Vials

[Johnny]

My kids have reached the age where they are starting to do science projects. I convinced one of them that we should collect some bugs for his project. The next step is to get vials. In another thread, Juke mentioned a place called the Chem Shop on Redwood Road. Has anyone purchased vials there? Where do you guys get your vials? And what is best for preserving the bugs?

[fishn]

My kids have reached the age where they are starting to do science projects. I convinced one of them that we should collect some bugs for his project. The next step is to get vials. In another thread, Juke mentioned a place called the Chem Shop on Redwood Road. Has anyone purchased vials there? Where do you guys get your vials? And what is best for preserving the bugs?

How many do you need? I may be able to help you. We use vials for work and we throw several away every day. All they have had in them is herb powder from samples we pull for quality testing. If you only need a couple I could get some for you. I get all my vials out of a Chem. lab supply book. We order a couple thousand a month. Drop me a line if you are interested.

[Trav]

Chem shop is located on Redwood Road and approx 1200 south. (north of california ave on the east side of the road).

Trav

[Johnny]

We will probably need quite a few so I think I'll just drop by the chem shop. I am going to try and take them to a few rivers close by to get a lot of bugs for the project. But I sure wish I could do this in the summer.

[JayMorr]

Lonnie mentioned a website that sells them in bulk and cheap. I have been meaning to ask him for the site, or at least link it on the forum. If Lonn doesnt see the post then I will hit him up for the site at lunch this week.


JayMorr

[Teewinot]

CastandBlast and I bought a bunch from the University here. You could probably try any nearby University.

[Lonnie]

I've got the site address saved at work. I'll post it in the AM....

Lonnie

[Juke]

The Chem Shop on Redwood has closed, and moved to Centerville. It is now with their parent company Hi Valley Chemicals(west of I-15). Sorry I do not have access to the exact address, I am currently out of the country.

Also it is a good suggestion above, that University Bookstores often carry Chemistry glassware, or the Chem Dept should also have some kind of shop where glassware can be purchased.

[Lonnie]

http://www.uh.edu/researchstores/glassware_.html

Item #512470 4 Dram Vials. 144/$28.00

For Ordering Info See
http://www.uh.edu/researchstores/public_sales.html

[JayMorr]

Ok, thanks Lonnie! Now who wants to split an order?


JayMorr

[spotter]

http://www.labwarehouse.com/lw/category.cfm?category=51. I cannot vouch for this company's pricing but a little comparison shopping will only take a few minutes. My dad does quite a bit of analytical chemistry and has a box full of plastic vials. They work great for storing fishing flies for swaps but would also work for the actuals insects. I would recommend the plastic type for the kids just to avoid breakage. If you don't find what you need shoot me an e-mail and I will find out where he purchased them from.

spotter

[Lonnie]

Jay,

I'm in. Let's wait and see who want's what. I could most like cover at least half a gross if need be ( I could "get by" with less ;-)....)

Lonnie

[T4D]

Jaymorr,
If you order some, I'd be glad to split some up with you. Just let me know.

T-

[JayMorr]

I am game to split. We could split half the order and have Lonnie pick up the other half. Let me know if you guys want to do that.

I know we are going to do some samples in the spring; but I got the bug (no pun intended) to start a bit early.




JayMorr

[Jason]

I could use about 20 vials.

BTW, Beaker was my favorite muppet character growing up.

[T4D]

Jaymorr.... Let me know what you would like me to send to you//or meet up with you and square up the cost.

Travis

[Johnny]

I am going to need mine before I head down to San Diego on the 14th so I am going to look for a place locally. I will check with a pharmacist buddy of mine and see what he can dig up.

Also, I found this place online:
http://www.thesciencefair.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=bio-ent-via

but it's $60 for 144 4 dram vials.

[JayMorr]

Jason, I can share some of mine.




JayMorr

[FlyMan]

What do you recommend using to preserve the bugs?

Thanks,

FlyMan

[Lonnie]

70% ethanol, if you can find it (most folks buy 95% and dilute it). With the Chem Shop closed it may be tough to find. In a pinch, isoproprol (rubbing) alcohol will work, but it tends to bleach out the colors more than ETOH.

Lonnie

[Strike II]

If you still have some extra to split, I am game for some as well.....Just let me know. Worst case I will just order a lifetime supply....

[T4D]

Lonnie.. did i hear/read correctly on another thread.. about using everclear? does that work.. in terms of what you are saying.. by diluting it to 70%??


all so new at this.. just curious
Travis

[Lonnie]

Travis,

Yes it will work. It's pretty much the same stuff. However, I THINK that in the commercially available stuff has some poisonous additives that renders it un-drinkable. The bad thing about using everclear is it's REALLY expensive relative to the other stuff (You have to pay Utah alcohol taxes...)

