“I am Sophie and I had the chance to realize an internship with Amber last year from March to May 2023.

My internship project consisted in finding the optimal breeding parameters for two species that were bred at Ísponica, namely Comet Goldfish, and three morphs of Caridina shrimps (Red Crystal, Blue Bolt and King Kong shrimp). I focused on studying substrate influence and plants on breeding efficiency and welfare. This study implied building tank systems for both species to test our different parameters. This practical part was very cool as I could design systems and play along with tools! This experiment implied also taking care and feeding fish and shrimps daily as well as monitoring water quality every day. I had to check pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen but also nitrate and nitrite levels (with the wonderful Palintest) to make sure it did not reach toxic values. Concerning breeding efficiency, we were able to obtain fish eggs in the black sand tank so it was a really cool observation.

This was my first experience in aquaponics systems and I enjoyed it so much. Working with Amber was a guarantee of good mood and kindness and Hólar was such a nice place surrounded by beautiful mountains and incredible landscapes.

I keep the best memories from my stay in Iceland and the people I met there.”