Morris watermaze was devised by Prof Richard Morris (RGM Morris) nearly 30 years ago. It continues to be popular; in fact we think its use is increasing. It is about place-learning and memory.

Rats are natural swimmers. They want to get out of the water, but swimming does not distress them. Two advantages of Morris water maze over others mazes are:

1. The rat wants to get out, so it searches - it does not wait about.

2. In water there are no local cues (e.g. scent trails).

The Morris water maze consists of a round tank (pool) of water. The platform should not be too close to the side, or the rat finds it just by circling around the pool-side. For rats the platform can be 1/4 in below the water. For mice it should be very close to the surface.  

Pool material: SS304 or medical plastic (optional)

Temperature setting scope: 10-80 deg C (better between 22 to 26 deg C)

Heating power: 2000w

Temperature accuracy: 0.1 deg C

Temperature fluctuation: + - 1 deg C

Rat pool size: 150cm (dia), 60cm height

Mouse pool size: 120cm (dia), 40cm height

Rat platform size: 12cm (dia), height between 20-35cm

Mouse platform size: 8cm (dia), height between 20-35cm