ClearH2O FAQ
If you have additional questions, please contact ClearH2O at
1-888-493-7645 or info@clearh2o.com
Why are gel products a good choice for research animals?
How do I present ClearH2O gel products to my animal(s)?
What is the best way to store ClearH2O products?
What is the difference between DietGel Recovery and DietGel 76A?
Can I use DietGel Recovery for support during shipments?
Why would I want the gels in a liquid form?
What is the recommended dosage for FiberBites?
How much HyrdroGel do I need to supply for an animal during shipment?
Q. Why are gel products a good choice for research animals?
A. Unlike water bottles and mash diets, gels provide a consistent amount of hydration and nutrition without wetting the animal. While particularly useful when transporting animals, HydroGel, LabGel, and DietGel are also great choices for recovering animals and special needs animals who require consistent, easy-to-consume diet support. In addition, gels take the variables out of animal nutrition, therefore protecting results.
Q. How do I present ClearH2O gel products to my animal(s)?
A. Depending upon your cage set-up, there are several options for presenting HydroGel, LabGel, DietGel 76A and DietGel Recovery to animals:
Pouches: DietGel Recovery, LabGel and HydroGel
The most commonly used technique is to cut two slices, each 2 to 3 inches long on the side of the pouch in the shape of an “X”, allowing animals access to the gel. To keep the gel off the cage bottom in shipping containers, cut the pouch as directed and staple or fasten with tape to the side of the shipping container.
You may remove both ends of the pouch before it is placed in the shipping container to allow access from both sides and at the same time protect the uneaten gel.
Alternatively, the entire contents of the pouch can be squeezed directly onto the bedding. Because of its unique non-wetting qualities, ClearH2O gels cannot readily be absorbed into the bedding.
ClearH2O supplies a Pouch Mate tool specifically designed to easily open the pouches. It is available free from ClearH2O distributors.
Cups: DietGel Recovery, DietGel 76A, HydroGel
Simply place opened cup in a cage.
Q. What is the best way to store ClearH2O products?
A. Unopened ClearH20 products are designed to be stored at room temperature and do not require special handling. Typical shelf life for ClearH20 products ranges from 12 to 18 months.
Q. What is the difference between DietGel Recovery and DietGel 76A?
A. DietGel 76A is a new soft diet with a full complement of carbohydrate, fat and protein. It is fortified with both AIN mineral and vitamin mix. A superior alternative to mash diet, DietGel 76A can be used as the sole source of nutrition and hydration for long periods of time, reducing time and labor costs.
DietGel Recovery is a nutrient fortified hydration gel designed to provide compromised rodents a palatable source of hydration and energy and is an excellent solution for:
- Breeding and weaning of pups
- Post-surgical support
- Neurologically compromised rodents
- EAE models
- Transgenic Mice
- Shipping
Carbohydrates, fat and smaller amounts of protein provide the source of calories in DietGel Recovery. Because the formula does not contain vitamins and has lower levels of protein than standard diets, it is not recommended as a sole source of nutrition for long periods of time. For a sole source of nutrition use DietGel76A.
Both DietGel Recovery and 76A are formulated with purified ingredients free from contaminants that can be found in grain-based products.
Q. Can I use DietGel Recovery for support during shipments?
A. DietGel Recovery is an excellent choice as a hydration source when shipping mice and rats. Many sites have successfully used DietGel Recovery during transport of rodents who arrive dry, healthy and require less time to acclimate. DietGel Recovery is sterile purified water gel containing 60% water. It is fortified with calories and minerals and provides 155 kcals/ 100 grams.
When shipping guinea pigs we recommend using HydroGel. In a recent study conducted by Charles River Laboratories, consumption and weight loss of guinea pigs during transit was significantly better with HydroGel compared to a sweetened gel. The study showed that animals consumed more HydroGel, therefore preventing body weight loss and decreasing clinical pathologic indicators of dehydration.
Q. Why would I want the gels in a liquid form?
A. LabGel, when heated to its fluid form, can easily be poured into an enrichment device. Oral medications may also be administered by adding them to the gel in its liquid form. When heated, the gels transform into a semi-liquid, and when cooled to room temperature, they revert back to their original states. HydroGel and LabGel are Thermo-Reversible. Thermo-Reversibility is a unique attribute of ClearH2O gel products.
We recommend heating unopened pouches in hot water until the gel reaches melting temperature and becomes fluid. Melting temperatures will vary from 130 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Caution should be used in handling gels after heating to prevent burns.
Once the medication is added to the liquefied gel, we recommend transferring to a container with a large surface base to facilitate heat transfer and to minimize the amount of time that the drug may be exposed to elevated temperatures. Refrigeration may be used to shorten the time it takes for the gel to return to its semi-solid state.
Q. What is the recommended dosage for FiberBites?
A. FiberBites provide an easy to administer, readily accepted source of fiber for nonhuman primates. Each bite contains approximately 0.8 grams of inulin, a probiotic fiber source that promotes a healthy gastrointestinal tract.
The general recommend daily dose of fiber in NHPs is 1.5 to 2 grams per kg per day. Assuming the primate weighs 7 kilos – it requires 11 to 14 grams of fiber per day. To convert grams of fiber needed to the proper number of FiberBites, divide the daily fiber dose by 0.8 grams.
For example, 11 to 14 grams of fiber equals 14 to 18 FiberBites; we would recommend starting with 7 pieces twice a day and increasing to 9 depending upon your results.
You should see stool improvement within several days to a week.
Q. How much HydroGel do I need to supply for an animal during shipment?
A. The amount of HydroGel required is dependent on the species of animal, the number of days in transit, and the number of animals.
Daily water consumption differs by animal. Please note many factors such as ambient temperature, animal weight and environmental conditions impact the daily water consumption. The suggested values listed below should be used as a guideline for the frequently shipped animals.
| Mouse | 4-7 g |
| Rat | 24-60g |
| Guinea Pig | 50-80g |
| Rabbit | 100 to 600g |
The number of days in transit also impacts the amount of hydration. Determine the number of days the animal will be in transit, then add one (1) day in the event of unexpected delay. For example, a three (3) day shipment will require at least four (4) days of hydration. Multiplying the daily water consumption by the duration of travel plus one extra day provides the amount of hydration required for one animal. Hydration for more than one animal is calculated by multiplying the hydration requirement for one animal by the number of animals being shipped.