Chapter 4 - Aquatic Animals Flashcards
How often should water quality be tested? What standards SHOULD be identified at what level?
Routinely. Standards for acceptable water quality, appropriate parameters to test, and testing frequency identified at institutional level and/or individual animal use protocol.
How does age of the system/procedures impact testing?
Frequency of testing, as recently established systems and/or populations and changes in husbandry procedures may require more frequent assessment. Toxins from system components, specifically in newly constructed systems, may require special consideration.
Describe chlorines in aquatic systems.
Chlorines and chloramines are used to disinfect water for human consumption or disinfect equipment. Are toxic to fish and amphibians and must be removed or neutralized before use in aquatic systems.
Define life support system.
The physical structure used to contain the water and the animals as well as the ancillary equipment used to move and/or treat the water.
What are the three types of life support systems? Describe them.
Recirculating - All or part of the water is moved around a system.
Flow-through - Water is constantly replaced
Static - Water is stationary and periodically replenished or replaced
What are the four sources of water? What SHOULD selection be based on?
Treated wastewater (municipal tap), surface water (rivers, lakes), protected water (Well or aquifer), artificial water (RO or DI). Based on provision of a consistent or constant supply, incoming biosecurity level requirements, water volumes needed, species selection, and research considerations.
What is the most common type of life support system? What filtration, cleaning, and disinfection steps do they possess? What other life support functions do they perform?
Recirculating. Biologic filters promoting conversion of ammonia, protein skimmers and particulate filters to remove undissolved/dissolved proteins and particulate matter, carbon filters to remove dissolved chemicals, and ultraviolet or ozone to disinfect the water. Components to aerate and degas, heat or cool, maintain appropriate pH and conductivity.
If damaged, how long does biofilter recovery take?
Weeks
When are continuous or time flow-systems used? What do they require? Is the water processed?
When suitable water is available to support the species being housed (aquaculture) as extremely large volumes of water is needed as it is not reused. May be as is, or processed.
How can water temperature be controlled? (3)
At its source, within the life support system
Macroenvironment
Semiopen systems may rely on that of the source water
How are macroenvironmental relative humidity levels generally defined? How can high or low humidity impact aquatic systems?
Generally defined by safety issues and staff comfort. Excessive moisture can result in condensation, which may support microbial growth and metal corrosion. Dry environments may lead to increased evaporation, requiring more water and monitoring for increases in salinity/conductivity, contaminants, or other water quality aberrations.
Amphibians and reptiles require what humidity levels?
Some require in excess of 50-70%
Room air exchange rates are governed by what two factors?
Thermal and moisture loads.
Are aquatic species sensitive to changes in light? What type of light intensity is recommended? What type of lighting and/or thermal support may some species require?
Aquatic and semiaquatic species are often sensitive to changes in photoperiod, light intensity, and wavelength. Recommend gradual changes in room light intensity. Some species may need full-spectrum lighting and/or heat lamps to facilitate adequate physiological function.
Why might some facilities place major components of the life support system outside the animal rooms?
To reduce vibration and noise.
