Now everything can happen quickly as a natural rainfall would have the
same effect: open the micro-aquarium and gently place
a big drop of tap water or rain water on the tun by means of a pipette.
Stay cool like James B., close the micro-aquarium with calm hands - take care
to keep the drop in the center. Put the micro-aquarium under your
microscope, use modest (not too hot!) light, do your focus work and
watch ! (wmv-Video, 1 MB) !
We want to be honest and tell you that not every experiment will be a full success:
Sometimes the tun will be swirled around by the droplet and dance around in tiny
droplet turbulences. Nasty air bubbles might attach to the tun. In the worst
case scenario the tun might be washed to the micro-aquarium edges where you
will neither be able to watch nor to film it. Sometimes, after a successful beginning,
strange micro flows will arise, grip the tun like invisible ghosts and wash it away.
Be aware of the fact that too much illumination and the resulting heat will
drive the oxygen out of the tiny water droplet - and the tardigrade needs
it urgently for its revival.
And, though you might consider us as hopeless softies: Behave irrational
and altruistic - please put the water bear back on a wet moss cushion after the experiment.
No point to prove that you are the stronger animal - it is just a matter
of fairness and partnership.
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