Day 8...

and the water is still in the aquarium because I still have a few more days for this pilot experiment. Tomorrow I check in on the little sediment containers again, and I am really happy with how this is turning out. When I was first designing this experiment with Dr. Ingels and our collaborators I was bummed about running a pilot experiment. However, I have learned so much from this two week project, especially with regards to the physical set up of the materials. For example, the photo station I have set up consists of a cardboard box painted all black and the light shines down from a hole in the top of the box. While this light source does a nice job of illuminating the mesocosm jar, I think that the light focus should be the front of the jar, since that's where I am taking the pictures from, and where the bioturbation is visible. For the full experiment I will be remaking this photo setup to adjust where the light comes from and I have the time to make a prototype if necessary, test it, and then make adjustments.

Additionally, I have the time to draw out and label the aquarium. I am only using 12 mesocosms for the pilot, but that number will increase for the full experiment. I want to have an easy way of tracking where each jar from each treatment is, so I plan to draw boxes on the underside of the tank so that I can see where each mesocosm belongs and have a quick way to find each jar. Finally, I can also switch the aquarium stand. Right now, the aquarium sits on a folding table that is doing its best to hold the tank and water (close to or possibly more than 300 lbs.). The table is not meant for the weight it is holding, so it is slightly bowed in the middle, which is creating a slant on either side. I need to get a better table or stand, and add side tables to house the photo station and the other measurement station for the full experiment, which will look something like this week's picture.

​By this time next week, the pilot will be done, and I can't wait to talk about the next steps, so stay tuned. 

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