Flow-through Respirometry: The Basics

This chapter describes the basic theory behind the most widely used method for measuring metabolic rates: flow-through or open-system respirometry. The advantages and disadvantages of the technique are summarized and the two major types of flow-through respirometry systems are described. Recommendations are given on choosing an appropriate flow rate to compromise between speed of response and signal amplitude; on the nature and importance of the cage time-constant; on using mathematical techniques for response correction by compensating for first-order wash-out kinetics and avoiding mixing errors; the essential differences between oxygen and carbon dioxide analysis; choosing a data acquisition system; generating and measuring flow rates; removing or mathematically compensating for water vapor; important tools; and checklists for deciding on system configuration for a given investigation.