Something Fishy Is Going On in the Annex
Refilling the fish tank and checking the algae level are two of the club’s tasks. Photo: Daisy Deng
By DAISY DENG and WILLIAM ZHANG
Tucked away in the annex are Midwood’s beloved pets. No, not the roaches, but rather some fishes and turtles scooting around their tanks.
As the bell for ninth period rolls around, members of the Fish Tank Crew make their way to room A215, where the tanks reside. High-fives and “heys” echo through the halls as they join together to delegate the tasks of the day. First off is admiring the fishies swimming around in their tank.
Upon entering, on the left side of the room, the first thing you see is a tank with two Zebra fishes. Across the room is the much larger turtle tank with two red-eared sliders.
There’s always some laughter that comes with checking up on the tanks. Each meeting includes a round of examining the pH levels of each of the tanks and logging the findings. Afterwards comes the task of filling the tanks with water if necessary.
The fishes feed off of algae that lines the walls of their tank. When the fish are no longer visible, then it is time to scrape away parts of the algae carpet.
“The algae gently floats into the water,” said junior Mahnoor Hussain. “It’s mesmerizing.”
The club’s two red-eared sliders perch on a 3D printed ledge, soaking in the afternoon sun. Photo: Daisy Deng
On days when club activities get postponed, one member goes in to check on the fish and do the “club chores”: rolling the supply cart into the room and finishing the usual tasks.
Occasionally the turtles are taken out of their tanks and into Mr. Tovia Rosenfeld's office for their exercise, soaking in the warmth of residential heat lamps. Students and club members are welcome to come pet the turtles, but they must be sure to sanitize their hands afterwards.
“These turtles are always doing something different each time we have a meeting,” said junior Deniz Deryaoglu. “Sometimes they sunbathe and sometimes they’re swimming.”
The lively atmosphere is a great way to end the day for many of the members. As the weekly meeting comes to an end, the conditions of the tanks are recorded and anything that seems fishy is reported back to Mr. Rosenfeld, the club’s advisor, to ensure the safety of the animals.
The club began last year with the objective of exposing more students to marine biology. “We just wanted to create a space where students can participate in the hands-on processes of taking care of a fish tank,” said junior Jin Yu Xu, the current club president.
The Fish Tank Crew grew through word of mouth and has become a memorable part of the week for its members, who have bonded while admiring their pets. “We’re all friends with one another, so it’s nice to see them every week to catch up,” said senior Anthony Loh.
“We’re a tight-knit club, said Xu. “Everyone is welcome to join.”
Mr. Rosenfeld sees the club as an experience that will truly leave a mark in students’ high school memories. “A good time in school? In math? No. History? No. Science? No. The turtles though? Yes!” said Mr. Rosenfeld.
As an extra notice for animal lovers, any student who is interested in having a turtle as a pet can stop by Mr. Rosenfeld's office, A200, to inquire. Supplies for a happy turtle will be provided as long as there is approval from a parent or guardian.
Although the club currently cares for two fishes and two turtles, they hope to add more by maintaining “a healthy environment for the fish we already have right now,” said Xu.
There are currently plans to raise funds to add additional fish to the tank and create another lively space for all the animals.
In the past, Midwood had bearded dragons, birds, and salamanders. Whatever students want to do, Mr. Rosenfeld said he would help kickstart it, as long as a science perspective is involved. So if you’re free on Wednesdays period 9, scoot on over to room A215 to find some fishies and turtles!