Trout are Growing!

Despite the frigid Erie air outside, the trout are holding their own in their tank inside the classroom!  The water temperature is averaging 54 degrees, which seems chilly to us but is perfect for the fingerlings.  

 The fish have moved from size 0 food to size 1, being fed once a day, every other day.  The ammonia levels remain steady at 0.5 and nitrates at 5ppm.

At this point, the fingerlings are active during the day, moving about the gravel.  Occasionally they will nestle down into the gravel to avoid the flow of water.

The trout are now measuring between 

1-3 inches, which moves them from fry status to fingerling.  The original count, when they arrived in November, was 244 viable eggs.  As of January 13th, the number had dropped to 187 fish.  Although the change in numbers may seem rather drastic, keep in mind mortality is part of nature and should be expected even in healthy environments.  

We are looking forward to some signs of spring and the Spring 2014 release date!