To prepare for the fish respiration experiment, one week before the goldfish arrive, set up two 10-gallon tanks in the room near a window.
Add around 9 gallons of water to the tanks to a depth of about 1 inch below the rim.
Then, mix in dechlorinator according the directions on the bottle.
Add in liquid beneficial bacteria according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Now, hang the filter on the side of the tank, fill up the trough with water, and then plug the filter in to begin cycling the water.
Once you plug in the filter, check to see if it is running properly.
Leave the tank to cycle for one week before adding fish. This will establish the beneficial bacteria, creating a healthy environment for the animals.
The fish should arrive in a plastic bag filled with water. Float this bag in the 10-gallon tank for approximately 20 minutes, so that the water in the bag and tank acclimate to the same temperature.
When the water has acclimated, carefully open the bag and add some of the tank water, and then gently pour the fish into the tank. IMPORTANT: The fish should not be fed the day they are introduced into the tank.
Feed the fish the following day with just a pinch of crushed food.
Change 10% of the water everyday, making sure the fresh water is at the same temperature as the tank water. Don't forget to add fresh dechlorinator when you change the water.
One hour before class, set up five water baths in the front of the classroom. Label each water bath with one of the five temperature conditions.
Next, fill the water baths up halfway with either aquarium water or dechlorinated tap water.
Then, set the temperatures in accordance with the labels, and place a temperature probe into each water bath.
If the temperature is warmer than 20 - 22 °C, use dechlorinated ice cubes to cool the water down before the lab.
Finally, place enough clear containers with screw caps next to the tanks, so that each pair of students will have two.