Morris Water Maze Heater
Titanium immersion heater with digital temperature control (0°F to 90°F) designed specifically for Morris Water Maze behavioral testing apparatus, featuring corrosion-resistant construction and precise thermal regulation.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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The Morris Water Maze Heater is a titanium-constructed immersion heater designed to maintain precise water temperature in Morris Water Maze behavioral testing apparatus. This specialized heating system provides stable thermal conditions essential for consistent spatial learning and memory assessment protocols in laboratory rodents.
The heater features a digital control panel with temperature regulation from 0°F to 90°F with 1°F differential accuracy, ensuring optimal testing conditions. The titanium construction provides exceptional corrosion resistance and compatibility with various Morris Water Maze fluids including milk, powdered water, and paints. High-limiting safety thermostat prevents overheating, while the exterior-mounted control panel allows temperature monitoring without disturbing test subjects.
How It Works
The Morris Water Maze Heater operates through direct immersion heating using a titanium heating element that transfers thermal energy to the surrounding water through conduction. The digital temperature control system continuously monitors water temperature via a 15-foot sensor wire and maintains the setpoint through automated cycling of the 1800-watt heating element.
The high-limiting safety thermostat provides fail-safe protection by automatically disconnecting power if water temperature exceeds safe operating parameters. The exterior-mounted control panel allows researchers to monitor and adjust temperature settings without accessing the maze interior, preserving experimental conditions and preventing disturbance to test subjects during protocols.
Temperature regulation operates with 1°F differential accuracy across the full 0°F to 90°F range, ensuring consistent thermal conditions throughout extended testing sessions. The titanium construction resists corrosion from various maze fluids while providing efficient heat transfer and long-term durability in laboratory environments.
Features & Benefits
power_cord_length
- 15ft
temperature_sensor_wire_length
- 15ft
plug_type
- 20 AMP NEMA Plug
safety_features
- High Limiting Safety Thermostat
current
- 16A
fluid_compatibility
- All Morris Water Maze fluids including milk, powdered water, and paints
control_panel_location
- Exterior to Morris Water Maze
usage_requirement
- Must be fully submerged at all times if turned on
Volts
- 120v
- 240v
Behavioral Construct
- spatial learning
- spatial memory
- reference memory
- place navigation
- hippocampal function
Automation Level
- semi-automated
Material
- Titanium
Power/Voltage
- 1.8kw (1800 Watts)
- 120 Volts AC
Temperature Range
- 0°F to 90°F
Accuracy
- 1°F differential
Display Type
- Digital
Dimensions
- 19 inches x 2-3/4 inch diameter
Research Domain
- Addiction Research
- Aging Research
- Anxiety and Depression
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Learning and Memory
- Neurodegeneration
- Neuroscience
Species
- Mouse
- Rat
Compatible Tracking Software
- ConductVision
Weight
- 6.06 kg
Dimensions
- L: 65.0 mm
- W: 36.0 mm
- H: 27.0 mm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Material | Titanium heating element and housing | Stainless steel or glass construction in standard aquarium heaters | Titanium provides superior corrosion resistance when using specialized maze fluids like milk or paint mixtures |
| Heating Power | 1800 watts at 120V AC | Lower wattage models typically offer 300-800 watts | Higher wattage enables faster temperature recovery after water changes and better temperature stability in large volumes |
| Temperature Control Range | 0°F to 90°F with 1°F differential | Limited temperature ranges often 60-85°F with broader differentials | Extended range accommodates diverse experimental protocols including cold-water stress paradigms |
| Control Panel Location | Exterior-mounted digital display | Integrated controls requiring maze access | Remote monitoring prevents experimental disruption and maintains consistent environmental conditions |
| Safety Features | High-limiting safety thermostat with automatic shutoff | Basic thermal protection varies by model | Laboratory-grade safety systems protect both animals and equipment during unattended operation |
| Cable Length | 15-foot power cord and sensor wire | Shorter cables often require extension cords | Extended cables provide installation flexibility and reduce electrical connection points in wet environments |
This heater provides laboratory-grade thermal control specifically engineered for Morris Water Maze applications, offering titanium construction for chemical compatibility, high-wattage heating for rapid recovery, and safety features exceeding standard aquarium heater specifications.
| Model | SKU | Listed price | Status | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 120v | ME-MWM-H120 | $1,890.00 | Available | 65.0 x 36.0 x 27.0 cm |
| 240v | ME-MWM-H240 | $1,890.00 | Available | 65.0 x 36.0 x 27.0 cm |
Practical Tips
Verify temperature accuracy using a calibrated thermometer at multiple setpoints across the operating range before beginning experimental protocols.
