Name: construction of an affordable and easy-to-build zebrafish facility
Uploaded: 2014-11-22T14:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Construction of an Affordable and Easy-to-Build Zebrafish Facility at JoVE.com

The authors would like to thank the Office of Research of Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy for financial support of this project through the Small Pharmacy Awards for Research &#38; Collaboration (SPARC) Award. The authors thank Mr. John Smink, Manager of the Aquatic Animal Research Laboratory, Clemson University, Clemson, SC for his technical assistance manuscript revision.

NOTE: These protocols follow the guidelines of IACUC of Presbyterian College.
1. Acquire Materials Listed in Table 1.
2. Assemble the 5 Shelf Chrome According to the Manufacturer&#8217;s Instructions. This will be used to House the Facility.
3. Construct the water reservoir and filtration system (Figures 1A and 2).
<ol>
	<li>Using Figure 1A as a guide, layout the 18 gallon bucket, pump, filters and UV lamp to determine fina...

<ol>
	<li>Detrich, H., Westerfield, M., Zon, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> The Zebrafish: Cellular and Developmental Biology, Part A.. , (2010).</li><li>Grim, J. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Hemogen+(hemgn),+a+transcription+factor+that+regulates+erythropoiesis+and+skeletogenesis+in+zebrafish.">Hemogen (hemgn), a transcription factor that regulates erythropoiesis and skeletogenesis in zebrafish.</a> , (2013).</li><li>Kim, S., Carlson, R., Zafreen, L., Rajpurohit, S. K., Jagadeeswaran, P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Modular,+easy-to-assemble,+low-cost+facility.">Modular, easy-to-assemble, low-cost facility.</a> Zebrafish. 6 (3), 269-274 (2009).</li><li>Linbo, T. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Zebrafish+(Danio+rerio)+husbandry+and+colony+maintenance+at+the+Northwest+Fisheries+Science+Center.">Zebrafish (Danio rerio) husbandry and colony maintenance at the Northwest Fisheries Science Center.</a> U.S. Dept. Commer., NOAA Tech. Memo. 62, (2009).</li><li>Avdesh, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Regular+care+and+maintenance+of+a+zebrafish+(Danio+rerio)+laboratory:+an+introduction.">Regular care and maintenance of a zebrafish (Danio rerio) laboratory: an introduction.</a> J Vis Exp. 69, 4196 (2012).</li><li>McNabb, A., Scott, K., Ochsenstein, E., Seufert, K., Carl, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Don't+be+afraid+to+set+up+your+fish+facility.">Don't be afraid to set up your fish facility.</a> Zebrafish. 9 (3), 120-125 (2012).</li><li>Garcia, R. L., Sanders, G. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Efficacy+of+cleaning+and+disinfection+procedures+in+a+zebrafish+rerio)+facility.">Efficacy of cleaning and disinfection procedures in a zebrafish rerio) facility.</a> J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci. 50 (6), 895-900 (2011).</li><li>Rivas-Boyero, A. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pharmacological+characterization+of+a+nociceptin+receptor+from+zebrafish+(Danio+rerio).">Pharmacological characterization of a nociceptin receptor from zebrafish (Danio rerio).</a> J Mol Endocrinol. 46 (2), 111-123 (2011).</li><li>Sanchez-Simon, F. M., Zhang, X. X., Loh, H. H., Law, P. Y., Rodriguez, R. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Morphine+regulates+dopaminergic+neuron+differentiation+via+miR-133b.">Morphine regulates dopaminergic neuron differentiation via miR-133b.</a> Mol Pharmacol. 78 (5), 935-942 (2010).</li><li>Velasco, E. M., Law, P. Y., Rodr&#237;guez, R. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mu+opioid+from+the+zebrafish+exhibits+functional+characteristics+as+those+of+mammalian+mu+opioid+receptor.">Mu opioid from the zebrafish exhibits functional characteristics as those of mammalian mu opioid receptor.</a> Zebrafish. 6 (3), 259-268 (2009).</li></ol>

The main purpose of this article is to demonstrate that the construction of a functional zebrafish facility is not complicated and can be built by novice fish researchers with minimal construction knowledge. Furthermore, this article shows that the materials for this functional zebrafish facility can be acquired readily and affordably from local pet supply stores or hardware stores. Once all the materials and tools have been acquired the construction of the system and the fish tanks takes about one working day. The 72 hr...