On a related note. A professor of mine in grad school was a pigmy rattle snake expert. He spent some time in Washington D.C. at the Smithsonian. While he was their the herpetologists related a story to him. All of the old samples of snakes, lizards, turtles etc are stored in either formalin or alcohol. It's the curators job to keep these jars filled to keep the samples from drying out. Well in their collections, they had to refill alot more than they should have. Thinking they had a bunch of jars with bad seals, they replaced a bunch, to no avail. One night, when one of the scientist was working late he heard the janitor sweeping up. The sweeping stopped and he heard the clanking of the glass jars. He walked around the shelves to investigate and found the old janitor turning up one of the jars and drinking the liquid (complete with swimming snake.) I've never had pickled snake hooch, and I don't want to either. You gotta need a drink pretty bad to do that.....

Lonnie

[JayMorr]

Now that got me laughing Lonnie!!! To funny.


PS. Same place same time tomorrow.


JayMorr

[Juke]

It still exists, but now in the same building as Hi-Valley Chemical. Buying ethanol there is no problem. Check the Bountiful/Centerville phone book.

[Johnny]

I went to the Chem Shop today and got some vials. They were 50 cents each for 1 dram vials so it's definitely more expensive than buying them online. But it was quick and easy and there was some cool stuff out there.

[Lonnie]

Hey Jay,

Did you make that order ? If not let me know and I'll do it.

See Ya,
Lonnie

[Lonnie]

O.K. everyone.

I made the order. $38.00 after S/H. I rounded the price on the vials up to $0.27 each. Still way better than anything I've seen on the net or locally. There are still about 20-30 vials that I could part with if anyone wants a few and aren't already in.

Here's how it breaks down so far,

Lonnie 72 $19.44
JayMorr 25 $6.75
Jason 22 $5.94
Trav 25 $6.75
----------------
total 144 $38.88

Lonnie

[Drake]

Lonnie, I'll take 15 or so (I don't want to take all of them).

Shoot me your address and I'll come by and pick them up.

[Lonnie]

Drake,
Your in. You can pick them up or I'll drop them off (I already know where you live). Anyone else need 10-15 vials?


Lonnie 57 $15.39
JayMorr 25 $6.75
Jason 22 $5.94
Trav 25 $6.75
Drake 15 $4.05
----------------
total 144 $38.88

Lonnie

[Sedge]

I'm interested in some vials. 15 would be great. I work downtown. Email me an address where I could pick them up, if any are available. Thx.

[JayMorr]

Lonnie its not the Trav we are thinking of....Its Travis (T4D)


JayMorr

[Lonnie]

We're done.

I was with ya Jay! I fixed it on this one to keep you happy!

Sedge, Shoot me an e-mail when they come in and I'll see what we can work out....

Now to round up the alcohol. Maybe we should put Junge on this task...:-)

Lonnie 42 $11.34
JayMorr 25 $6.75
Jason 22 $5.94
T4D 25 $6.75
Drake 15 $4.05
Sedge 15 $4.05
----------------
total 144 $38.88

[Drake]

Lonnie, check your email.

[Lonnie]

I got them today. I'll try to get up with everyone and see if I can get them distributed to everyone. Jason and Jaymorr I'll see you guys at lunch next week. Everyone else send me an e-mail, shullln@comcast.net

Lonnie

[JayMorr]

Travis you want me to get yours for you and mail them or would you like to work something out with Lonnie? Let me know man.


JayMorr

[steeliesonafly]

If you guys get some, let me know. I would also like to get some....

[Jason B]

Steelie, I can give you some when i meet up with you. They are clear glass with the screw on top. I have them in 2 1/2 inch vials, 4 inch vials, and i think 6 inch ones. I can just give you some of each.
Jason B

[steeliesonafly]

I do appreciate that. I only have some in the 2" size and putting in those big Salmon Flies in those small glass tubes is a joke. They get messed up! I thank you!

[T4D]

I appreciate that.... (when is your lunch get togethers? and where?) Maybe I can swing up and grab them when you are all together. Otherwise, That would be great Jay... I will make sure to meet up with you over the next few days.

Travis

[Lonnie]

Drake,

Got your message. I'll drop them off tomorrow.

Lonnie

[JayMorr]

Thanks for the hook up today Lonnie. T4D I have your vials. Shoot me a email and we can work out the arrangements.

JayMorr

[Trav]

Lonnie,

Can you check on the vials we talked about today? Let me know if you can get those. If not I would like to pick up some of the others.

Trav

[Lonnie]

Trav,

The University of Houston didn't have any that size/shape. I'll send you and e-mail. Call me if you still have my number....

Lonnie

[Lonnie]

Sedge,

I've got your vials. E-mail or call me to pick the up..

Lonnie

[Sedge]

I'll call you tomorrow (thur) and try to stop by on my way thru draper.