The Limnotron: Ultimate "Water Cooler"

The Limnotron facility, situated within the Biodiversity Institute of Ontario at the University of Guelph, features a collection of six sizable tanks - originally beer vats - which allow for the creation of experimental ecosystems such as a controlled lake environment. These tanks are double-walled cylindrical stainless steel structures 5 meters in height with a capacity of 24,000 liters. Each tank is equipped with 18 sampling ports at various heights and depths, which are aligned with temperature sensors. Metal propellers within each tank can even create underwater currents!

The innovative design and capabilities of the Limnotron not only propel cutting-edge scientific exploration but also pave the way for a deeper understanding of ecological systems, contributing valuable insights into environmental conservation and sustainable management. Recent research within the Limnotron has focused on how conditions that mimic climate change can affect food-web dynamics, species evolution, and the formation of harmful algae blooms.