The Perfect Gateway to Zebrafish Research and Education
eRack by Aquaneering
Professional Aquatic Science. Accessible to Everyone.
The Educational & Pilot-Scale Aquatic Research Rack System
Great science doesn't require a large facility—it requires the right tools. The eRack by Aquaneering is a compact, fully self-contained aquatic housing system designed to bring the power of professional-grade aquatic research into classrooms, training labs, and pilot-scale research environments. Whether you are an educator inspiring the next generation of scientists or a researcher validating a new protocol before scaling up, the eRack provides everything you need to get started immediately.
Engineered to the same rigorous Aquaneering standards as our full-scale biomedical research racks, the eRack delivers professional four-stage filtration, freshwater and saltwater capability, and support for the full spectrum of aquatic model organisms—all in a portable, plug-and-play format that requires nothing more than a standard 115-volt outlet.
One Platform. Infinite Research Possibilities.
The eRack is uniquely engineered to support a broad and diverse range of aquatic model organisms. Its precision water chemistry management system maintains the salinity, pH, conductivity, and temperature profiles required by each species—making it equally capable of sustaining freshwater and marine species in a compact educational or pilot-scale setting.
Supported Research Species
| Species | Common Research Application | Water Type |
|---|---|---|
| Zebrafish (Danio rerio) | Genetics, developmental biology, drug discovery | Freshwater |
| Xenopus (Xenopus laevis / tropicalis) | Cell biology, developmental biology, toxicology | Freshwater |
| Cavefish (Astyanax mexicanus) | Neuroscience, evolutionary genetics, sleep research | Freshwater |
| Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) | Regenerative medicine, neuroscience, developmental biology | Freshwater |
| Stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) | Evolutionary biology, genomics, adaptation | Fresh / Brackish |
| Killifish (Fundulus / Nothobranchius spp.) | Aging research, environmental toxicology | Fresh / Brackish |
| Medaka (Oryzias latipes) | Genetics, cancer biology, reproductive toxicology | Fresh / Brackish |
| Lamprey (Petromyzon / Lampetra spp.) | Neuroscience, evolutionary biology, spinal cord regeneration | Fresh / Anadromous |
| Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus / Lytechinus spp.) | Developmental biology, reproductive biology, marine toxicology | Saltwater |
The Science of Superior Water Quality
The eRack does not compromise on water quality. Its four-stage filtration system is engineered to the same fundamental scientific principles that govern every Aquaneering product—from the smallest educational rack to the largest multi-rack central filtration system housing hundreds of thousands of animals. The water treatment sequence is thorough, multi-stage, and designed to eliminate every category of aquatic contaminant before water is returned to the animals.
The eRack Filtration Flow
Water returning from the tanks first collects in the 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 sustains a dense population of nitrifying bacteria that convert ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate with exceptional efficiency, achieving undetectable ammonia and nitrite levels. This is the same proven biological process employed in Aquaneering's largest institutional central filtration systems, scaled to the eRack's compact format.
Following biological treatment, water passes through a mechanical filter that captures particulate matter and biological debris before it can re-enter the water column—guaranteeing that no media reaches the tanks. A carbon filter then removes dissolved organic compounds, chloramines, and trace chemical contaminants, further polishing the water. Finally, a UV sterilizer provides continuous pathogen control by neutralizing bacteria, viruses, and parasites before the water is returned to the animals.
Designed for Discovery. Built for Simplicity.
Compact & Portable on Casters — The eRack's small footprint fits comfortably in tight spaces, and its integrated casters allow it to be effortlessly moved between classrooms, labs, or storage areas. No permanent installation, no facility modifications—just roll it in, plug it in, and begin.
Preconfigured for Immediate Use — The eRack comes fully equipped with tanks and is ready to support your program on day one. It requires only one standard 115-volt dedicated outlet, making installation simple and straightforward. Standard configuration includes five 2.8L tanks, eight 1.8L tanks, and four 1.0L crossing tanks—customizable to your program's needs.
Freshwater & Saltwater Capability — The eRack's precision water chemistry management supports the full spectrum of aquatic model organisms—from zebrafish and axolotl to sea urchins—making it an exceptionally versatile platform for multi-species educational programs and pilot-scale research.
Zero Ammonia & Nitrite Levels—Guaranteed — The self-contained biological filtration ensures a safe and thriving environment for aquatic species, even in a beginner setup. Healthy animals produce better science—and the eRack ensures your models are always in optimal condition.
