November 21, 2000
I'm looking at the Ocean-Zoo on my windowsill as late-afternoon sunlight pours through the window and illuminates the water. The effect of the light beaming through the bright green spots and hanging tendrils of algae makes the tank look like Sea-Monkey paradise as envisioned by Maxfield Parrish. I've just aerated the water, so the big female Sea-Monkey and her brood are circling joyfully.
This is the kind of sight that harkens back to the early days of my Sea-Monkey ownership, when every development was new and interesting. The new babies are thriving, and I’m beginning to appreciate that each generation may have a few surprises in store after all.
The rampant algae growth is rather unexpected. The bottom of the tank appears to have been accessorized with shag carpeting in a conglomeration of verdant shades. The green-crayon-colored spots on the walls of the tank are getting more and more dense. Most recently, algae has begun to float to the waterline like aquatic Spanish moss.
The female Sea-Monkey, turned pale yellow backlit by the bright sunlight, looks like she's making snow angels in the water. The soft-pink babies make a beautiful contrast to the shamrock-green algae patches, like pink blossoms on ivy. I wish I had a "Sea-Monkey Cam" to share the sight with you.
I haven't gotten around to starting the Triops yet. I was sidelined by a cold over the weekend, so I haven't had the chance to set up a safe, permanent spot for their bowl. Perhaps that would be best left for the weekend.
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