| Parts List |
| chiller; 20 to 30 gallon glass aquarium; AquaClear 300 aquarium filter (or other filter of similar design); filter cartridges (1) foam, (3) activated carbon, (2) ammonia; three sheets of 4'x8'x1" rigid foam insulation; aquarium thermometer; 2" clear plastic packing tape; 20 of 3" common nails or sheetrock screws; dip net; two 5 gallon plastic buckets with lids; aquarium siphon or 3 feet of .5" clear flexible plastic tubing; 2 gallon pail of washed cobbles (approximately 1" diameter); turkey baster; sturdy table |
The Rolls Royce incubator consists of a thermostatically controlled chiller, a 20 to 30 gallon aquarium, and other supplies. With the exception of the chiller, all parts and supplies can be purchased locally from pet and/or hardware stores. Here is how to assemble the incubator (photos below).
Step 1: Place a table or other firm support where the incubator will be located. The table should be large enough to fully encompass the incubator base (chiller and aquarium) and sturdy enough to support approximately 250 pounds. Table height shoud be such that students are able to view the fish from the front and top of the aquarium. The incubator should be located near an electrical outlet (obviating the need for extension cords) and out of direct sunlight. Once the incubator is filled with water, it cannot be moved.
Two sawhorses with several 2"x6" by 6' planks laid across the top provide a sturdy low cost alternative to a table. For safety reasons, it is important that the planks are screwed down to the saw horses.
Step 2: Cut the one inch styrofoam into pieces to form a box around the aquarium. Accomodation should be made for the electrical filter that will overhang the aquarium at one end. The back panel should be notched where the chiller element overhangs the aquarium rim. A rectangular viewing window should be cut into the front panel. The viewing window can be any size desired. Pieces can be cut to size with a utility knife and straight edge or on a tablesaw.
Step 3: Place the aquarium on the bottom styrofoam panel. Position the electrical filter on one end of the aquarium.
Step 4: Assemble the box around the aquarium, fastening pieces together with small nails or sheetrock screws. Joints should then be reinforced with clear plastic tape. The top styrofoam panel rests unattached on top of the foam box.
Step 5: Position the chiller unit behind the aquarium and foam box, placing the chilling coil within the aquarium.
Step 6: Place gravel at bottom of aquarium - one stone deep. Fill the aquarium with water to within 1.5 inches of the rim. Set thermostat on aquarium for approximately 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Plug chiller in and turn on. If the water temperature is above the thermostatic setting the chiller should engage immediately.
Step 7: Place the sponge and charcoal filter elements within the filter reservoir following the manufacturer's instructions. Using a utility knife, cut a slit into the end of a small foam block and place it over the opening of the intake tube. This will prevent eggs and fry from getting drawn into the filter.
Step 8: Position the thermometer so it can be viewed through the window in the front panel. After allowing the chlorine in the water to dissipate for 72 hours, the incubator is ready to recieve the salmon eggs. Periodically check the thermometer to make sure the chiller is functioning properly.
We found that students should be involved in bringing in the aquarium cobbles. An obvious source for cobbles is a nearby stream. Students should be asked to bring stones of over a 1" diameter. Tell them to look for golf ball size, though the stones needn't be round. All stones brought into the classroom for the aquarium should be cleaned with a stiff brush, cleaned again with a brush soaked in chlorinated water, then rinsed thoroughly and allowed to dry for at least 72 hours before being placed in the aquarium.