Piterson: Aquarium Management &​ "The Sunny"

Piterson has been developing lines of inquiry that allow him to explore two separate interests.  On one hand, he continues to research personal training.  He has completed work on a wooden representation of the human leg, and now he is beginning to craft the ankle and the foot.

On the other hand, Piterson is researching aquarium management and freshwater fish.  Earlier this year, he proposed that the IP community take advantage of an abandoned tank located on-campus and bring some fish to the building.  The IP team consented, and not long afterward, Piterson transported various aquarium equipment to his corner niche:  a tank, a filter, an oxygenator/​air pump, etc.  He then returned from an hour of fishing with several freshwater sunfish.  Most of these proved too big for the tank, but one found it a perfect fit:  "The Sunny."

The IP community has lovingly adopted "The Sunny" as a kind of mascot for the program (which begs the question:  between our Blogtopuses and "The Sunny," might the IP community be fascinated or even obsessed with marine life?).  And yet, though several iPeople and IP advisers assist in caring for the fish, no one has taken greater care of "The Sunny" than Piterson.  He has performed a staggering number of tasks to ensure a quality life for the animal.  He is regularly replacing the water and applying algicide so as to ensure that the living environment is clean.  He feeds "The Sunny" multiple times a day using earthworms, meal worms, and minnows, and he directs a close eye toward the quality of the filter, on the biological aesthetic of the tank, and on the oxygenation and temperature of the water.  With the assistance of other iPeople, he even nurtured "The Sunny" back to health after a misfeeding AND rescued three other fish:  two goldfish and an Oscar.

And how has he done this? He has researched the biological facts of the sunfish:  its lifespan, its diet, the ideal temperature of the water that it inhabits, the flora typically found in its natural habitat, aquarium management, proper filter and air pump maintenance, and bait companies.  No less importantly, he approaches "The Sunny" not only with an intellectual eye but with a refined compassion and humanitarian concern.

What do you think of Piterson's second branch in IP? Do you have any advice for him? Please post in the comments section below.

Description of 1st image:  "The Sunny," as photographed on January 28, 2015.  Photo taken by Mr. Jonathan Bisson.

Description of 2nd image:  A freshwater sunfish.  Photo located at www.freshwater-fishing-news.com.  Kildonan and its IP program claim no ownership over this picture.