Technical Notes: Multiple-Tank Aquarium System with Recirculating Water for Laboratory Studies of Freshwater Fishes

Abstract A recirculating-water aquarium system for laboratory studies of freshwater fishes is described. The system consists of 216 glass tanks (3.5 gal each), two particle filters, a multistage biofilter, two ultraviolet-light sterilizers, and a regenerative blower for auxiliary aeration. Each tank is connected separately to the recirculating-water supply through inflow and outflow manifold pipes. Water flow to individual tanks is adjustable and can be varied from 0 to 10 gal/h (0–3 water exchanges/ h). The system was designed to minimize environmental variation among tanks and families in genetic studies of tropical aquarium fishes but would be useful for other studies in which replicated treatments or experimental units are required.