prefer cooler water. Yes, I'm sure small kids enjoy feeding small animals.