[NHCOLL-L:3953] Re: Vats for storing large specimens in alcohol

[Thomas Labedz]

Moretta,

We too use the stainless steel tanks Andy Bentley described, and it 
should be mentioned that those tanks have positive closure latch system 
for sealing.  In addition to tanks I've begun using open-head 
polyethylene drums for specimens too large for gallon jars.  These are 
available in 8, 15, 30, and 55 gallon sizes.  I've only used the 
8-gallon size as we don't get that many big fish in the continental 
interior.  The 8-gallon barrels are relatively easy to handle even when 
full, and each  costs us about $40.00 US.  There may be some issues 
with the life span of the gaskets on those barrels but they seem to be 
doing okay for me with the oldest having been in use for about 10 
years.  We got our from Consolidated Plastics 
(consolidatedplastics.com, item # 30249L2).  You might consider a 
custom made steel box if you have a seriously long fish that won't go 
into a barrel and is too long for the tanks Andy mentioned.

I suggest contacting a conservator and gasket manufacturer to find out 
what might be a more appropriate material to retrofit your big boxes 
with, and how to install the gasket.  I've seen your big box collection 
and it is impressive.  Good luck with your search.

Thomas E. Labedz, Collections Manager
Division of Zoology and Division of Botany
University of Nebraska State Museum
W-436 Nebraska Hall
Lincoln, NE  68588-0514
402/472-8366    fax 402/472-8949
tlabedz1 at unl.edu    www.museum.unl.edu

On Aug 27, 2008, at 11:43 AM, Frederick, Moretta RBCM:EX wrote:

> We have a significant number of our specimens stored in large plastic 
> vats made by Schoeller Arca Systems (their 'big box' line). 
>
> The lid has a gasket inside the rim that forms a seal with the upper 
> lip of the box.  However, these gaskets become stuck to the box over 
> time, ultimately coming dislodged from the lid and falling into the 
> alcohol.  Obviously, these seals aren't working, so we would like to 
> improve upon our current system, both in terms of the material used 
> for the gasket, and the method used to secure the lid to the box 
> (currently it's just gravity).
>
> My question is threefold:
>         - does anyone else use this product (Schoeller Arca Systems 
> 'Big Box') to store specimens in alcohol?
>         - has anyone experienced this problem with the gasket and what 
> have they done to fix the seal?
>         - what types of containers are other collections using to 
> store fish and inverts too large for a gallon jar?
>
> Thanks
>
> Moretta Frederick
> Collections Manager, Invertebrates, Fish,
> Reptiles, and Amphibians
> Royal British Columbia Museum
> mfrederick at royalbcmuseum.bc.ca
> (250) 387-2932
>
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