Q-Box AQUA Aquatic Respirometry Package

The Q-Box AQUA Aquatic Respirometry Package is an advanced system designed for precise measurements of metabolic rates (VO₂) in aquatic animals. This package allows researchers to study both vertebrates and invertebrates by monitoring the reduction of dissolved oxygen (DO) inside the respirometry chamber. The Q-Box AQUA uses the principle of intermittent flow respirometry and can monitor up to four aquatic chambers/samples simultaneously, ensuring consistent experimental conditions across all chambers.

features

• Optical DO Probe
• Small Respirometry Chamber (140ml, 3.8cm ID, 15.3cm long)
• Large Respirometry Chamber (660ml, 8.2cm ID, 16.7 cm long)
• mini-AQUA chamber (9ml, 1.6 cm ID, 4.5 cm long)
• micro-chamber (1.23ml, 1.5 cm ID, 0.85cm depth) in mini-AQUA
• Temperature & Salinity Probe for Water Bath
• Liquid Pump (1 LPM or 0.1LPM in mini-AQUA) & 3-Way Valve
• Digital Control Unit for 3-Way Valve Control
• 6 Channel Data Interface
• Data Acquisition Software
• Absolute Pressure Sensor
• Rugged Weatherproof Case

applications

• Aquatic Respirometry Studies: Ideal for measuring metabolic rates in aquatic environments.
• Aquatic Vertebrate and Invertebrate Research: Suitable for a wide range of species.
• Lab and Field Studies: Optional battery pack allows for fieldwork.

Q-Box AQUA operation

The animal is placed in a respirometry chamber and the decrease in dissolved O₂ due to consumption by the animal is measured. Dissolved Oxygen data corrected for salinity, temperature and pressure is displayed in the software and used to calculate on the go values of oxygen consumption rate (VO₂). Measurements are made sequentially without removing the animal from the chamber. The chamber is flushed with fresh water between measurements. These intermittent flow measurements of VO₂ overcome disadvantages of continuous closed respirometry where dissolved O₂ level in the chamber may decrease to a hypoxic level. All of the components of the Q-Box AQUA Package are housed in a rugged weather proof case for easy transport and storage.

During an experiment, water is circulated through the animal chamber and the flow-through vessel with the optical DO probe by the liquid pump. A 3-way valve, controlled by Digital Control Unit (DCU), and the software determines if the system is in circulation or flushing mode. During the circulation mode, respiration measurements are made and during flush mode, the animal chamber is being flushed with oxygenated water from the water bath. The circulation-flush cycle is repeated until the experiment is terminated. The time of the flush and circulation phase are selected by the user in the software.

mini-AQUA for small samples

The mini-AQUA package is specifically designed for small aquatic samples, such as small fish and insect larvae (~1g). It includes a modified version of the Q-Box AQUA with a smaller respirometer chamber (9ml) and components for a more compact system. This package also features a micro-chamber (1.23ml) with a DO probe for measuring VO₂ in very small samples, such as larvae and juvenile fish under 0.5g. The micro-chamber operates in an intermittent stop-flow mode, enhancing the sensitivity and resolution of the system.

 references

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3. Rahi, L., et al. (2020). Impact of salinity changes on growth, oxygen consumption, and gene expression in the orange mud crab (*Scylla olivacea*). *Aquaculture Research*, 51, 4290-4301. doi:10.1111/are.14772
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