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Rodent Open Topped Apparatus
SKU CS-958323
$1,390.00
IncludesStandard care
Open-topped behavioral testing apparatus for controlled observation and measurement of rodent behavior with unrestricted visual access for video recording and experimental interventions.
CE MarkedBAA available
Scientist guidance
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
Ask Louise about Rodent Open Topped Apparatus fit, setup, configuration, or quote prep.
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- Mouse, Rat
- SKU family
- CS-958323
- Sizing
- Mouse: 18cm x 27 x 30cm dark chamber; 27 x 27 x30 cm light chamber; 7.5 × 7.5 cm corridor; Rat: 29cm x 43 x 48cm dark chamber; 43 x 43 x48 cm light chamber; 12 × 12 cm corridor
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Behavioral Mazes
- Build notes
- Confirm accessories, station layout, and support needs before purchase
The Rodent Open Topped Apparatus is a behavioral testing platform designed for controlled observation and measurement of rodent behavior in an unrestricted environment. This apparatus features an open-top design that allows for unobstructed video recording and direct behavioral assessment while maintaining standardized testing conditions for mouse and rat subjects.
The open-topped configuration enables researchers to conduct behavioral studies that require visual monitoring, environmental manipulation, or interventions during testing sessions. The apparatus provides a controlled spatial environment for measuring locomotor activity, exploration patterns, and behavioral responses while allowing full access for experimental protocols that cannot be conducted in enclosed systems.
How It Works
The open-topped design provides an unobstructed testing environment where rodents can move freely while remaining contained within defined boundaries. The apparatus allows researchers to monitor behavior through direct observation, video recording systems, or automated tracking technologies without the optical interference or behavioral modifications that can occur with enclosed systems.
The platform enables standardized behavioral assessments by providing consistent spatial dimensions and environmental conditions across testing sessions. The open access allows for real-time experimental manipulations, introduction of environmental stimuli, or collection of biological samples during behavioral testing protocols.
Features & Benefits
Open-topped design
Provides unobstructed visual access for direct behavioral observation and video recording without optical barriers or reflections
Mouse and rat compatibility
Accommodates multiple rodent species with appropriate dimensions for natural movement patterns and behaviors
Unrestricted access
Enables real-time experimental interventions, environmental manipulations, and sample collection during testing sessions
Standardized testing environment
Provides consistent spatial boundaries and conditions for reproducible behavioral assessments across studies
Compatible with tracking systems
Integrates with automated behavioral monitoring and analysis software for quantitative data collection
Easy cleaning protocol
Smooth surfaces allow for rapid disinfection between subjects to prevent cross-contamination and maintain hygiene standards
Sizes by model
| Measurement | Mouse | Rat |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 18cm x 27 x 30cm dark chamber; 27 x 27 x30 cm light chamber; 7.5 × 7.5 cm corridor | 29cm x 43 x 48cm dark chamber; 43 x 43 x48 cm light chamber; 12 × 12 cm corridor |
- Lids for both dark and light chambers with IR permeable lid for the dark chamber
- Acrylic
- Easy clean with 70% Ethanol
- No Odors
- Matte Finish to remove shine
- Mouse: 18cm x 27 x 30cm dark chamber
- Mouse: 27 x 27 x30 cm light chamber
- Mouse: 7.5 × 7.5 cm corridor
- Rat: 29cm x 43 x 48cm dark chamber
- Rat: 43 x 43 x48 cm light chamber
- Rat: 12 × 12 cm corridor
Behavioral Construct
- Locomotor Activity
- Exploratory Behavior
- Spatial Cognition
- Anxiety-like Behavior
Automation Level
- manual
Research Domain
- Addiction Research
- Anxiety and Depression
- Behavioral Pharmacology
- Learning and Memory
- Motor Function
- Neuroscience
Compatible Tracking Software
- ConductVision
Shipping weight
- 6.06 lb
Shipping box
- L: 65.0 cm
- W: 36.0 cm
- H: 27.0 cm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Access | Unrestricted open-top design | Enclosed systems with limited visibility | Enables direct behavioral observation and high-quality video recording without optical interference |
| Experimental Access | Full access during testing | Restricted access in enclosed chambers | Allows real-time interventions and environmental manipulations during behavioral assessment |
| Species Compatibility | Mouse and rat compatible | Single species optimization | Provides flexibility for comparative studies across different rodent models |
| Cleaning Efficiency | Open design for easy cleaning | Enclosed systems with limited access | Reduces turnaround time between subjects and ensures thorough decontamination |
This apparatus provides unrestricted visual access and experimental flexibility for behavioral studies requiring direct observation or intervention capabilities across mouse and rat species.
| Model | Size | SKU | Listed price | Status | Shipping box |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mouse | 18cm x 27 x 30cm dark chamber; 27 x 27 x30 cm light chamber; 7.5 × 7.5 cm corridor | CS-958323 | $1,190.00 | Available | 65.0 x 36.0 x 27.0 cm |
| Rat | 29cm x 43 x 48cm dark chamber; 43 x 43 x48 cm light chamber; 12 × 12 cm corridor | CS-958323 | $1,390.00 | Available | 65.0 x 36.0 x 27.0 cm |
Neuroscience
Recording locomotor activity patterns and spatial exploration behaviors in transgenic mouse models to assess motor function and cognitive mapping abilities.
