Garnet Valley Middle School Reef Project

At Garnet Valley Middle School we have a growing aquaculture program, led by Health and Phys. Ed teacher, Michael Krautzel. It is being spread across our school, tanks reaching more and more locations and class rooms. As a result of this we have been reaching out to many companies for support, and the Algae Barn has been a huge blessing in keeping us “afloat” in their donation of supplies and information. Just recently we have received from them a generous donation of Chaeto algae, Copepods, and Sea Lettuce, which has been the greatest benefit in our classroom and tanks. Each has given a new aspect to our aquaculture systems and we are beyond thankful. Chaeto Algae, one of the best macro algaes, was one new addition to our tanks. It helps reduce the amount of nitrates in the water, an amazing way to get rid of the unwanted things in the water. A frequently replenished supply is needed as when the Chaeto dies it releases the nitrates it has stored in its cells back into the water causing a dangerous imbalance. Another addon is the Copepods (tiny crustaceans). They are helping us reach our goal of creating a sustainable food source for our fish and sea life on our own. They are an easy access common food for many fish species, including the ones in our tanks. Also we’ve begin to grow Sea Lettuce, which can be eaten by fish, and reduces the amount of nitrates and phosphates in our tanks. Those are mainly our two goals, keep our tanks as clean and healthy as possible and create a stable and continuous food system for our sea life. We could not have has this much success on our journey without Algae Barn.

Many thanks from the Garnet Valley Middle School students

(Article written by Hunter Cottrell, 8th grade)

(Research and editing done by Jacob Holobovich, 8th grade)

(Research done by Aidan Diener, 8th grade)