Re: Which Microsscope?

Sven wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I am wondering whether anybody could help me on the way by suggesting a
> suitable microscope, which I would like to use for the purpose of
> investigating microbes in aquarium (tropical freshwater) water and biofilms
> created in biological filters.
>
> My experience is not great in microbiology, though I have some understanding
> of the different types, and shapes of bacteria and protozoa.
>
> I find the topic facinating and hope to be able to identify bacteria and
> protozoa feeding on each other (and sometimes on my fish :-).
>
> Thanks,
> Sven

Note that you are not going to be able to "identify" bacteria beyond seeing
their shape, size and Gram reaction (when the bacteria are killed and stained,
as noted by another poster, by the Gram's procedure).  That will not allow you
to get much further identification than a very broad, general grouping.  You may
occasionally be able to guess at a genus, if the shape/size/Gram reaction are
strikingly characteristic of a particular type, but that is going to be rare.
Most identification of bacteria is based on metabolic activities or, currently,
genomic sequence data.  You may be able to do a bit better at identifying
protozoa since they tend to have more characteristic shapes and parts.

You can have fun with a microscope, checking out lots of interesting things,
just don't expect too much from the exercise.

--
Larry D. Farrell, Ph.D.
Professor of Microbiology
Idaho State University