Behavioral Pharmacology
Evaluating drug effects on spontaneous behaviors and activity levels through direct behavioral observation and automated tracking systems.
Learning and Memory
Conducting spatial memory tasks and exploratory behavior assessments where researchers need to introduce environmental cues or manipulate testing conditions during trials.
Anxiety and Depression
Measuring exploratory behavior and activity patterns as indicators of anxiety-like states in rodent models of psychiatric conditions.
Addiction Research
Assessing behavioral changes and locomotor responses following drug administration or withdrawal in substance abuse model studies.
Motor Function
Evaluating gait patterns, coordination, and general motor activity in models of neurological disorders or following experimental manipulations.
Practical Tips
Best Practices
Maintain consistent lighting conditions across all testing sessions to minimize behavioral variability.
Why: Changes in illumination can significantly affect rodent exploration patterns and activity levels.
Maintenance
Inspect apparatus surfaces regularly for scratches or damage that could create hiding spots or alter behavior.
Why: Surface irregularities can influence movement patterns and introduce uncontrolled variables into behavioral assessments.
Data Quality
Position recording equipment to minimize shadows and ensure complete coverage of the testing area.
Why: Consistent video quality is essential for accurate automated tracking and behavioral analysis.
Best Practices
Allow subjects to acclimate to the testing room for at least 30 minutes before apparatus exposure.
Why: Pre-adaptation to the testing environment reduces stress-related behavioral artifacts.
Safety
Monitor subjects continuously during testing to prevent escape or injury.
Why: Open-topped design requires vigilant observation to maintain animal safety and data integrity.
Calibration
Verify apparatus dimensions and tracking system calibration before each experimental series.
Why: Accurate spatial measurements are critical for quantitative behavioral analysis and reproducible results.
Troubleshooting
Check for environmental disturbances such as vibrations or unexpected sounds that could affect behavior.
Why: External stimuli can confound behavioral measurements and reduce experimental validity.
Setup Guide
Unpack and Inspect
Remove apparatus from packaging and inspect all components for damage during shipping. Verify that all surfaces are intact and mounting hardware is included.
Surface Preparation
Clean all surfaces with appropriate disinfectant and allow to dry completely. Ensure the testing surface is level and free from debris or residues.
Positioning Setup
Place apparatus on a stable, vibration-free surface in the testing room. Position lighting and recording equipment to minimize shadows and ensure optimal visibility.
Environmental Control
Allow apparatus to equilibrate to room temperature and humidity conditions for at least 30 minutes before testing begins.
Recording Configuration
Configure video recording or tracking systems to capture the entire testing area with appropriate resolution and frame rate for behavioral analysis.
Test Run
Conduct a trial run with a test animal to verify proper containment and optimal recording conditions before beginning experimental protocols.
What’s in the Box
- Rodent open topped apparatus (typical)
- Assembly hardware (typical)
- User manual (typical)
- Cleaning instructions (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a standard one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support available for setup and operational guidance.
Compliance
ARRIVE GuidelinesSupports standardized reporting of animal research by providing controlled testing conditions for behavioral studies
IACUC Protocol StandardsCommonly used in behavioral studies subject to institutional animal care and use committee oversight
Protocol and background
Introduction
The Rodent Open Topped Apparatus test, similar to the light/dark test, is based on the approach-avoidance conflict between rodents’ innate aversion to brightly illuminated and open areas and on the spontaneous exploratory behaviors in novel environments (Arrant, Schramm-Sapyta, & Kuhn, 2013). During the test, the subject can explore the apparatus and move freely between the light and dark chambers. An increase in the number of crossings between the two compartments indicates reduced anxiety-related behaviors. Moreover, the time spent on the light side and the distance traveled also reflect anxiety-like behaviors. Therefore, the Rodent Open Topped Apparatus is useful for studies investigating the efficacy of anxiolytic and anxiogenic drugs and psychostimulants on anxiety-related behaviors.
Other apparatuses used to study rodent anxiety includes the Successive Alleys Apparatus, the Tail Suspension Apparatus, the Elevated Plus Maze, and the Sleep Deprivation Chamber.
Apparatus and Equipment
The Rodent Open Topped Apparatus is constructed of acrylic. It is divided into two portions by a partition and comprises a clear “light” side that is smaller and a fully opaque “dark” side. A opening connects the light and dark sides.
The light compartment includes a clear plexiglass lid, which can be opened or closed. It is recommended that a 60-W light bulb illuminates the light side with ∼400 lux. The dark side can be either completely shielded from view or equipped with a lid-mounted observation window and a 60-W red lamp to provide illumination of <10 lux. The white light on the other side must be appropriately directed only towards the light side if the dark side is equipped for observation to prevent any light from leaking into the dark compartment.
Rodent location can be tracked using a video tracking software package such as Noldus EthoVision, ANY-Maze, or BehaviorCloud.
