PROJECT

Wild Life Sydney Zoo Frog Breeding Laboratory

Species-specific life support system design for conservation and lifecycle support

Conservation

Species-Specific Design

Environmental Replication

Precision Control Systems

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CLIENT

Wild Life Sydney Zoo

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LOCATION

Sydney, NSW Australia

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COMPLETED

2025

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SYSTEM TYPE

Amphibian Breeding Laboratory

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KEY FOCUS

Conservation & Breeding Life Support System Design

PROJECT SUMMARY

A purpose built breeding laboratory for an endangered species

Pure Aquatics was commissioned by Wild Life Sydney Zoo to design and construct a specialised breeding laboratory for the endangered Littlejohn’s tree frog. The project required a highly controlled environment capable of supporting both adult frogs and tadpole development, while accurately replicating natural habitat conditions.

The facility was designed to accommodate the full lifecycle of the species, integrating custom tank systems that allow for variable water levels and seamless transition between aquatic and terrestrial phases. This flexibility is critical for supporting breeding behaviours and ensuring successful development at each stage.

Water quality management was a key component of the system. Pre-filtration ensures all incoming water is free from contaminants before entering the system, while a fully recirculating filtration system maintains consistent water quality across all tanks. This approach reduces risk while ensuring stable environmental conditions.

Environmental control systems were central to the design. Precision misting systems regulate humidity, while temperature control and specialised UV lighting replicate natural environmental cues. These elements work together to stimulate breeding behaviour and create a stable, low-stress environment.

The completed facility delivers a highly controlled and adaptable breeding environment, supporting conservation outcomes and demonstrating Pure Aquatics’ ability to integrate biological understanding with advanced engineering design.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

Species-Specific Design

Every element of the system is tailored to the biological needs and lifecycle of the Littlejohn’s tree frog.

Environmental Replication

Misting, temperature, and lighting systems work together to recreate natural habitat conditions.

Recirculating Filtration System

Maintains consistent water quality while reducing resource use and operational variability.

Precision Environmental Control

Integrated systems ensure accurate regulation of humidity, temperature, and lighting.

Lifecycle Support Design

Custom tanks enable seamless transition between aquatic and terrestrial stages.

Reliable and Efficient

Conservation-Focused Outcome

Supports breeding success and contributes to long-term species preservation.

PROJECT GALLERY

FEATURES

  • Custom multi-level breeding tanks
  • Pre-filtration and recirculating filtration systems
  • Precision misting system for humidity control
  • Integrated temperature regulation
  • Specialised UV lighting for environmental replication

SERVICES PROVIDED

  • Concept design
  • System engineering
  • Fabrication and installation
  • Environmental control integration
    Commissioning

PROJECT OUTCOME

  • The completed facility provides a stable, highly controlled environment designed specifically for the breeding and development of Littlejohn’s tree frogs.
  • By combining precise environmental control with advanced filtration and custom system design, Pure Aquatics delivered a solution that supports natural breeding behaviours and improves conservation outcomes.
  • This project demonstrates the ability to translate complex biological requirements into practical, reliable engineering solutions.

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