In vivo models are essential in conducting comprehensive biomedical research since they allow in vitro research to be translated at the system and organismal level. For example, research with small mammals, namely rodents, has been proven necessary in the development of drugs and in the improvement of available drugs. However, the complexity (financially and logistically) might make it virtually impossible to build and maintain rodent facilities for experimentation proposes at small research academic institutions. Nonetheless, in vivo research can be performed using other animal species that require less elaborate logistics. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have been successfully used as an in vivo model to study genetics, development, pathophysiology, and pharmacology1,2,10,11,12. The facilities required to house zebrafish for experimentation are relatively simple and significantly less expensive when compared to rodent facilities. Kim et al.3 have recently described in detail an 80 tank zebrafish housing system that can be built for approximately $1,500, which includes both parts and labor costs. This stands in stark contrast to the nearly $8,500 that would be required to purchase a ready-made, 80 tank system from any number of commercial suppliers. However, the description given by Kim et al. may be complicated and difficult to follow for novices of fish research. We believe that a zebrafish facility can be constructed in simplified manner for an investment of $1,500.
The establishment of an in vivo facility at small academic institutions provides their faculties an additional tool with which to produce more powerful and thorough research. In vitro data supported by in vivo results generally produce more comprehensive biomedical research than data obtained using only in vitro approaches. Therefore, the implementation of an in vivo research facility will significantly enhance the institution success in its overall research endeavors (student exposure to research, publications, communications, pursuit of external funding, etc.).
The construction of a Zebrafish facility like the one described in this study is ideal for research academic institutions with limited facilities (or institutions without in vivo research facilities) during constricting financial times.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Item</td>
			<td>Brand</td>
			<td>Quantity</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>74-in H x 48-in W x 18-in D 5-shelf Steel Freestanding Shelving Unit</td>
			<td>Style Selections</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>18-Gallon General Bucket/Tote</td>
			<td>Centrex Plastics: LLC&#160;Rugged Tote</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>6-Outlet Power Strip With 15-Ft. Cord</td>
			<td>Master Electrician</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>9-Watt UV Water Garden Clarifier FiIter and UV lamp</td>
			<td>Smartpond&#160;</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Whole House Water Replacement Filter</td>
			<td>Whirlpool</td>
			<td>6</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Opaque Whole-House Pre-Filtration Housing</td>
			<td>Whirlpool</td>
			<td>2</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Thread Seal Tape</td>
			<td>William H Harvey</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8-fl oz LO-VOC PVC Cement</td>
			<td>Oatey&#160;</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>8-fl oz LO-VOC Primer</td>
			<td>Oatey&#160;</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1/4-in x 100-ft Vinyl Drip Irrigation Distribution Tubing</td>
			<td>Mister Landscaper&#160;</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1/4-in Barbed Drip Irrigation On/Off Valve</td>
			<td>Mister Landscaper</td>
			<td>33</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>9-Port NPT Irrigation Manifold with Filter</td>
			<td>&#160;Mister Landscaper</td>
			<td>6</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Drop-In Filter with House&#160;</td>
			<td>Whirlpool</td>
			<td>6</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2-in Dia 90-Degree PVC Elbow</td>
			<td>LASCO</td>
			<td>3</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2-in Dia 90-Degree Tee</td>
			<td>LASCO</td>
			<td>3</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3/4-in Dia 90-Degree Slip Elbow</td>
			<td>LASCO</td>
			<td>15</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3/4-in Dia PVC Adapter</td>
			<td>LASCO</td>
			<td>7</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3/4-in Dia PVC Tee</td>
			<td>LASCO</td>
			<td>12</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2-in Dia PVC Cap</td>
			<td>LASCO</td>
			<td>3</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1-in Dia x 3/4-in Dia PVC Adapter</td>
			<td>LASCO</td>
			<td>2</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3/4-in PVC Socket In-Line Ball Valve</td>
			<td>American Valve</td>
			<td>5</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1/2-in Dia x 3/4-in Dia PVC Adapter</td>
			<td>Lasco</td>
			<td>8</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>3/4-in Dia PVC Cap</td>
			<td>Lasco</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2-In x 5-Ft Pvc Pipe</td>
			<td>Charlotte Pipe</td>
			<td>4</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&#190;-In x 10-Ft Pvc pipe</td>
			<td>Charlotte Pipe</td>
			<td>3</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>11/16x1-7/80 PVC ring</td>
			<td>SXT</td>
			<td>10</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&#189;&#8221; PVC male adapter</td>
			<td>SXT</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&#190;&#8221; PVC coupling&#160;</td>
			<td>SXT</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&#189;&#8221; PVC female adapter&#160;</td>
			<td>SXT</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>link</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1.8 L Dual Beta Keeper</td>
			<td>Top Fin</td>
			<td>27</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&#190;&#8221; PVC male adapter (w/ #18 O-ring)</td>
			<td>SXT</td>
			<td>28</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>90-degree &#190;&#8221; threaded PVC elbow</td>
			<td>SXT</td>
			<td>27</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fine Mesh</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>1 yard</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bulkhead Connector</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hacksaw</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Drill</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hole saw</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Adjustable Wrench</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pliers&#160;</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tape Measure</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Safety Glasses</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Work Gloves</td>
			<td>N/A</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

construction of an affordable and easy-to-build zebrafish facility

In vivo biomedical research is pivotal to translate in vitro findings into clinical advances. Small academic institutions with limited resources find it virtually impossible to build and maintain typical rodent facilities for research. Zebrafish research has been demonstrated to be a valuable alternative for in vivo research in pharmacology, physiology, development and genetic studies. This article demonstrates that a functional zebrafish facility can be built in an easy and affordable manner. We demonstrate that such a facility could be built in about one working day with minimal tools and expertise. The cost of the 27 1.8 L fish tank zebrafish facility constructed in this study was approximately $1,500. We estimate that the maintenance of an initial working 150 fish colony for 3 months is $1,000. This project involved students, who were introduced to aquaculturing of zebrafish for research proposes.

Construction of the Pump and Flters System 
Once the rack is assembled and set up the first step is to build the pump and filter system. The filters are connected to the system pump and are located above the bottom level of the first shelf, which allows for easy filter maintenance and replacement. Similarly, the UV lamp is connected with PVC pipe to the filter and held in place with plastic wire ties to allow for easy replacement of the UV lamp as needed (Figure 4A). Immediately following t...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Construction of an Affordable and Easy-to-Build Zebrafish Facility at JoVE.com

Construction of an Affordable and Easy-to-Build Zebrafish Facility

A Zebrafish facility suitable for breeding and in vivo research is built in an easy and affordable manner. Maintenance is minimal. This facility is ideal for student involvement and independent research.

In vivo biomedical research is pivotal to translate in vitro findings into clinical advances. Small academic institutions with limited resources find it ...

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