An ecological life support system for fish for 100-day experiments

An aquatic habitat of 1.7 L was designed to support three adult fish (medaka, Oryzias latipes) for 100 days with minimal exchange of water. The Aquatic Habitat consisted of a specimen chamber (800 ml), biofilter chamber and associated tubing (250 ml), and a microbial control chamber (650 ml), filled with water. Fish were fed daily. The water was oxygenated via a hollow fiber oxygenator. The liquid flow rate was 30 ml/min and the air flow as 100 ml/min. Six units were established. Fish mortalities, when they occurred, were often associated with failures of the water flow system and lack of oxygen being supplied from the oxygenator. The bacterial community, from three "Bio-Chem Stars" inoculated from a medaka aquarium, transformed ammonia and prevented toxic conditions from occurring. The bacteria were grazed by protozoa, rotifers, nematodes, oligochaetes, and ostracods in all habitats. In three of six habitats, Daphnia and amphipods had been purposely introduced; their survival was variable. Biofilm and settled particulates accumulated during the experiment and eventually exceeded the weight of the fish. Of six units, two supported the initial fish through the whole experiment, another experienced fish mortalities, but replacement fish survived, and three units did not support fish survival for the 100 days. Our results demonstrated the feasibility of the system, but many improvements are needed such as improved water flow and oxygen monitoring to assure prompt corrective action.