Polycarbonate Mouse Breeding Tub
Transparent polycarbonate breeding tub for laboratory mice with autoclavable construction and standard rack compatibility for vivarium integration.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- Standard rack systems
- SKU family
- PTY-0010
- Sizing
- 37.0 x 18.2 x 46.7 cm
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Standard Cages & Enclosures
- Build notes
- Polycarbonate (PC) — transparent
The Polycarbonate Mouse Breeding Tub provides a transparent, autoclavable housing solution designed specifically for laboratory mouse breeding programs. Constructed from medical-grade polycarbonate, this tub offers visual monitoring of breeding pairs and litters while maintaining the chemical resistance and durability required for repeated sterilization cycles.
The transparent polycarbonate construction enables continuous observation of breeding behaviors, parturition, and early pup development without handling stress. Standard rack compatibility ensures integration with existing vivarium infrastructure while supporting proper ventilation and environmental control systems essential for reproductive success.
How It Works
The polycarbonate breeding tub functions as a specialized microenvironment optimized for mouse reproduction and early development. The transparent polycarbonate walls provide 360-degree visual access for behavioral observation while maintaining structural integrity under repeated autoclave sterilization cycles. The material's chemical resistance prevents absorption of cleaning agents and biological fluids, ensuring sterile conditions between breeding cycles.
The tub's design accommodates standard vivarium rack systems, integrating with forced-air ventilation to maintain optimal temperature, humidity, and air exchange rates. The breeding environment supports natural nesting behaviors while allowing researchers to monitor key reproductive milestones including mating, pregnancy progression, parturition, and early pup development without physical disturbance.
Compatibility with existing rack infrastructure enables centralized environmental controls including photoperiod regulation, temperature maintenance, and air filtration, all critical factors for successful breeding program outcomes and data reproducibility.
Features & Benefits
Autoclavable
- Yes (limited cycles)
Compatibility
- Standard rack systems
Automation Level
- manual
Brand
- ConductScience
Material
- Polycarbonate (PC) — transparent
Species
- Mouse
Research Domain
- Addiction Research
- Aging Research
- Anxiety and Depression
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Cancer Research
- Developmental Biology
- Immunology
- Learning and Memory
- Neurodegeneration
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
Weight
- 0.8 kg
Dimensions
- L: 37.0 mm
- W: 18.2 mm
- H: 46.7 mm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material Construction | Medical-grade transparent polycarbonate | Entry-level models often use opaque polypropylene or standard-grade plastics | Transparent construction enables continuous behavioral observation without cage disruption, critical for breeding program monitoring |
| Sterilization Compatibility | Autoclavable with limited cycle rating | Basic models may lack autoclave compatibility or offer single-use design | Supports institutional biosecurity protocols essential for maintaining pathogen-free breeding colonies |
| Rack Integration | Standard rack system compatibility | Standalone units often require custom housing solutions | Integrates with existing vivarium infrastructure for centralized environmental controls and space efficiency |
| Species Optimization | Mouse-specific design parameters | Multi-species cages may compromise optimal dimensions for mouse breeding | Provides appropriate space allocation for mouse breeding behaviors and litter development requirements |
| Weight and Handling | 0.8 kg weight for manageable handling | Varies by model, with some alternatives being heavier or more cumbersome | Facilitates routine cage changes and maintenance procedures essential for breeding program management |
This polycarbonate breeding tub combines transparent construction for behavioral observation with standard rack compatibility and autoclavable design. The medical-grade material and mouse-specific parameters support professional breeding programs requiring visual monitoring capabilities and sterile conditions.
Practical Tips
Maintain a rotation schedule for breeding tubs to distribute autoclave cycle usage evenly across your inventory.
Why: This maximizes the operational lifespan of each tub while ensuring consistent availability for ongoing breeding programs.
Inspect polycarbonate surfaces for stress cracks or clouding after each autoclave cycle, particularly around corners and connection points.
Why: Early detection of material degradation prevents cage failure and maintains sterile barrier integrity.
Document autoclave parameters (temperature, pressure, cycle time) used with these tubs to track cumulative thermal exposure.
Why: This data helps predict replacement timing and ensures autoclave conditions remain within the material's tolerance specifications.
Establish standardized observation times and positions when monitoring breeding pairs through transparent walls to ensure consistent data collection.
Why: Standardized observation protocols reduce variability in behavioral data and improve experimental reproducibility.
Allow adequate cooling time after autoclave cycles before handling, as polycarbonate retains heat longer than other cage materials.
Why: Proper cooling prevents thermal injury to personnel and ensures structural integrity of the cage material.
If transparency becomes reduced over time, evaluate autoclave temperature settings and cycle frequency to optimize material longevity.
Why: Excessive heat exposure accelerates polycarbonate degradation, reducing the optical clarity essential for behavioral monitoring.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Polycarbonate mouse breeding tub
- User guide with autoclave specifications (typical)
- Rack compatibility specifications (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering material defects and construction quality. Technical support includes guidance on proper autoclave protocols and rack compatibility.
Compliance
How many autoclave cycles can this breeding tub withstand before replacement?
The product specifies limited autoclave cycles. Consult the product datasheet for specific cycle limits, as this varies based on autoclave temperature, pressure, and cycle duration used by your facility.
What are the internal dimensions for breeding pair accommodation?
Specific internal dimensions are not provided. Consult the product datasheet for detailed measurements to ensure compatibility with your breeding program space requirements and institutional housing standards.
Is this tub compatible with individually ventilated cage (IVC) systems?
The tub features standard rack compatibility, which typically includes IVC systems. Verify compatibility with your specific rack model and ventilation requirements with your equipment vendor.
What bedding materials are recommended for use with this breeding tub?
The polycarbonate construction is compatible with standard laboratory bedding materials. Follow your institutional animal care protocols for bedding selection based on your specific mouse strains and research requirements.
Can this tub be used for post-weaning housing of juvenile mice?
While designed for breeding, consult your institutional animal care guidelines regarding appropriate housing density and space requirements for post-weaning juveniles before transitioning cage use.
How does the transparency affect light exposure for breeding pairs?
The transparent design allows normal photoperiod regulation through rack-level lighting controls. Ensure your vivarium lighting system provides appropriate light/dark cycles for optimal breeding performance.
What cleaning protocols are recommended between breeding cycles?
The chemical-resistant polycarbonate supports standard vivarium cleaning protocols. Follow your facility's established procedures for cage sanitization between animal groups to maintain biosecurity.
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