Freshwater fish holding facilities

About the freshwater fish holding facilities

At the heart of our work is a commitment to understanding and protecting freshwater and marine ecosystems. Our research explores how human activities — such as noise pollution, artificial lighting, and infrastructure — affect aquatic environments and the species that depend on them.

Our facility is designed to bridge the gap between science and society. By combining cutting-edge research with practical applications, we help shape policies, improve conservation strategies, and support the fishing industry. Whether it's designing better fish passages, restoring rivers, or studying how fish respond to environmental stressors, our work contributes directly to healthier ecosystems and more resilient communities.

Our freshwater fish holding facilities are equipped to house fish prior to behavioural and physiological studies. They are part of our hydraulics facilities and support research conducted by the International Centre for Ecohydraulics Research (ICER).

Our indoor facilities are within Home Office designated spaces for the long-term holding of fish.

All our fish holding tanks are designed with fish welfare in mind.

Technical specification

The University is committed to achieving and maintaining high standards of animal welfare in its facilities. You can find more information on the University’s Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body pages.

4 large indoor fish holding tanks - 1200 litres

Four indoor fishtanks at Chilworth

Each tank is fitted with:

  • pump
  • filtration
  • ultraviolet (UV) steriliser
  • aeration
  • programmable lighting
  • temperature control
  • dechlorinated water supply
  • reverse osmosis water supply
  • programmable automatic partial water change system
  • automatic water top-up and automatic water quality sensor for the continuous measurement of ammonia, pH and temperature
12 small indoor fish holding tanks - 60 litres

Chilworth fish rack

Indoor fishtanks with water and several fishes

Each tank is fitted with:

  • pump
  • filtration
  • UV steriliser
  • aeration
  • programmable lighting
  • temperature control
  • dechlorinated water supply
  • programmable automatic partial water change system
  • automatic water top-up and automatic water quality sensor for the continuous measurement of ammonia, pH and temperature
4 large outdoor fish holding tanks - 3000 litres

4  large outdoor fish holding tanks

Each tank is filtered via a large gravity-fed external filter, complete with UV radiation filtration. 

Aeration is provided through a venturi system on the filter outlets and via a large capacity air pump.

 

2 large indoor fish holding tanks - 1200 litres

Boldrewood fish holding tanks

Each tank is fitted with:

  • pump
  • filtration
  • UV steriliser
  • aeration
  • programmable lighting
  • temperature control
  • dechlorinated water supply
  • automatic water top-up and automatic water quality sensor for the continuous measurement of ammonia, pH and temperature

Connect

Contact us

For research opportunities, industry enquiries and technical information about the facility, please email us.