Training Protocol
Bring the subject inside the test room at least an hour before the test and shield them from outside disturbances. The subject can either be tested in the morning for a standard light cycle or in the afternoon for a reversed cycle. Adapt the subjects for three weeks before testing if the reversed cycle is used. To reduce diurnal variance, standardize the testing time. Place the subject in a holding cage after administering a drug or vehicle to them. The drug and injection route influence the time between the injection and the test. To reduce the injection’s stressful effects, provide at least 10 minutes of rest before beginning testing.
Clean the apparatus after each trial by wiping it with water, removing feces, and wiping urine. Clean the apparatus with water and a mild laboratory detergent after each testing day. Avoid using detergents with strong scents.
Rodent Open Topped Apparatus Task
Place the subject in the middle of the light compartment of the apparatus, facing away from the opening. Allow the subject to explore the apparatus for 5 to 10 minutes. Record the number of crossings the subject makes from the light side to the dark side, the time spent on each side, and the time taken to first enter the dark compartment. Remove the subject from the apparatus and return it to its home cage.
Minimize distracting stimuli from affecting the mice during task performance by raising the apparatus off the floor.
Data Analysis
The following parameters can be observed using the Rodent Open Topped Apparatus:
- The number of crossings made by the subject from the light to the dark side of the apparatus
- The time spent on each side
- The latency period before first leaving the light side and entering the dark side
- The distance travelled on each side of the apparatus
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
The Rodent Open Topped Apparatus can measure anxiety-related behaviors in rodents. Unlike the Traditional Lght/Dark box, the Rodent Open Topped Apparatus includes an IR permeable lid for both light and dark compartments, which can be kept open or closed. Therefore, rodent behaviors can be observed in the dark compartment as well. The apparatus is useful for studying anxiolytic drugs since the number of crossings between the light and dark compartments are increased by anxiolytics but not by nonanxiolytics.
Limitations
If the dark compartment lid is kept open for observation, it is necessary to properly direct the white light on the light side, such that it only illuminates the light compartment and does not leak into the dark compartment. Unintentional stimuli may affect results, which may be reduced by raising the apparatus off the floor and limiting external noise. Rodents of different strains and gender may produce variable results.
Summary
The Open Topped Apparatus is a modified version of the Light/Dark Box used to study anxiety-related behaviors in rodents.
- The apparatus includes a chamber divided into a light side with clear acrylic walls and a dark side with opaque walls. Both sides include an IR permeable lid, which can be kept open or closed, allowing rodents to be observed in both compartments.
- The Open Topped Apparatus test is based on the approach-avoidance conflict between rodents’ innate aversion to brightly illuminated and open areas and on the spontaneous exploratory behaviors in novel environments.
- Rodent crossings between the light and dark compartments, as well as the time spent in each compartment, are used to assess anxiety.
- The Open Topped Apparatus is sensitive to anxiolytic drugs. Therefore, it can be used to assess their efficacy.
References
Arrant, A. E., Schramm-Sapyta, N. L., & Kuhn, C. M. (2013). Use of the light/dark test for anxiety in adult and adolescent male rats. Behavioural brain research, 256, 119–127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2013.05.035
Hascoët, M., & Bourin, M. (1998). A new approach to the light/dark test procedure in mice. Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior, 60(3), 645–653. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0091-3057(98)00031-8
Bourin, M., & Hascoët, M. (2003). The mouse light/dark box test. European journal of pharmacology, 463(1-3), 55–65. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0014-2999(03)01274-3
File, S. E., Lippa, A. S., Beer, B., & Lippa, M. T. (2004). Animal tests of anxiety. Current protocols in neuroscience, Chapter 8, . https://doi.org/10.1002/0471142301.ns0803s26
From the Maze Engineers documentation for this apparatus.
Q
What video recording equipment is compatible with this apparatus?
A
The open-topped design accommodates standard overhead video recording systems, automated tracking cameras, and behavioral monitoring software. Ensure adequate lighting and contrast for optimal tracking performance.
Q
How should the apparatus be cleaned between test subjects?
A
Clean all surfaces with 70% ethanol or appropriate disinfectant between subjects. Allow complete drying to eliminate odor cues that could influence subsequent behavioral assessments.
Q
Can environmental enrichment or obstacles be added during testing?
A
Yes, the open access design allows researchers to introduce objects, change environmental conditions, or provide stimuli during testing sessions as required by experimental protocols.
Q
What behavioral parameters can be measured using this apparatus?
A
The apparatus enables measurement of locomotor activity, exploration patterns, time spent in different zones, movement velocity, and other spatial behaviors depending on the tracking system used.
Q
How long should subjects acclimate before testing begins?
A
Allow 5-10 minutes for initial exploration and habituation to the novel environment before beginning data collection, though specific acclimation times may vary by experimental protocol.
Q
Is the apparatus suitable for long-duration behavioral studies?
A
The apparatus can accommodate extended observation periods, though consider animal welfare requirements for food, water, and environmental enrichment during prolonged testing sessions.
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Rodent Open Topped Apparatus
$1,390.00
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