Having a clear plan of what you are going to do, what you want to achieve and also why you are doing the program can help to clarify in your own mind what you are going to do. As borrowers we have a responsibility to ensure that the well being of our animals is top priority and we maintain the conditions under which they are being kept as close to what they would be subjected to in the wild as possible. Touch tank at the Marine Discovery Centre , Queenscliff Water Water temperature and cleanliness is an important factor. Ideally if the temperature can be kept at 16 - 18 deg C or lower you should not have any problems. This can be done if you have an air conditioned room to set up the tank in or using a flow through system.
Warm water has less oxygen and increases the stress on the animals.
Handling All animals kept in touch tanks should be kept under the water. It is important that the tank is well supervised and that staff or volunteers maintain the practise of holding and observing animals under the water. Touch tank at the Marine Discovery Centre , Queenscliff Stock Collecting animals in certain parts of Australia requires permits or is not allowed. Check with local coastal managers to see what is allowed in your area. If you have the OK to collect then think first about the tough creatures that live in rockpools or mudflats - these animals and plants can cope with extremes of temperature, tides and exposure far better than animals that are permanently below the water so usually make better specimens for your touch tank.