AquaFlex Rack System

Professional-Grade Control for Larger Aquatic Species. No Compromises.

For Freshwater & Saltwater Species Alike

Some of the most scientifically significant aquatic model organisms require more than a standard micro-tank. The AquaFlex Rack System by Aquaneering is purpose-built for researchers working with larger species and larger tanks—delivering the same comprehensive controls, sensors, and life-support capabilities as the double-sided AquaGenZ™ rack, scaled to accommodate tanks from 4 Gallons through 30 Gallons.

Built on a robust 30-inch deep platform, the AquaFlex system provides the environmental precision, biological filtration performance, and intelligent monitoring that larger aquatic model organisms demand—in a modular, scalable format that grows with your research program.

One Platform. Infinite Research Possibilities.

The AquaFlex system is uniquely engineered to support a broad and diverse range of aquatic model organisms requiring larger housing volumes. Its integrated dosing and monitoring system maintains precise water chemistry parameters—salinity, pH, conductivity, temperature, and more—making it equally capable of sustaining freshwater and marine species.

Supported Research Species

The Science of Superior Water Quality

The filtration architecture of the AquaFlex Rack System is engineered to the same exacting scientific standard as every system in the Aquaneering portfolio. The water treatment sequence is methodical, multi-stage, and designed to eliminate every category of aquatic contaminant before water is returned to the animals—regardless of tank size or species.

The AquaFlex Stand-Alone Filtration Flow

Water returning from the tanks first collects in the on-rack sump, where the recirculation cycle begins. From the sump, water is directed into the Fluidized Bed Bio-Filter (FBB)—the biological core of the system. The FBB provides up to 10 times the colonizable surface area of conventional bio-filters, sustaining a dense population of nitrifying bacteria that convert ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate with exceptional efficiency, achieving undetectable ammonia levels. This stage is the same proven biological process employed in Aquaneering's largest institutional central filtration systems.

Following biological treatment, water flows by gravity through a titanium filter tray—the primary mechanical filtration stage. This tray captures particulate matter and biological media before it can re-enter the water column, forming the first line of defense in Aquaneering's guaranteed zero-media-in-tanks assurance. The titanium construction ensures corrosion resistance and long service life in both freshwater and saltwater applications.

Water is then pumped through a sediment filter, which provides a final polishing stage to remove fine suspended particles that passed through earlier stages. The result is water of exceptional optical clarity and biological purity before it is returned to the tanks.

Redefining Modularity & Efficiency

Larger Tanks, Uncompromised Control — The AquaFlex system accommodates 4 Gallon (16L), 10 Gallon (40L), 20 Gallon (80L), and 30 Gallon (120L) tanks, providing the housing volume required by larger aquatic model organisms—while delivering the same full suite of controls and sensors as the AquaGenZ™ double-sided rack.

Precision Water Chemistry for Every Species — AquaFlex features fully integrated automated dosing and monitoring—including salt and sodium bicarbonate dosing—to maintain the precise salinity, pH, conductivity, and temperature profiles required by each species, whether freshwater, brackish, or marine.

Zero Media in Tanks—Guaranteed — The multi-stage mechanical filtration sequence described above guarantees that no media ever reaches your tanks—regardless of species, tank size, or water type.

A Single Controller for Total Command — A single Beckhoff PLC controller manages the entire rack from one power plug, enabling all smart components to communicate seamlessly, make automatic adjustments, and alert operators to any potential failures. Individual circuit breakers protect pumps, dosing equipment, and electronics.

System Specifications at a Glance

Feature, Advantage & Benefit (FAB) Matrix

Built for Today's Labs. Ready for Tomorrow.

The diversity of aquatic model organisms in modern biomedical research is expanding rapidly. From the genetic tractability of zebrafish to the regenerative biology of axolotl, from the marine developmental models of sea urchins to the neurological insights offered by lamprey—today's researchers need a system that can keep pace with the breadth of their science and the size of their animals.

The AquaFlex Rack isn't just a housing solution—it's a tool that empowers your research to reach new heights. With unmatched control capabilities for larger tank formats, superior water quality, and precision environmental management, AquaFlex is the definitive choice for researchers who refuse to compromise on animal welfare or scientific rigor.

Your Rack, Ready When You Are. Aquaneering has invested in mass-producing AquaFlex shelf assemblies for inventory, meaning your system does not wait for a production queue. Pre-made, standardized shelf assemblies are built and held in stock so that complete rack configurations can be assembled and shipped in as little as one week from the date of your order. Whether your program is expanding to accommodate a new species or scaling up an existing colony, Aquaneering's inventory-ready production model ensures your research is never delayed by your equipment.