Appropriate aquarium equipment and supplies are necessary to provide a cold-water habitat for the trout in your classroom. Several types of equipment seem to work equally well and there are multiple effective set-up options. For example, some teachers use a surface filter and do not put gravel in the tank. For simplification purposes, we have not included all the possible equipment options. The following list of equipment has been successful in many classrooms in Idaho.
Aquarium: 20-35 gallons. A larger tank can support more eggs and provides a more stable environment.
Screen lid for tank: The screen keeps the trout in and debris out. A screen lid is better than a solid lid because it allows for more efficient air exchange.
Under gravel Filter: The filter keeps the water clean. It removes excess food and fish waste from the aquarium.
Aquarium Gravel: 3/4 inch river stone gravel simulates a natural river bed.
Air pump with Powerhead: The air pump keeps the water oxygenated.
Tank cover: A Styrofoam cover helps to keep the tank cool and dark. A thick, dark cloth may also be used.
Dechlorinator: This chemical is used to remove chlorine from tap water.
Vibert Box: The Vibert box is used to contain and hatch your eggs. This can be obtained from Idaho Fish and Game
Turkey Baster: A turkey baster helps to remove dead eggs and fry.
Small aquarium net: A net is helpful when removing dead fry and debris.
Thermometer: Thermometers are necessary to monitor water temperature.
Siphon Tube: A siphon tube will help drain water from your tank.
Several Five-gallon buckets: Buckets are needed to siphon dirty water into and to store new tank water before it is put in the tank. Letting tap water sit for 24 hours allows the chlorine to dissipate.
Water Quality Testing Kit: This kit allows you to measure water quality parameters.
Frozen Water Bottles: Frozen bottles are for power-outage emergencies. If using the Low Cost Chiller, you will already have these. Be sure the bottles are clean outside and inside, and are filled with dechlorinated water.
Chiller: The chiller unit keeps the water cool. Please see the two options below.
