policy on water quality
policy on animal welfare
animal care procedures

IACUC Policy On Water Quality For Aquatic Species

Policy:  When aquatic species of vertebrate animals are to be housed on campus, the IACUC must be assured that the water quality in the housing tanks will be maintained at a suitably high level.  The applicant should include all practices relating to water quality maintenance in his/her protocol.  One of two possible tactics will be expected to be carried out:
  • once weekly water quality tests as outlined in the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council standards, OR
  • frequent partial water changes with dechlorinated water--the frequency and amount depending on the density of fish in the tank.
These two alternatives are offered as norms of behavior and not as requirements.  The applicant is free to suggest to the committee whatever water quality procedures are deemed most appropriate.  The burden of proof regarding water quality maintenance and documentation is on the applicant.