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FACILITIES & SERVICES
The 1424-square-foot Aquatic Sciences Laboratory is a state-of-the-art recirculating aquaculture facility. The laboratory was originally constructed in 1996-1997 and renovated in 2005-2006. It is operated by the Montana University System Water Center. Lab facilities are available to fisheries biologists and other aquatic scientists through a rental agreement (see fee schedule and sample rental agreement links below).
TANK SYSTEMS
As the original purpose of the laboratory was for research on the salmonid pathogen whirling disease, the lab’s tank system consists of racks of 10-gallon aquariums on a recirculating filtration system. The systems are flexible in their application, and can be modified to include the installation of larger aquarium tanks or connections with multiple tank racks. Additional capabilities, such as heating, are possible if needed. Following are possible configurations, but please inquire for further details or discussion.
A rack of 32, 10-gallon glass aquariums. Filtration consists of a bead filter, sand filter, and UV sterilizer. Temperature is maintained by a heat exchanger. This system can be increased in size to include the one or both of the other aquarium racks; the 140-gallon raceway can be replaced with the equivalent of another 32 10-gallon aquarium rack.
Two racks of 64, 10-gallon glass aquariums. Filtration consists of a bead filter, sand filter, UV sterilizer. Temperature is maintained by a chiller unit.
Six 140-gallon “Living Stream” raceways plumbed in series with the ability to isolate individual raceways if needed. Filtration consists of a bead filter, sand filter, UV sterilizer. Temperature is maintained by a chiller unit. The raceways can be used in the self-contained “Living Stream” design with a single tank on its own filtration and temperature control.
MONITORING SYSTEMS
Each of the four recirculating systems in the laboratory is continuously monitored for water quality conditions (water temperature, pH, ORP, conductivity, water level), and this data is downloaded to an onsite computer for record-keeping and analysis. In addition, should a parameter leave its preset boundaries, the monitoring system remotely pages and alerts lab personnel. Dissolved oxygen and temperature for each system are checked and recorded daily by lab personnel. Twice a week, dissolved nitrogen species (NH3 and NO2) are assayed to monitor the biological filtration in the recirculating system, and chlorine is monitored to insure proper carbon filtration of incoming water.
WASTEWATER
The laboratory wastewater system is designed to prohibit accidental release of flora, fauna, or pathogens into the public wastewater system or any open water source. The wastewater from the aquaculture systems, utility sinks, and floor drains empty into a boiler where the water is disinfected before release into a septic drain field. The laboratory restroom facility has its own septic drain field to prevent an inadvertent release. Other precautions, such as chlorine treatment, can be implemented as deemed necessary.
LAB USE FEES
Material and services provided by the lab include:
• fish food
• reagents for fish anesthesia and euthanasia, and for parasite baths
• all tank cleaning and fish feeding
• fish health surveillance, external microscopic exams and ectoparasite diagnosis
• facilities and equipment to work up fish at the conclusion of experiments
Laboratory fees are charged at a standard rental rate or in accordance with special project need. Laboratory personnel are available to assist with experimental design and planning.
Fee Schedule [21 KB PDF] Rental Agreement [78 KB PDF]
Emergency Response Plan [37 KB PDF]
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