Friday, October 31, 2008

Trout Delivery Day

Hello Everyone!
Well, I'm happy to report that our brown trout have been delivered, and each of our six classes now has about 100. It was a busy day for us, and for our trout. When Michael arrived at Enfield Elementary, coming directly from the DEC hatchery in Bath, NY, only a few eggs had hatched. But, several hours later, when I transferred the last batch into the aquarium at Groton Middle School, just about all the eggs had hatched!

I expect that all of the living eggs will hatch within the next day or two, and each class will need to carefully remove any unhealthy eggs before teh end of the day today. Certainly remove any remaining eggs on Monday. Empty eggshells may be left to float in the tank. As they quickly decompose, they will encourage the establishment of important bacterial cultures that will help to keep the water clean.

Remember, you trout have just hatched and are living off their yolk-sacks. They may not swim around too actively for the first few days, so don't be alarmed! Just make sure they've got a cold, clean, low-light environment and they'll be fine.

The second grade classes at Cayuga Heights Elementary got a chance to see eggs and alevin up close as they participated in a lively discussion with their TU mentor, Chris Stuhl. I know there are some pictures from that event out there- I'd love to see them!

Everyone- keep us posted on happenings in your aquariums...
Bill F.

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