My Filamentous Algae Experiment Options

[goldrush]

Today I would like to share with you what I have in mind to culture some filamentous algae and feed them to the fish to ascertain the benefits these fish may derived after a period of consumption.Filamentous algae are used in this project because I do not use green water and is readily available at my disposal…courtesy of my koi pond.

These can be seen from the pics below that they are CLIFF HANGERS and all I need to do is to tear them away and feed them directly after cutting into minute pieces.

[goldrush]

A close up view of th filamentous algae attached to the trickling waterfalls,a classic demonstration of periphyton tendency of this algae

[goldrush]

A macro view o fwhat is harvested before feeding

[goldrush]

Before embarking on this experiment I did a mini research on algae and I chanced upon some very interesting findings

Algae, the major food of fish (and thus indirectly of many other animals), are a keystone in the aquatic food chain of life; they are the primary producers of the food that provides the energy to power the whole system. Finding shows that the quantities of filamentous algae were more prominent within the stomachs of the fish studied as compared to free green algae, but no literature promoting these organisms as an important food source was found. Green algae is very low in protein, low in lipids and only provides a mediocre energy level, they do provide links to more important organisms within the fish diet. One suggestion that does arise is that filamentous algae is taken into the stomach while our goldfish are foraging the bottom for migrating chironomid larvae. Filamentous algae are periphytons (attaching themselves to surfaces like orchids to trees) that provide habitats for the chironomid larvae(bloodworms) to feed on these algae. This theory could provide an explanation for why there are large quantities of low nutritional valued filamentous algae found within the stomach of the fish studied.Initial nutritional qualitative analysis may yield unexceptional contents to be proud of, however one cannot dispute other hidden or supplementary properties that can promote better keeping of our fishes.These properties may include

1)Stimulates the production of enzymes that transport fats within the fish's body.

2)Enhances color and luster

3)Increases survival rates through immunity stimulant therefore increased resistance

4)Lessens the usage of medication.

5)Roughage and improve digestion lessening the incidence of SBD

[goldrush]

My Experiment

Two groups of fishes of similar size and color(either full red or red and white) were chosen with one acting as control.All parameters were held constant with one group receiving algae and pellets while the other receiving only pellets.All things being equal.Care has to be exercised that no forms of other algae is available and consumed by fish and no color enhancers are used through feeds.All fishes are exposed to sunlight and the period and duration are held equal for both tubs.

Fish tested have to be fed with algae first thing in the morning as algae is never a preferred food So to break fast,I introduce algae as an appertiser.The algae are harvested fresh from the pond washed and cut into tiny strips.On examination of the algae strip I find numerous larvae,crippy crawlies which highlight the commensal habitat which the algae provides and a potential live food source.So the salad is not served as pure vegetarian meal but topped with extra meaty finds!The rest of the day,they are fed with usual pellet food as algae can never be deemed as a staple diet but rather as a supplement.In the evening a second serving of algae is given to the test group with excess left for fish to forage throughout the night.

First day observation

The test group was observed by faecal examination for evidence of algae consumption. Faeces show short and stout dark green production throughout the day with no evidence of light brown or black as seen in control where no algae is consumed.

30 days trial would be implemented to assess the outcome.

Wish me luck.


goldrush

[CP]

30 days may be too short for any conclusive results.But, try and let us know lah kekekekeke.

In my opinion, these are good substitues for your spinach.It's instant,its fresh and its free!

[ranchu8]

interesting any photo of the fishes at the start of this experiment?

i suppose there isn't another tub comparing green water algae and wall algae?

should the "algae tub" include "numerous larvae,crippy crawlies" when the test is for the effect of algae?

[yamato38gunkei]

Dear Goldrush,

I am convinced this "experiment" will be a succes. Good for health, colour, scales, hood growth.... Your goldfish will love it.

Regards,

Geert Coppens

[goldrush]

Dear Goldrush,

I am convinced this "experiment" will be a succes.  Good for health, colour, scales, hood growth....  Your goldfish will love it.

Regards,

Geert Coppens

Thanks Geert for that pat on the back.You are such an inspiration.
I hope the findings will encourage ppl here to utilise and harness the potential of this primitive plant and incorporate it into the diet to yield better performance in their goldfishkeeping.Soon our drains and ponds will be swarmed by .....not this swarm thing but ranchu lovers scouring for the swarm thing!



goldrush

[bekko]

It has been more than 30 days. Any results?

-steve

[goldrush]

Dear all

It has been awhile since I posted my filamentous algae experiment which I had originally projected to end in 30 days.I had extended their effect because I was pretty much too busy to consolidate the pictures taken and upload them for your assessment.Many had enquired about the effect and outcome so I will categorise the photos into alphabetical basket for ease of presentation and let you decide without prejudice and knowledge which of these were fed with algae and which were not.The photos are all taken under natural light and not enhanced in any way nor tampered to edit the quality of reproduction.So rest be assured no PhotoShop enhanced in anyway.All fish are subjected to similar environment ,given the same food without color enhancers added except whether they are given additional 2 feeds of algae or not.At the end of the presentation all you need is to vote yes or no to the basket.You will be the best judge to the outcome as my finding maybe biased towards the original inference. Although I must say photos may not really capture such intrinsic qualities like luster and shine these are closest you can get to the original.There are no prizes awarded for perfect scores neither will there be any penalties for poor matches as well.At the end of the exercise I’ll publish the results in due course.I thank you all for your participation.

A sample of a simple and short answer expected would be something like this
Y for yes/N for no algae

A:Y
B:Y
C:Y
D:N
E:N
F:Y
G:N
H:N
I:Y
J:N

[goldrush]

Basket A




Basket B




Basket C




Basket D




Basket E

[goldrush]

Basket F




Basket G




Basket H




Basket I




Basket J

[ranchu8]

er, isn't it rather difficult to give views without "before experiment" photos?

ps off topic but your baskets b and d can go for tvr participation

[desireless]

My guess:

A:N
B:Y
C:Y
D:Y
E:N
F:N
G:Y
H:Y
I:N
J:Y