EHE TAP's Blog

We are starting a new school year and that means we are starting the cycle all over again. Currently, our aquarium is sitting quiet and empty We will be filling the tank soon in preparation for our trout eggs that will arrive sometime in October.

Well, we are not doing so good. We’re down to about 50 trout and we aren’t really sure what is happening. The water tests show elevated ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites. The question is, “Why?” There aren’t enough fish to raise the ammonia levels, so, is there something wrong with the water?
This is the third time we’ve had this issue and now we’re hoping we have fish left to release in April.

In our childhood, the thought of snow days brings much anticipation and delight. Now, I face the thought of being away from school and the tank with fear and trepidation. Just prior to our three days off due to snow, we had an algae bloom that Mr. K addressed. Over the now 5-day weekend, chemical reactions went to work. Ammonia levels rose to incredibly high levels. Monday morning our normally happy greetings to darting fish hung in our throats. At least 25 fish had met their demise. Since then, we’ve lost close to 50 more fish. Levels of ammonia and nitrates have improved but remain high despite gallons and gallons of fresh water and treatments. It is frustrating. At least we’re only losing 1 or 2 fish a day now rather than the 8 to 10. And thankfully, there are no snow days in the forecast.

We’ve spruced up our home!  Doesn’t it look great?  Our third graders found out what our habitat should look like and now we feel like we’re at home in a mountain stream. 

Last year our trout were very light in color when they were released.  Was it their habitat or the container in which they traveled to the river?  We’ll see if our new digs make a difference.

We are all growing and eating a lot! We get fed two times a day now. We’d like to eat more, but Mr. Kennedy knows it isn’t good for us. You can see how big our tummies are right after lunch.

Our trout are in good health so far Their egg sacs are shrinking and they are beginning to eat the food offered to them. They aren’t hiding as much when the “predators” stare at them either.

Our alevin still have their egg sacs as you can see in the picture. The tank is doing well after a partial water change. Mr. Kennedy added biologicals and reports that the ammonia levels are better. The water temperature is around 51 degrees. Brrrrr, that’s cold!

All of our trout eggs have hatched! Only one may be a bit deformed, he looks a little bent. But, we are so excited that we haven’t lost many of our alevin. We have about 200 young fish now.

Wow! What a difference a couple of days makes. Over the weekend, the majority of our Brook trout hatched. They are still attached to their egg sacs and will be for the next few weeks.

We now have over 200 happy little trout eggs safely nestled in their hatcherie basket. Surprisingly, three have already hatched!

We're brook trout, not tadpoles.