Hi, I would appreciate any answers/ideas to the following questions regarding fixing and preservation of marine benthic macrofauna: A) FOR SHORT TERM PRESERVATION FOR ID WORK For our estuarine monitoring program we are currently using 70% iso propyl alcohol to fix our samples - do you think 50% IPA would be strong enough and do you know any differences/advantages of using ethyl alcohol rather than IPA? Also do you consider sea water, distilled water or tap water is best for diluting the alcohol? B) FOR SPECIES LIBRARY As I understand for fixation and long term preservation a 10% Formalin solution buffered with either Calcium Carbonate, Borax (Sodium Borate) or Phosphate buffer is usually used with distilled water or seawater. After a certain time period (a few days?) the sample is washed/rinsed and then transferred to alcohol. 1. Is distilled water or seawater more suitable? 2. Is it best to use a relaxant (such as Epsom Salts, propylene phenoxytol) to minimize fragmentation during fixation? 3. What is a suitable time period to leave the invertebrates in formalin? 4. What is the best buffer - apparently Borax may cause lysis of tissue and clearing of pigments 5. What do you use to "wash' the samples - alcohol/water? 6. When transferring to alcohol is it best to do it gradually, ie, from a low strength (20-50%) to a higher strength (70%) Nathan Singleton, Environmental Officer - Coastal Ecology Environment Waikato, 401 Grey Street PO Box 4010, Hamilton East, Hamilton Telephone: 64-7-856 7184 Direct Line: 64-7-859 0983 extn 8983 or 8619 (lab) Fax: 64-7-856 0551 Email: [log in to unmask] ********************************************************************** This email is not an official statement of Environment Waikato unless otherwise stated. Visit our website http://www.ew.govt.nz ********************************************************************** ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).