Why: Temperature accuracy directly affects behavioral performance consistency and experimental reproducibility.
Inspect titanium heating element monthly for mineral deposits or buildup from maze fluids and clean with appropriate laboratory detergents.
Why: Deposits can reduce heating efficiency and affect temperature uniformity throughout the maze water.
Allow 15-30 minutes for temperature equilibration after initial heating or setpoint changes before introducing test animals.
Why: Temperature stratification can occur in large water volumes and may affect spatial navigation cues if not fully mixed.
Always verify complete submersion of heating element before powering on and never operate the heater in empty or partially filled mazes.
Why: Exposed heating elements can overheat and damage the unit while posing safety risks in laboratory environments.
If temperature overshoot occurs, check sensor wire positioning and ensure adequate water circulation around the temperature probe.
Why: Poor sensor placement can cause false readings leading to temperature instability and inconsistent experimental conditions.
Record water temperature at multiple maze locations during protocol validation to verify thermal uniformity.
Why: Temperature gradients can create thermal navigation cues that confound spatial learning assessments.
Position heater away from platform location and animal entry points to avoid thermal plume effects on navigation behavior.
Why: Localized heating can create unintended thermal cues that may influence spatial search strategies.
Test safety thermostat function monthly by temporarily setting control temperature above safe limits and verifying automatic shutdown.
Why: Safety system verification ensures continued protection against overheating during extended or unattended protocols.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Morris Water Maze Heater (19" x 2-3/4" titanium unit)
- Digital control panel with mounting hardware
- 15-foot power cord with 20 AMP NEMA plug
- 15-foot temperature sensor wire
- Installation and operation manual
- Safety guidelines for immersion heating (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering materials and workmanship, with technical support for installation and operation questions. Extended warranty options are available for high-use laboratory environments.
Compliance
References
Background reading relevant to this product:
What is the heating recovery time after water changes?
The 1800-watt heating element provides rapid temperature recovery, though exact timing depends on water volume and ambient conditions. Consult product datasheet for specific recovery rates at different temperature differentials.
Can this heater be used with opaque maze fluids like milk or paint mixtures?
Yes, the titanium construction is specifically designed for compatibility with all Morris Water Maze fluids including milk, powdered water, and paints without corrosion or performance degradation.
How does the safety thermostat prevent overheating during extended protocols?
The high-limiting safety thermostat monitors water temperature independently and automatically disconnects power if temperature exceeds safe parameters, providing fail-safe protection during unattended operation.
What are the electrical requirements for installation?
Requires 120V AC power supply rated for 20 AMP service. The heater draws 16 amps at 1800 watts, necessitating appropriate electrical infrastructure and safety protocols for wet laboratory environments.
Can the temperature sensor be repositioned within the maze?
The 15-foot temperature sensor wire allows flexible positioning within the maze to optimize temperature monitoring while avoiding interference with animal movement during testing protocols.
How does this compare to standard aquarium heaters for behavioral testing?
Unlike standard aquarium heaters, this unit features titanium construction for chemical resistance, higher wattage for faster recovery, precise digital control, and safety features specifically designed for laboratory behavioral testing requirements.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Routine inspection of heating element for mineral deposits, verification of safety thermostat function, and cleaning of titanium surfaces with appropriate laboratory detergents maintains optimal performance.
Can multiple heaters be used in large maze installations?
Multiple units can be installed in large mazes, each with independent temperature control and safety systems. Coordinate electrical requirements and sensor placement to avoid interference between units.
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