Greetings from Science class

Hi, I'm new to this forum. My name is Laura Peck and I'm a science teacher in Nashville TN.

I'm a big fan of having live models in the classroom. It adds interest and inspires curiosity in our youth. Last year since I taught Chemistry, I set up a 'biochemistry' tank filled with both genetically modified and chemically enhanced fish. (Not that I agree to the techniques, but it was used to educate future buyers) On the sides of the tank were laminated information packets concerning the human modifications.

Unlike many educators, I keep the fish from year-to-year until they die of old age. So now I have my 'summer tank' setup in my living room. Fun to watch during commercials.

Well, looks like I'll be teaching a range of contents from Biology to Ecology to Chemistry next year. So now I'm looking to set up a series of aquatic habitats which will be complete ecological systems. Everything from 'freshwater shark tanks' to an 'African Cichlid lake'. These will be used for student research projects.

So, if any of you know of someone in TN that's got some really, really cheap tank setups (used) - I'm interested. I'm funding this classroom project out of my own pocket. Have a 10 and 29 setup already in storage.

WELCOME!!!!
we recently had some TN ppl join maybe they can help ya out!!!

Craigslist and yard sale shop hard this summer, you'll find plenty of good deals on bigger fish tanks.

Welcome Aboard!

Very nice people here, Feel free to post your questions to the forums, and photos to the gallery.

yep craigslist is ur best thing, i got my 55 for 200 everything included.

welcome to the Fish Box!!

welcome. we just got a bunch of new great fish keepers from TN who maybe able to help you out. glad to have you here!!!!

If you want to do a 'common deformity' community tank I have some stubby and one eyed corys you could have.... I didn't have the heart to cull them.
I think that's pretty neat to show them how humans can mess up perfectly good fish

Welcome!

Welcome to the forum. Ask our Tenn. crew for some help ...they might know someone. Also post a add on craigslist see if someone will donate stuff to you. I had a guy contact me about fish for his church aquarium. I donated about 20 fish. All are still doing well.

Once you get some tanks set up let me know I will ship you some fish for a donation to help educate some young.

Welcome aboard!!



craigslist often has free tanks and equipment, you just need to be quick. My wife and I have gotten most of our tanks for nothing to next to nothing.

Like KMX mentions, post an ad requesting donations for an educational tool. You'd be surprised how many folks are willing to help out our youth.

I got my first pair of convicts from my high school science teacher. The only class I didnt skip. If you need some fish I have some for you. I am not too far from you, it wouldnt be a problem. And of course welcome to the site!!!

Ok, here's what I envision for this fall:

You walk in, see a 29 gallon setup that's full of small colorful/strange fish. (this is where last year's 'Biochem' collection will go. Glofish, glassfish, mutants, etc) On the side is a laminated info sheet on each type/species. BTW it's half black light lit. (Already have this tank in storage)

Next tank is a 45-55 gallon setup. It's the 'shark tank'. Full of various freshwater 'sharks' and other moderately nippy species. Maybe some unusual freshwater eels, etc... Again, laminated name/species on sides. Will leave the info off. I can envision some extra credit opportunities for researching and writing reports explaining WHY these aren't sharks... (evil laugh)

Would like to have another 45-55 gallon. Depends on which room I'm moved to though. I would love to create a model of an African lake ecosystem for student study, especially when they get large enough to pair up and show the territorialism.

I've gotten some very nice lesson plans to use. Everything from chemistry and testing, to biology, genetics and breeding.


You guys were right about Craigslist, I'm picking up a 55 w/stand for just $50 this week. Still have to get a filter, plexiglass for the top and a light strip - but its still a heck of a deal!

(rubs hands together with a slightly crazed grin as she hopes to be assigned the BIG lab room and at least one Ecology prep...... Watch out!)

Be very careful about getting eels!!!! Some lady brought one into the fish store I work at. He first slithered into the tank next to him, I secured the lid. Then he got into the filter, I secured that. Found him the next morning on the floor with a rubber band around his neck, the lid had not been move and I have no clue how he got out!
Moral of the story eels are able to get out of any tank if they want to!

Welcome

yep i had zigzag eel he jumped over board. so wat happend to the eel they u found on the floor fern?

...

Found enough tanks - now I need some cichlids..

Pilli, he didn't make it

aw thats sad i hate wen something like that to happen especially and older fish, even then i hate wen something like that