All the trout are dead. From what I can tell,the mucus-like slime that was growing in the tank actually formed a seal around the intake sponge that fed water into the chiller preventing any water from going into the chiller. This led to the temperature in the tank rising from 55 to 66.5 degrees in less than 24 hours. The fish could not survive at the higher temperature. I had been cleaning it out of the sponge and other intake/ output water tubes, but being gone Sunday and Monday led to the overgrowth that caused the problem. The stench was filling both the first and second floors of the lab's wing of the building so I began to clean it all out. The slime had invaded every crack and crevasse of the system. The filtration system, the hoses (inside and out), the gravel, every suction cup, the glass, everything. I began the job, but one of our wonderful custodians, Bret, actually got rid of all our disgusting trash, cleaned the aquarium inside and out, and cleaned all the buckets we had used for cleaning as well. I couldn't believe it. Something I had been stressing over all day...done. Wow! Now the only decision is what to do next...Should we be good scientists and talk about trial and error, and keep trying? Or would anther failed attempt be too devastating?
(Side note: I am amazed at how awesome our entire custodial staff has been about this project. They have cleaned up big, smelly messes, gallons of spilled water, fish food and many other unmentionable messes without ever complaining. They have helped lift, move and arrange 20 or more tables in the lab. They always ask about the fish and also ask how they can help. I am so thankful for all of them and their help and interest in our project. Even if they do keep threatening to bring their fishing poles!)
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