Chapter 23 - Aquatic Facilities

Abstract

This chapter addresses various issues that should be considered for setting up an aquatic animal facility. Aquatic animal facilities require special design considerations beyond those of conventional laboratory animal facilities. Water, alone, can cause serious damage to facility structural components through leakage and condensation. The composition, pH, and softness or hardness of water should be considered when plumbing materials and treatment processes are selected. Knowledge of water additives, such as disinfectants, is required for appropriate selection and design of water filtration systems. Water is extremely heavy, and this weight must be factored into construction of tanks, racks, support structures, and transport equipment. Serious personnel injury risks in an aquatic facility include slipping on pooled water and electrocution. Facility design precautions are critical to minimize these hazards. Facility structures, machinery, and equipment must be capable of withstanding high levels of moisture. All wall, floor, and ceiling treatments should be impervious to water. The floor surface should be evenly sloped and relatively smooth. Similar wall construction criteria apply for aquatic facilities as are recommended for conventional facilities.