Tank Volume Calculator

Laboratory Tank Design Considerations

Zebrafish facility tanks differ from ornamental aquariums in several key ways:

• Standardized dimensions: Rack-mounted tanks (1.8 L, 3 L) are designed to fit specific rack systems with integrated water flow
• Bare-bottom design: Most research tanks omit substrate for easier cleaning and embryo collection
• Flow-through or recirculating: Water is continuously exchanged, so static volume is less critical than turnover rate
• Overflow height: The actual water level is set by the overflow, not the tank rim — measure to the overflow notch for accurate volume

Stocking Density Guidelines

Appropriate stocking density depends on fish age, system type, and experimental requirements:

• Larvae (0–14 dpf): Up to 50 per dish/tank in small volumes during early development
• Juveniles (14–90 dpf): 10–20 fish/L with adequate filtration
• Adults (>90 dpf): 5–10 fish/L depending on institutional IACUC protocol (Aleström et al. 2020 recommends 4–10/L)
• Breeding pairs: Isolated in 1 L mating tanks (1 male + 1–2 females)

Overcrowding increases cortisol, reduces growth rate, and can alter behavior — all of which confound research outcomes.