Time
30 min set up tank
1 week for tank to equilibrate
1 month (approximately) between fertilization and hatching
2-3 weeks from hatching to release
Time required for the trout release field trip varies depending on the distance from your school and desired activities at the release site.
Grouping
The raising and care of the fry takes place as a whole class. During the trout release field trip, students may collect data in groups of 4 students.
Materials
Trout or salmon eggs are provided by your state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife, often through a local fish hatchery. Usually, a training workshop is required to participate, and a permit to transport and rear eggs is required from the state.
Aquarium set up (many state agencies and their partners offer the following equipment for classroom use for free):
1 10 gallon aquarium tank
1 undergravel filter
1 pump for undergravel filter (such as the Powerhead 201 pump from Hagen Aquaclear, available at most aquarium stores for $15-20)
Pea gravel, enough to cover the bottom of the aquarium to a depth of 1 inch
1 aquarium chiller or refrigeration unit that can maintain a 10 gallon tank at a stable 50°C (try the Cool Works Ice Probe Model IPWC-50W and power supply Cool Works P/N 5239, available at specialty aquarium supply companies for $100-120)
Aquarium thermometer that can monitor 1°C intervals between 40-60°C
10 gallons of non-chlorinated spring water
Aquarium net
Turkey baster (for siphoning away unhatched eggs
Aquarium insulation (make a Styrofoam box to surround your aquarium using insulating Styrofoam sheets available at most hardware stores)
Optional: if not using insulation, you will need a heavy black cloth to protect the alevins from UV radiation
For water testing
Dissolved oxygen test kit (see Water Analysis lesson for sources)
pH test strips
Setting
Trout are raised in the classroom then released on a field trip to a local lake, creek or river.