An innovative aquatic non-recirculating system for use in housing African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis)

An innovative, cost-effective aquatic non-recirculating system (ANS) was developed in response to the need to house an increased number of aquatic frogs while minimizing medical problems and contamination caused by poor water quality. African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis) are commonly housed in polyethylene tanks or polycarbonate cages. Traditional non-recirculating water systems are labor intensive, requiring frequent cage and water changes in addition to the time required for water dechlorination. The system we designed used modified polycarbonate rodent cages and a non-recirculating water system that delivered temperature-controlled, dechlorinated, filtered (1-mu filter) water directly to each cage. Simultaneously, multiple water flushes were delivered over a 1-h period once daily to all cages. The result was a relatively clean, unstressful environment for the frogs, which lessened the potential for the development of conditions associated with poor water quality white allowing adequate time for food consumption between flushes. The ANS included 2 filters (a charcoal filter and a 1-mu filter), a temperature-controlled 55-gallon reservoir, an in-line water pump, and a 2-way solenoid valve. The pH and chlorine contents of the water were monitored weekly. The ANS was constructed of standard equipment that is readily available, offering a cost-effective alterative to expensive commercially available aquatic systems. This unique housing system limited potential disease to only the cage of origin while providing quality care with minimal maintenance and cost.