What can you see with a 600x monocular microscope?

I can't believe it - I was given a monocular optic microscope, with slides etc. which magnifies up to 600x.

I've looked at aereated compost tea and could see loads of bacteria, but no larger organisms or fungi. Maybe because the tea was aereated less than 24hrs?

What else can I look for?

Can I use this microscope to improve the biology of my soil?

Hi Susan,
Rotifers are interesting easy to see at 600x level. I have included a clip so you can check it against what you are seeing with your handy gift. You can get important clues about the condition of your soil Susan. A classic example is too many ciliates which indicates anaerobic conditions. Best E [youtube]https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=rotifers+&&view=detail&mid=2542F6757B4132037E072542F6757B4132037E07&&FORM=VRDGAR[/youtube]

Dr. Redhawk's microscope thread.

At 600X, that is a fair student model microscope, is that your highest magnification available? (you can buy and replace objectives (around 30 dollars each, 4 piece sets are around 120-150) so that you can get the magnification needed for proper bacterial and fungal use (2500X is optimal, 2000X is really good).

You can also get extra oculars (10X, 20X and 30X) so you can have a lot of magnification range available.

Redhawk