24/7 Technical Support & Easy Supply Access — Every eRack is backed by Aquaneering's full technical support team, available around the clock. Consumables and replacement supplies are easily accessible online, ensuring your program is never interrupted by supply chain delays.
System Specifications at a Glance
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Design | Compact, portable stand-alone rack on integrated casters |
| Power Requirement | Single 115V dedicated outlet — plug-and-play operation |
| Standard Tank Configuration | Five 2.8L tanks · Eight 1.8L tanks · Four 1.0L crossing tanks (customizable) |
| Water Environment | Freshwater, brackish, and saltwater capable |
| Biological Filtration | Fluidized Bed Bio-Filter (FBB) — same technology as full-scale Aquaneering systems |
| Mechanical Filtration | Mechanical filter — guarantees zero media in tanks |
| Chemical Filtration | Carbon filter — removes dissolved organics and chloramines |
| Pathogen Control | UV sterilizer — continuous neutralization of bacteria, viruses, and parasites |
| Water Quality Outcome | Undetectable ammonia and nitrite levels |
| Installation Requirements | No plumbing or electrical modifications required |
| Mobility | Integrated casters for effortless repositioning |
| Technical Support | 24/7 support by phone and email |
| Supply Access | Full consumables and replacement parts available online |
| Warranty | 24 months parts and labor from commissioning |
Feature, Advantage & Benefit (FAB) Matrix
| Feature | Advantage | Customer Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Compact, Portable Design on Casters | Easily fits into tight spaces and can be rolled between rooms without tools or facility modifications | Hassle-free integration — ideal for teaching and training environments without requiring dedicated facility space or infrastructure investment |
| Freshwater & Saltwater Compatibility | Precision water chemistry management supports the full spectrum of aquatic model organisms | Unrivaled versatility — one platform serves your entire educational or pilot-scale program, from zebrafish to sea urchins, without additional equipment |
| Plug-and-Play 115V Operation | Requires only a standard wall outlet; comes preconfigured with tanks and ready to operate | Immediate startup — eliminates the need for expensive electrical or plumbing facility modifications, dramatically reducing time-to-science |
| Four-Stage Professional Filtration (FBB, Mechanical, Carbon, UV) | Delivers the same biological and mechanical filtration principles as Aquaneering's full-scale biomedical research racks | Healthier animal models — undetectable ammonia and nitrite levels provide the exact same water quality standard as large institutional systems, ensuring reproducible results |
| Self-Contained Automated Life Support | Drastically reduces manual water changes and daily system management tasks | Focus on education, not maintenance — allows educators and students to dedicate their time to science and discovery rather than system upkeep |
| Preconfigured Tank Setup | Ships with tanks installed and system ready to operate; no assembly or configuration expertise required | Zero learning curve — programs can be up and running within hours of delivery, with no specialized technical knowledge required for initial setup |
| Durable Aquaneering Construction | Built to the same rigorous standards as Aquaneering's industrial biomedical research racks | Cost-effective longevity — provides excellent long-term value for schools, training facilities, and pilot-scale labs that require reliable, low-maintenance equipment |
Empowering Education Through Real Science
Zebrafish and other aquatic models are more than just tiny swimmers—they are powerful tools for human health research, used in thousands of labs worldwide to uncover insights into genetics, heart disease, and developmental biology. With the eRack system, students don't just read about these breakthroughs—they participate in the same kinds of experiments that drive them.
Whether you are an educator inspiring the next generation of scientists or a researcher validating a new protocol before scaling up to a full AquaGenZ™ or AquaFlex system, the eRack is the perfect platform to start your journey. Combining simplicity, portability, and professional-grade performance, the eRack opens the door to a world of aquatic research and education that was previously accessible only to well-funded institutional labs.
Your Rack, Ready When You Are. Aquaneering mass-produces eRack systems for inventory, meaning your unit does not wait for a production queue. Pre-made, standardized assemblies are built and held in stock so that complete eRack configurations can be assembled and shipped in as little as one week from the date of your order. When the semester begins, a new course is approved, or a pilot study demands immediate housing, Aquaneering is ready to deliver—without the delays that have historically defined the industry.
Contact Aquaneering today to bring the eRack to your classroom, training lab, or pilot-scale research program.