The tower filming system is a combination of a camera and a controlled environment in which large numbers of small animals, such as zebrafish larvae or Drosophila , can be reliably tracked. Up to 96 animals can be tracked simultaneously, each in their own well of a well plate. The system allows for perfect tracking in both light and dark settings.

• Provides a robust and reliable view of large numbers of small animals.
• Fixed position of the well plate: no additional set-up time when a new batch of animals is introduced.
• Stable camera mount prevents the image to move.
• Fulfills the requirements for reliable tracking in both light and dark settings.
• Prevents shadowing on the sides of the wells that are off-centre.

Features
The tower filming system consists of a light box with infrared (IR) light and visible light sources, a holder for different sized well plates (6, 12 , 24, 48, and 96 wells), and a rigid stand with a lownoise IR-sensitive camera positioned above the holder.

The dedicated light box with diffuser provides constant IR illumination, while visible light can be provided when required (for instance as part of the circadian rhythm).
The rigid stand contains a blackout bellows that can be pulled down to eliminate light from external sources.

These components together fulfill the requirements for reliable tracking in the dark. The rigid stand ensures that both the camera and well plate are always in the exact same position, even if the system is mounted on a floor that distorts as people move around it.