Post detailing survival measurements and experimental maintenance in larval temperature experiment with M. capitata in June 2021.

Larval Survival

Survival measurements were conducted every 12 hours to monitor larval densities and ensure enough larvae were available for final sampling. Measured by mixing larvae in conical and taking n=6 25mL samples per conical. Larvae were then counted in each sample and returned to conical, providing a measurement of larval density at each time point (larvae per ml).

6/15/2021 - larval survival measured at 0830-1000 and 2200-2330.

6/16/2021 - larval survival measured at 0900 and 2100.

6/17/2021 - larval survival measured at 0830 and 2130. On this day I noticed a decrease in density in about 3 conicals of each temperature. Larvae may have been leaking through the conicals. Will start sampling on 6/18/2021 to avoid more larval loss, and allows for 3 full days of temperature exposure.

Experiment Maintenance

Measured physical conditions daily and recorded in Google drive.

Calibrated apex probes to digital thermometer prior to temperature start and on 6/15/2021. High tank probe was reading high, so first day was lower than target, providing a “ramp” day.

Continuing to check and clean cultures regularly every 2-3 hours from 6/15-6/18.