Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine

Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine Zebrafish Facilities WUSTL-SOP-004: Cage wash Guidelines

This document will provide general guidelines for Cage wash in the Washington University School of Medicine Basement Zebrafish Facility.

Fish Holding Cages/Aquaria :

All soiled fish aquaria and their associated components (lids, baffles, siphons, springs, dividers, etc.) are washed and sanitized on an at least 3-month frequency. Washing is accomplished by first scrubbing away all visible soil and bio-film, and then placing in the cage washer and sanitizing using the appropriate washing cycle labeled (see 650 and 900 cage wash SOP’s). Tanks are then removed and stored in the various fish rooms and mobile storage carts found throughout the facility.

Breeder Tanks:

Breeder tanks and their associated parts (lids and dividers) are to be washed immediately after each use. Specially designed presentation racks made of stainless steel are to be loaded with the breeder tanks and lids and washed using the cycle labeled “Breeder Tanks”.

Genotyping Buckets:

Genotyping buckets (plastic containers that resemble yogurt containers) are to be washed manually after each use. They are washed with hot tap water and scrubbed with a non-scratching pad.

Artificial Plants:

Artificial Plants are to be placed in the bin labeled “Dirty Plants”, found above the Cage Wash Room sink. They are to be doused with 85% Ethanol (ETOH) and rinsed with Reverse Osmosis water. After sanitizing, they should be placed into the bins labeled “Clean Plants” found in the adult fish rooms.

Petri Dish Cleaning:

Dirty Petri Dishes are to be placed in the bin labeled “Dirty Petri Dishes”, found on the shelf above the Nursery workbench. They are to be doused with 85% Ethanol (ETOH), physically scrubbed out with a paper towel and rinsed with Reverse Osmosis water. After sanitizing, they should be placed into the bins labeled “Clean Petri Dishes” found on shelves above the workbenches in both Adult Fish Holding rooms. Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine Zebrafish Facilities WUSTL-SOP-004: Cage wash Guidelines

Cleaning Mobile Carts and Shelves:

Mobile carts are cleaned weekly, by first wiping down their surfaces with a wetted scrub pad to loosen stubborn debris, and then the shelves are removed for washing in the IWT-650 Cabinet washer on the “Cart Shelves” cycle, while the chassis of the cart is washed in the IWT-900 Rack washer on the “Cart Wash” cycle.

Mobile Racks are cleaned in the same manner, semi-annually, or more often if needed.