Re: Which Microsscope?

Hi,

I appreciate your feedback, its of great help for a novice like me. :-)

Regards,
Sven


"Larry D. Farrell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message
news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> 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
>
>