Introduction:

The Aquatron Laboratory operates 16 Wet Labs which are available for use by Aquatron clients. While most labs are equipped with a standardized layout and water supply system, others are uniquely equipped or provide for increased space. Aquatron Wet Labs are supplied with seawater, dechlorinated municipal fresh water both which can heated, ambient or chilled. In some instances Wet Labs may be supplied with water from more than one supply type allowing for Wet Labs to operate on more than one water type.

Many Aquatron Wet Labs are equipped with waste water chlorination allowing for various levels of biocontainment and quarantine.

Description:

Aquatron Wet Labs are located on the first and second floor of the Ocean Building in Dalhousie University’s Life Sciences Centre. Labs are located both within and outside a secured area allowing for labs within in the area to meet higher levels of biocontainment.

Wet Labs are standard equipped with a head tank system which has water introduced via two packed columns. The packed columns assist with water degassing to prevent super-saturation. The head tank is insulated and divided into two halves effectively creating two tanks in one. Each side of the tank is connected to the lab water distribution piping which runs around the walls of the lab (see photo to right). This creates two pipes running around the lab with a third pipe system interconnecting both sides of the header tank creating a third (usually mixed) water supply in the lab.

In addition to the water supply system, each wet lab is equipped with; domestic water and a sink for cleaning; compressed air and; fluorescent lights (connected to timer). Most labs are equipped with 115 volt electrical while others may also have 220 volts systems Each lab is customized to meet the tank needs of each Aquatron client. Tank configurations may range but tanks are normally either mounted on fiberglass or aluminum stands. All tanks drains are connected with solid pipe and connected to waste management as needed.

Other Support Facilities:

Several other components of the Aquatron Laboratory and the Dept. of Oceanography may be made available for use in conjunction with the Pool Tank. They include:

• Walk-in Freezer (-16 ° C)
• Walk-in Room (2 ° C)
• Walk-in Room (10 ° C)
• Machine Shop
• Carpentry Shop
• Glass Blowing Shop
• Labs with flowing seawater
• Welding (mig and stick)

Equipment:

The Aquatron Laboratory has research equipment available for use by users including (there may be a fee for access):

• Dissolved Oxygen Meters
• Various water quality equipment including Hach DR890 colorimeter
• Stereoscopic microscope (with video and still photography)*
• Compound Microscope (with video and still photography)*

* denotes where fees will be applicable

Support Personnel:

The Aquatron Laboratory has a small staff of various expertises ranging from plumbing to fish rearing. Staff are available to assist users in the design, setup and operation of experiments. Several hours of staff time may be allotted to major projects associated with the Pool Tank but large draws in time have an associated project cost. In some instances additional personnel can be hired to assist in projects.

Services:

The Aquatron Laboratory offers a broad range of services including:

• Experimental set-up
• Assistance in experimental design (both facility design
  and experimental design)
• Assistance with obtaining animals
• Expertise and assistance in capturing wild animals*
• Assistance in transporting animals*
• Animal feeding and care*
• Experimental manipulation*
• Research contracts*
• Assistance in obtaining proper permits (federal and provincial, for capture, transport and holding of aquatic animals).
  
  * denotes where fees will be applicable

Facility Access:

Researchers from academic institutions, government agencies, commercial companies and others can access all Aquatron Laboratory facilities. Students from Dalhousie University and other academic institutions may also have access to the facilities. User fees apply to all Aquatron Laboratory facilities including the Pool Tank.

Anyone interested in using the facility should contact the Aquatron Manager (Mr. John Batt, phone 902 494 3874). All required information about access and required processes is available through the Aquatron Manager.

Types of Research:

Aquatron Wet Labs have been used for a broad range of research and research topics from the study of aquatic pathogens to the life cycle of Atlantic octopi. Since Aquatron Wet Labs can be supplied with heated, chilled, sea or fresh water throughout the year they are suited to perform almost any type of aquatic research.