Several large, round, green tanks are set up outdoors on a gravel field, surrounded by greenery and trees. The tanks are numbered and equipped with pipes and valves,
In the outdoor trough, you can examine organisms more closely, for example how fish communities are affected by climate change or whether eDNA can reveal the presence of pike. Photo: SLU.

Ponds, tanks and aquariums for freshwater research

Page reviewed:  18/03/2025

At the Institute of Freshwater Research at Drottningholm we offer excellent facilities for experimental studies in freshwater environments, including ponds, outdoor tanks, and aquariums.

Interested in conducting research on fish or other aquatic organisms with us? We provide the infrastructure to support high-quality research in aquatic ecology.

Study aquatic organisms in ponds

Our eight freshwater ponds are supplied with water from Lake Mälaren, and their water levels can be regulated. Researchers have used these ponds to study fish behaviour, investigate the effects of climate change, and develop future methods for environmental monitoring. One pond measures 22 x 22 metres, while the remaining seven are each 22 x 6 metres.

Study aquatic organisms in outdoor tanks

We also have 20 outdoor tanks, where a variety of research projects have been carried out. For instance, one study explored how environmental DNA (eDNA) from water samples can be used to detect the presence of pike. A recent doctoral project used the tanks to investigate how climate change and browning (brunification) affect plankton communities.

Study aquatic organisms in aquariums

Our facility also includes around 20 glass aquariums with nearby sampling equipment. Water temperature and lighting in the aquariums are adjustable, enabling controlled experiments under a range of conditions.

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