Salmon in the Classroom Project
Equipment list
Aquarium tank (55-gallon minimum)
Cabinet/tank stand
Chiller unit
Filter system
Air pump
Aquarium gravel
Gravel cleaning siphon
Fish net
Battery-operated air pump
Several feet of narrow tubing
Thermometer
5-in-1 test kit (pH, ammonia, hardness, alkalinity, nitrite and nitrate)
Dechlorination tablets
Chiller Units
Salmon are a coldwater fish and therefore must have the water chilled in order to survive. Aquarium chillers are necessary for this function. There are two main types of chillers:
· Power cooler (also known as "inline" chillers); these are external filters. If using an inline chiller, you also will need to purchase a canister filter. In this system, the water is pumped out of the tank, run through the chiller and filter, and pumped back into the tank.
· Coil coolers (also known as "drop-in" chillers); these are internal filters. The water is chilled as it encounters copper tubing that rests on the back of the tank.
The recommended temperature setting for your chiller is 52°F.
Be sure to discuss your tank setup with aquarium store personnel to find a filter and chiller that suits the needs of your specific tank.
Filter Systems
· Hanging (recommended); all necessary setup equipment typically accompanies the purchase of a hanging filter. Replacement filter cartridges will be necessary over the life of the filter.
· Canister (recommended); all necessary setup equipment typically accompanies the purchase of a canister filter.
· Undergravel system; this system is not recommended because it tends to trap debris, uneaten food and waste contributing to problems with ammonia, bacteria and fungus.
In selecting a filter, it is always better to purchase a larger filter for your tank. For example, if you have a 55-gallon tank, it is recommended that you purchase a filter that is the minimum for a 70-gallon tank versus one that filters only 55 gallons.
Miscellaneous Equipment Gravel
In a natural coldwater stream, salmon eggs are protected by large pieces of gravel that hide them from predators and allow cool water to pass through the pore spaces providing oxygen to the incubating eggs. In an aquarium, gravel is purely aesthetic. The gravel is not necessary for the survival of the salmon. In fact, the buildup of waste in the gravel can contribute to water quality issues. If using gravel or rock, place just enough to cover the bottom of the tank.
Dechlorination Tablets
If city water is the only available water for your tank, be sure to dechlorinate the water ahead of time.