Macroinvertebrate sampling supplies

I will be sorting and identifying macroinvertebrates for a water quality project we have. I'm having a terrible time finding some of the supplies I need, such as a gridded subsampling pan and CMC-10. One would figure that these would be easy to find from a laboratory supply company, but apparently not. Anyone have any ideas for a source? I've tried Ward's, Carolina Biological, Ben Meadows, and Forestry Suppliers without any luck.

Laura,

Honestly I think most people make their own gridded sampling pan. Good luck. I've purposely avoided that work, and subsequent skill, like the plauge for my entire career. Check Masters Chemical, Elk Grove, IL for CMC-10 mounting solution.

Where ya working?

Edited by ashtonmj, 14 October 2010 - 05:53 PM.

Can't you make the gridded subsampling pan yourself? One that looks like this: http://water.epa.gov...ages/fig420.jpg ?

If you took a glass 9 x 12 baking pan and drew the grin lines on the underside using aquarium sealant, you'd be able to see the lines from above the pan but it wouldn't affect anything. You could also draw the silicone lines on and then sprinkle on some clean sand to make the lines more opaque.

Glass pan like this:
http://www.tias.com/...gpics/9427a.jpg

Silicone:
http://s.petco.com/A...5905650045C.jpg

Edited by EricaWieser, 14 October 2010 - 05:54 PM.

I would suggest Bioquip, but a quick search of their online catalog revealed neither of the things you're looking for. I'll ask around the lab here and see if I can find a source for you.

Does your protocol absolutely demand CMC 10? I don't think it's at all necessary for general-purpose aquatic macro preservation. 10% formalin or 70% alcohol (iso or ethanol) is all we use.

*EDIT* Nevermind, you must be mounting chiros. Have fun with that!

Yeah, I think any kind of gridding is traditionally home-made to match your needs. If you need a smallish driftnet I could arrange to have one custom made for you, but I'd guess you're doing something different.

Thanks for all the advice. Somehow, I have used previously a manufactured gridded pan, but I don't remember where it came from. I suppose that can make my own with an enamel lab pan. Hmmm... does Sharpie come off in ethanol? I'll need to double-check that it doesn't. The gridded pan is for subsampling samples that will be delivered to our lab.

I'll check out Masters Chemical. Yeah, I will be mounting chironomids. Samples will be from a river in Massachusetts; a sub is collecting them and preserving in ethanol before shipping to us.

I actually enjoy macroinvert ID, at least in the small quantities that I've done it. It's not all that different from some of the plant/seedling ID that I do. Lots of looking at little hairs, bumps, flaps, and veins, with occasional cursing at the key.

Thanks again guys. I knew you were the right ones to ask.

Sharpie does not hold up well in ethanol. Pigma Micron pens and Uniballs are alcohol-proof (after a few minutes drying time). Better than either is a nice scratch delivered with an awl or a sturdy knife. You could also use a grid printed on cotton rag or acetate transparency at the bottom of the pan, though you may need to experiment to see how your ink holds up. If there is a printer available set up to print wet specimen labels it no doubt has indelible ink stocked already.

How about Grease Pencil?

If using glass, you should be able to easily mask off and etch with compound. Etching would allow for greatly increased adhesion of paint or other markers.