Читать книгу Clinical Guide to Fish Medicine - Группа авторов - Страница 128

Temperature is a core factor whose importance is underestimated in the aquarium world. Animals have thermal preference zones and many ectotherms behaviorally regulate their body temperature. Thermal refuges are difficult to achieve in the aquarium setting because of the high thermal conductive nature of water. That being said, this is an ideal that the aquarium professional should strive for as technology evolves.

Currently, water temperature is controlled in bulk using heaters, chillers, heat exchangers, and insulation. Smaller systems may have independent heaters or chillers to sustain water temperatures within the thermal preference range of the species and to limit wide temperature fluctuations. Larger systems typically have heat exchangers (Figure A3.16). Heat exchangers should be placed last in‐line before water returns to the aquarium or pond. Heat exchangers should be sized correctly for the temperature range of the species being maintained, the ambient temperature range, and the size, flow rate, and thermal characteristics of the system. It is important to remember that the heat exchangers themselves generate heat, which can impact aquariums in enclosed spaces. Heat exchangers should be constructed from materials that will not contaminate the system (e.g. heavy metals); titanium heat exchangers are usually the best choice, especially for saltwater aquariums.

Figure A3.15 Ozone disinfection system showing the ozone gas generator (a), ozone injection into the foam fractionator contact chamber (b), and oxidation‐reduction potential (ORP) reading (in mV) from the contact chamber (c) and the aquarium habitat (d).

Source: Images courtesy of Ashleigh Clews, National Aquarium.

Heaters and chillers (as well as pumps) can easily cause electrical issues if not grounded properly. These should be checked immediately if stray current is suspected.