Classroom Nano Tank

[Ricky Kremer]

Let me start by saying that I am a new reefer and have had a tank for over a year now. I recently have become interested in nano tanks. I am also a high school science teacher. I thought it would be fun to bring the reef into the class room. I have a 10 gal. tank that was just sitting around. I cleaned it up, added rock and sand and began to cycle. I am letting the students take ownership over the tank by choosing what goes into it (with my guidance of course). I thought It would also be fun to track the progress, successes, failures, and learning opportunities here. I will add some pictures in the next post. Hope you all enjoy this as much as the kids have so far!

RK​

 

[bsn_rn_cen]

Wish I had a good science teacher, the only thing I remember him being good at was swinging the paddle ;Hurting

 

[Joshua2598]

Another science class tank. Haha following

 

[Ricky Kremer]

Well, I don't believe in a paddle lol. Glad you are following. I am going to try to get the kids to give some feedback/write ups as well. I really what this to be a learning experience.

 

[samnaz]

fantastic idea. so what do you teach, biology? would be super cool to look at the microscopic marine life under a scope. I know that seeing life under a scope opened my eyes to a whole other world... but that wasn't until college. if only i'd seen it sooner.

 

[Ricky Kremer]

fantastic idea. so what do you teach, biology? would be super cool to look at the microscopic marine life under a scope. I know that seeing life under a scope opened my eyes to a whole other world... but that wasn't until college. if only i'd seen it sooner.

I actually teach the physical science classes. Physics and chemistry.

 

[Ricky Kremer]

As promised a picture of the tank and aqua scape. I did make some changes after this was taken, but it is a start. One of the leading choices for fish types at the moment is the fire fish. They are among my favorites as well. I also picked up some palys and zoas at the local reef club frag swap last weekend too for the tank. I am hoping to put in a couple frags and some fish in by the end of next week. The kids do all agree that they want a snail named Gary. Any suggestions for a special type of snail that would be a good snail for this special member of the cleaning crew?

 

[Joshua2598]

As promised a picture of the tank and aqua scape. I did make some changes after this was taken, but it is a start. One of the leading choices for fish types at the moment is the fire fish. They are among my favorites as well. I also picked up some palys and zoas at the local reef club frag swap last weekend too for the tank. I am hoping to put in a couple frags and some fish in by the end of next week. The kids do all agree that they want a snail named Gary. Any suggestions for a special type of snail that would be a good snail for this special member of the cleaning crew?

Astrea or Margarita snail

 

[hdsoftail1065]

Let me start by saying that I am a new reefer and have had a tank for over a year now. I recently have become interested in nano tanks. I am also a high school science teacher. I thought it would be fun to bring the reef into the class room. I have a 10 gal. tank that was just sitting around. I cleaned it up, added rock and sand and began to cycle. I am letting the students take ownership over the tank by choosing what goes into it (with my guidance of course). I thought It would also be fun to track the progress, successes, failures, and learning opportunities here. I will add some pictures in the next post. Hope you all enjoy this as much as the kids have so far!

RK​

Excellent! There are several teachers on here with classroom tanks. @Mr.Asbury @James Hammett might be a good resource for you.

 

[James Hammett]

Good day. Please do message me if you have any questions. Classroom tanks are great tools for learning

 

[vetteguy53081]

Teach them to stock slowly, how to do a water test/testing, the game of patience by stocking slowly and the game of research by researching what specimens are being considered and why.

 

[Mr.Asbury]

Glad to see another tank going into a classroom! I think patience is the lesson we've spent the most time on in my room haha. There's an endless possibility of the topics you can cover with a reef tank, however. I'd be happy to share resources, tips, & tricks for using them in the room. Good luck!

 

[Ricky Kremer]

We have our first pets! I have added 4 snails and 2 corals to the tank. Everything looks good and healthy. I also got a small beta tank on my desk and they seem more interested in the fish. Hopefully next week we can add our first fish. I do have a question for those of you with more experience than I. I run actinic lighting at home and when I set this tank up I used a white light because of the price. The corals look much more dull under the white light. Is it worth the upgrade to get an LED that I can control the spectrum with for this nano tank? The LFS has one for around $115. Thought?

 

[James Hammett]

yes led lights are worth the purchase. How long did the cycle on this tank take?

 

[Iona Skye]

Awesome!! Love it!

 

[Ricky Kremer]

I cycled it for about a week to ten days. Started with dry rock and added a LOT of nitrifying bacteria daily with some ghost feeding. I also use an ammonia indicator on the side of the tank and check the NO3 with test strips. Everything is running great in that regard.

 

[Devaji]

fun! great little tank for you...umm I mean the kidos...
I think a shrimp or two would be great in that tank the kids would love it.

I think the challenge would be they want to see things changing fast more coral/fish etc.

 

[LBReefer]

For a chemistry teacher, I'd recommend moving to a more sophisticated testing regime. You could probably write to Red Sea and get very tests and supplements for life.

 

[Ricky Kremer]

For a chemistry teacher, I'd recommend moving to a more sophisticated testing regime. You could probably write to Red Sea and get very tests and supplements for life.

@LBReefer I love that idea LOL. I may just do that. Even if they give me a kit or two it would be worth trying!