Reef Tank Microscopy

Jerry Green · Nov 28, 2018

I was wondering if any of you guys inspect the water of your tanks under a microscope or maybe take samples to look at?

I've always been fascinated by microscopy but I've never actually taken a hand to it. I look at my tank and wonder what microstructures I could find floating in samples of the water. So I had a thought, maybe I'll just buy a microscope and take a look!

I hear it's also a good way to monitor your water for things like dinoflagellates so you can catch them before they take hold.

Do you guys have any recommendations on what kind of microscope to use, I know you can get different types at different magnifications and such things, but is there any particular that works better with liquid samples?

Dr. Reef · Nov 28, 2018

for dino or algaes you can buy anything cheaper on the market $100-400 range but for bacteria and more in depth you will need much more expensive unit.

SPR1968 · Nov 28, 2018

Welcome to R2R Jerry!

I’m not into microscopes but you’ve got some great advice already

thabizness · Nov 28, 2018

I use a microscope. I have a amscope t490b.

I have seen all kinds of things in my reef. It's another microscopic world in your reef!

Jerry Green · Nov 29, 2018

That's awesome thanks for your replies! That's a great video @thabizness
In the video, am I right in saying there is a microscope camera attached to the top? As from what I gauge from here: https://microscopespot.com/best-microscope-cameras/ the camera is an item that's sold separately and it seems you would need to purchase a microscope with a port for the camera? or could I use a USB microscope without the need for the separate camera piece?

If I wanted images such as those in that video, is a stereo or compound microscope required?

Sorry I know I'm asking a lot of questions but don't want to be wasting money =p

thabizness · Nov 29, 2018

Yes there is a camera on the microscope in the top port. The one I filmed that video with was a microscope specific camera but I have used a DSLR to take video and stills too. I have a compound microscope.