ARES OptiMice II High-Density IVC Rack System
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The OptiMice II represents a breakthrough in individually ventilated cage systems, delivering the industry’s highest animal density at 110 cages per square meter while maintaining backward compatibility with existing OptiMice cages. This state-of-the-art IVC system utilizes convection-assisted, low-velocity, one-pass airflow technology to provide rodents with gentle ventilation that ensures maximum comfort in an ideal, low-stress living and breeding environment—all without motors or blowers that can introduce unwanted noise, vibrations, and odors into animal vivarium facilities.
Designed for research institutions, pharmaceutical laboratories, and academic facilities requiring optimal space utilization, the OptiMice II IVC rack offers exceptional flexibility with options for both water bottle and automated watering configurations. The system’s passive airflow design eliminates mechanical components, reducing maintenance requirements while creating quieter holding rooms that promote better animal welfare and more reliable research outcomes. Each rack accommodates 110 mouse cage assemblies complete with high-flow filters, feeders, cage card holders, and water supply systems, making it an ideal solution for high-density rodent housing programs.
The OptiMice II’s reinforced polymer carousel and stainless steel construction withstand rigorous autoclave and dry-heat sterilization cycles, while the innovative single 4-inch exhaust hose connection simplifies installation and maintains proper ventilation throughout the facility. Special antivibration, low-noise casters ensure smooth transport between rooms without disturbing animals, and the system’s efficient design supports sustainable laboratory operations by requiring no electrical power for individual rack operation—aligning with modern LEED certification goals for research facilities.
Description
OptiMice II IVC System – Key Features & Benefits
- Industry-leading cage density provides 110 cages in just 1 square meter of floor space, maximizing facility capacity and reducing construction costs for expanding research programs
- Passive convection airflow technology eliminates the need for motors or blowers, creating quieter holding rooms free from mechanical noise and vibrations that can stress laboratory animals
- Backward compatibility allows seamless integration with existing OptiMice cage inventories, protecting your investment while upgrading facility capabilities
- Dual watering options support both traditional water bottle systems and automated watering configurations with 316 stainless steel manifolds for streamlined animal care workflows
- No electrical requirements for individual rack operation reduce energy consumption and operating costs while supporting sustainable vivarium automation initiatives
- Single exhaust connection with magnetic quick-disconnect simplifies installation and cage room reconfiguration, requiring only 40-60 CFM per rack for optimal ventilation
- Autoclave and dry-heat compatible construction withstands high-temperature sterilization cycles without component degradation, ensuring long-term durability in demanding research environments
- Antivibration caster system features four swivel casters with 4-inch high-temperature ball bearing wheels and two locking positions for safe, quiet rack transport that minimizes animal disturbance
- Generous cage dimensions provide 75 square inches of floor space and 5-inch height with 13 oz water capacity and 17 oz feeder capacity for optimal animal welfare
- Removable valve options enable simplified maintenance and steam sterilization without special tools, reducing downtime and supporting efficient cage change operations
Technical Specifications – ARES Scientific OptiMice II IVC System
| Model: | OptiMice II |
| Cage Capacity: | 110 cages per rack |
| Cage Floor Space: | 75 in² (485 cm²) |
| Cage Height: | 5 in (13 cm) |
| Water Capacity: | 13 oz (400 mL) |
| Feeder Capacity: | 17 oz (510 mL) |
| Overall Dimensions (Loaded Rack): | 41.03 in W × 41.03 in D × 80.70 in H (1029 mm × 1029 mm × 2050 mm) |
| Overall Dimensions (Auto-Water): | 41.03 in W × 41.03 in D × 81.63 in H (1029 mm × 1029 mm × 2073 mm) |
| Empty Rack Dimensions: | 41.03 in W × 33.68 in D × 80.70 in H (1001 mm × 856 mm × 2050 mm) |
| Loaded Weight (Water Bottle): | 675 lbs (307 kg) |
| Loaded Weight (Auto-Water): | 700 lbs (318 kg) |
| Empty Weight (Water Bottle): | 373 lbs (170 kg) |
| Empty Weight (Auto-Water): | 381 lbs (173 kg) |
| Airflow Requirements: | 60 CFM recommended, 40 CFM (1,275 liters per minute) minimum |
| Exhaust Static Pressure: | 0.10 – 0.15 inches of water |
| Exhaust Connection: | Single 4-inch diameter vent hose with magnetic quick-disconnect |
| Ventilation Type: | Passive convection-assisted, low-velocity, one-pass airflow |
| Power Requirements: | None (no motors or electricity required) |
| Rack Construction: | Stainless steel assembly with reinforced polymer carousel |
| Cage Material Options: | Polysulfone in amber or clear |
| Filter Type: | High-flow Reemay flat filter assemblies with integral face plates |
| Caster Configuration: | 4 swivel casters (4-inch diameter), 2 with locks |
| Caster Type: | Antivibration, high-temperature ball bearing wheels |
| Auto-Water Manifolds: | 11 manifolds (one per platter), 316 stainless steel, 0.5-inch tube diameter |
| Auto-Water Valves: | Avidity and SE Lab Group compatible, 316 stainless steel |
| Sterilization Compatibility: | Autoclave and dry-heat sterilization capable |
| Included Components: | Complete rack assembly, cages, filters, feeders, cage card holders, cards, water bottles/auto-water system |
5 years parts and labor
