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Post by joniverson on Aug 29, 2020 10:46:49 GMT -8
Many of the leps I've collected have already been spread and dried, but not mounted or labeled pinned in a permanent container. Mostly, I've been using cheap plastic containers, similar to Rubbermaid, carefully placing loose specimens within and then adding small quantities of both silica gel and moth balls or similar. However, since the lids don't really fit tightly, humidity usually hovers around 50% (and I do keep the larger containers inside a large multi-gallon zip lock bag). I recently decided to upgrade to this. A lot more expensive than what I have been using, but I thought surely the lids would fit tightly. However, they don't! So I am going to return them. Short of using ammo boxes, what would be recommended for cheap storage that keeps humidity down and the critters away? Thanks! |
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Post by exoticimports on Aug 29, 2020 11:13:07 GMT -8
Where to start?
Specimens without data are worthless. And that’s not just my opinion. The standard valuation (eg donations) minimum is $4 WITH DATA. Minus data the scientific value is about zero, and commercial value drastically reduced.
If your specimens are to be of any value, put the data on them and house them properly.
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Post by joniverson on Aug 29, 2020 11:23:53 GMT -8
With all due respect, you can start by suggesting an appropriate, cheap container. I am aware of the other criteria you've mentioned. I know what all the specimens are, but taking the time to actually mount them in some sort of display container at the moment is not available. Ones I've kept in the freezer over the last two years are still remarkably moveable and preserved once removed, but I am out of space on freezer storage.
I'll go back to the original plastic containers surrounded by ziplock if I have to, but wanted to seek out other options first. The tupperwares in question are scheduled for return this week as they simply won't do, not at the cost they charge.
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Post by Paul K on Aug 29, 2020 15:22:02 GMT -8
I don’t really understand how the specimen is spread but not mounted? 🤔
You must invest in proper entomological drawers.
Plastics boxes are ok, temporary storage.
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Post by exoticimports on Aug 29, 2020 18:44:59 GMT -8
As a child, it was a challenge to beg for Riker mounts. My specimen volume exceeded the Riker capacity. So I pulled my clothing out of the dresser drawers and threw them in the closet, and used the dresser drawers to pin my specimens.
It was simply a matter of finances.
Later, I realized that specimens require, nay, deserve, proper storage. So many of my specimens stayed papered. In fact, many still are.
There is no way around it. Rubber totes, cardboard boxes, etc are inadequate. One must invest in appropriate storage. Otherwise the collection will turn out like many half-assed collections I’ve seen- some scientifically valuable material rendered to dust.
Don’t be a junk collector. I’ve seen rare BMWs sitting outside barns, and WW1 Browning machine guns on cellar walls because collectors were more driven By collecting than study or preservation. Totally irresponsible.
Bioquip sells Cornell drawer kits you build yourself. Free shipping in August 2020.
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Post by Paul K on Aug 29, 2020 19:24:30 GMT -8
And if you don’t want to bother with DIY kits from Biocrap you can order cheaper and much higher quality drawers from Paradox in Poland.
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Post by yorky on Aug 30, 2020 1:21:12 GMT -8
I don't understand how a specimen can be spread and dried but not mounted, could you explain further?
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Post by joniverson on Aug 30, 2020 6:28:07 GMT -8
My mistake. I fixed the original post to read properly.
No money for drawers or kits at this time.
Unless I get any more suggestions, for now, since the new containers are not air tight, I will continue to using the original ones with slightly larger ziplocs around them and stick with that.
Thanks to all those who replied.
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Post by Adam Cotton on Aug 30, 2020 7:38:24 GMT -8
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Post by joniverson on Aug 30, 2020 12:22:57 GMT -8
Perfect, just what I am looking for! Thanks, Adam. |
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Post by kevinkk on Aug 30, 2020 13:40:47 GMT -8
As a child, it was a challenge to beg for Riker mounts. My specimen volume exceeded the Riker capacity. So I pulled my clothing out of the dresser drawers and threw them in the closet, and used the dresser drawers to pin my specimens. It was simply a matter of finances. Later, I realized that specimens require, nay, deserve, proper storage. So many of my specimens stayed papered. In fact, many still are. There is no way around it. Rubber totes, cardboard boxes, etc are inadequate. One must invest in appropriate storage. Otherwise the collection will turn out like many half-assed collections I’ve seen- some scientifically valuable material rendered to dust. Don’t be a junk collector. I’ve seen rare BMWs sitting outside barns, and WW1 Browning machine guns on cellar walls because collectors were more driven By collecting than study or preservation. Totally irresponsible. Bioquip sells Cornell drawer kits you build yourself. Free shipping in August 2020. Agreed. I like Bioquip, and never had an issue that wasn't solved in my favor. Storage is an issue, recently I invested in 12X18 cases from Bioquip, then there is the problem of storing the storage. Luckily, I'm a tradesperson and built my own cabinets- still each cabinet that houses 8 drawers cost me about 100.00, data is another issue, for too long I just collected and pinned, then realized that the specimens do require data, even if it's just species, date and location. Riker mounts are ok, but often specimens stick to the top glass, and that's difficult to deal with when replacing pest deterrent. You don't need to do everything at once, buying piecemeal is sometimes the only way things are affordable, one of my cabinets still needs another 3 cases... |
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Post by exoticimports on Aug 30, 2020 13:52:14 GMT -8
Somehow I forgot we used to use cigar boxes, everyone had cigar boxes. Keep them in low humidity and pests shouldn’t be a problem. I assume cigar boxes are still free from retailers.
Chuck
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leptraps
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Post by leptraps on Aug 30, 2020 14:40:22 GMT -8
I have numerous temporary storage containers, probably a 100 plus. King Edwards cigar boxes (40+) and 12"X 14" (35+) FSCA type from Tarelton Box Co.
I also have 12"X15" Black Storage Board boxes with white interiors with white foam bottoms.(BioQuip??)
Way back in the 1980's, I acquired several dozen 14"X 16" storage boxes made of light masonite planneling that are held together with fibreglass tape.
I also have numerous odds and ends of storage containers for pinned specimens.
I have been a avocational Lepidopterists for over 60+ years. As a result, I accumulated a large collection temporary storage boxes.
I also make my own Cornell Drawers via Leptraps.
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Post by kevinkk on Aug 31, 2020 8:38:33 GMT -8
Somehow I forgot we used to use cigar boxes, everyone had cigar boxes. Keep them in low humidity and pests shouldn’t be a problem. I assume cigar boxes are still free from retailers. Chuck Dad smoked Kools, so we didn't have cigar boxes, and at least at the Qwiky marts in my town, cigar boxes are not free at all, some are actually kind of pricey, a sign of the time, once people find out someone is wiling to pay for something. I was given some homemade cases when was a teenager, after I was in a newspaper article, a nice gesture, but the cases were not anywhere close to pest proof. |
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Post by tv on Sept 18, 2020 8:29:23 GMT -8
If you're just going to keep them unpinned, then the airtight suggestions from Adam are great. As an alternative, I've had some success keeping pinned specimens in gift boxes like this
They're not air tight but the lids do fit tightly. Knowing that, I keep them stored in a storage tote like this that has rubber seals. With a little desiccant, these pretty effectively keep the humidity low and keep any mothball smell down
You can get a lot of specimens stored safely in this way for a relatively low cost, and it makes moving them much easier.
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