Mount Allison University – Zebrafish System
Mount Allison University – Zebrafish System
| Institution: |  |
| Location: |
Sackville, N.B. , Canada
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| Contact: | Dr. Matt Litvak |
| Equipment: | Zebrafish Unit |
| Habitats: | Fresh water; |
| Temperature: | 20° to 30° C; |
| Description: | Number of 1.5 l tanks: 32;
Number of 2.9 l tanks: 20; Number of 9.0 l tanks: 5; Number of centrifugal pumps: 1; Number of cartridge filters: 2; Number of heaters: 1; Filtration down to: 20 µm; Maximal pressure in system: 30 psi; Operating pressure: around 15 psi; Type of pump: Pan-World 200 PS, 1 phase, 110 Volts, 1.3 A.; Type of heater: 120 V, 1000 W, 1 PH, 15 A.; Water temperature range: ambient to 30°C; Type of cartridge filter: Big Blue 10”; Type of plumbing: PVC schedule 40; Total rearing tanks flow: 25 lpm;
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| Water recirculation level: | 99.7% (1 water exchange/5 to 6 days); |
| Work done: |
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Mount Allison University – Zebrafish System
- Each system contains 32- 1.5 L, 20-3L and 5-9L holding tanks;
- Can operate in both Fresh and Saltwater. All components are made of Fiberglass, thermoplastic and PVC. The only metal in contact with water is titanium (heater);
- Tanks are in polycarbonate. These self-cleaning tanks come with lids with hole to set inlet tubing;
- Tanks are located on a seven-decked stand (2.20 m H x 1.52 m L x 0.46m W). The top shelf is used for the head tank. Lowest tank shelf is 50 cm from floor to ease access and observation.
- The seawater and mould resistant high-strength fiberglass and plastic stand is NSA-approved for direct contact with food and does not leach any chemical. Easy to clean and maintain.
- Tank outlet and drainage pipes are incorporated into the flow system and sized to accommodate a maximum of 10 water exchanges/hour per tanks.
- Water inlet pipes with one regulating precision valve per shelf and ball valves allow for constant and stable flow to rearing tanks; occasional cleaning of these flexible hoses is recommended.
- Quiet magnetic drive saltwater resistant pump with totally enclosed motor. Any components in contact with water are made from thermoplastic to avoid any chance of corrosion. The maximum water recirculated flow is lpm.
- Water is heated with a 1000 W titanium heater;
- Degassing column (air intake included) for CO2 removing;
- Electrical components (pump starter, temperature controller) are housed in CSA approve NEMA-4 boxe;
- System can be dismantled for the cleaning of all waterways.
Mount Allison University – Zebrafish System: Flow circulation
The water flow through the unit is divided into two gravity-fed circuits. From the holding tank at the top of the unit, the water overflows into the two circuits. One circuit directs the water through the rearing tanks; while the other directs the flow through the biofilter / degassing column. The circuits then re-combine and flow together into the sump tank.
From the sump tank, the water is pumped through the cartridge filters. First the 20 microns filter and then into the activated carbon and aragonite cartridge filter.
After the cartridge filters, the water flows up into the header tank. Here, an overflow system splits the flow, supplying the rearing tanks with around 25 Lpm. The surplus gravitates through the biofilter, returning to the sump tank located under the biofilter.
The rearing tank supply circuit first fills the overflow tanks, overflowing each in series. Each of these overflow tanks then supplies its shelf of rearing tanks. The effluent from each of the rearing tanks flows along a gutter and then into a pipe which leads it to join the sump tank.
