[Nhcoll-l] Recommendations for large specimen containers in wet collections

Wed Apr 3 09:35:24 EDT 2024

Hi Amy

Here in the US a large number of collections use stainless steel tanks constructed and sold by Delta Designs.  See attached. There are two main sizes of tank but they will also make custom tanks to any dimensions.  The tanks come with an alcohol resistant gasket that forms a very effective seal and prevents evaporation.  The seal does break down over time (many, many years) but replacement material is easy to source and install.  A metal wheeled dolly is sold separately that allows for effective movement of tanks if necessary.  Delta also sells a custom tank rack that will allow stacking of tanks in confined spaces.  The tanks slide out for easy access and removal if necessary.

We have been using these in our collections (in many different iterations and styles) over more than 25 years and have been very happy with them.  With the price of steel ever increasing, these tanks are now fairly expensive but worth it in my view given the great storage environment they provide for large wet specimens.  The pricing attached is from 2015 so not reliable but will give you an idea.  I have no idea how much shipping would cost you but maybe you can find someone in Ireland to make similar.

The only alternative we have used is polycarbonate pails sold by University Products, but have moved away from them as they were found to crack and leak over time and did not seal very well as they did not have a gasket.  University Products has since removed them from their catalog while they re-evaluate their effectiveness with the supplier.

Hope that helps

Andy
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Andy Bentley
Ichthyology Collection Manager
University of Kansas
Biodiversity Institute
Dyche Hall
1345 Jayhawk Boulevard<x-apple-data-detectors://9/>
Lawrence, KS, 66045-7561<x-apple-data-detectors://9/>
USA<x-apple-data-detectors://9/>

Tel: (785) 864-3863<tel:%28785%29%20864-3863>
Fax: (785) 864-5335<tel:%28785%29%20864-5335>
Email: abentley at ku.edu<mailto:abentley at ku.edu>
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http://ichthyology.biodiversity.ku.edu<http://ichthyology.biodiversity.ku.edu/>
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From: Nhcoll-l <nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu> On Behalf Of naturalhistory
Sent: Wednesday, April 3, 2024 7:02 AM
To: nhcoll-l at mailman.yale.edu
Subject: [Nhcoll-l] Recommendations for large specimen containers in wet collections

Dear all,

I'm looking into optimising large specimen storage in the wet collection of my institution.  At present, large specimens are stored in a variety of stainless-steel tanks ranging in volume from 100-650L. About half of the tanks were purchased from and purpose built by an Irish Steel supplier in the mid-1990s. To date, the tanks are holding up well, but their lack of seal means their topping up regime is ongoing and tiring!

Could I ask the collective Natural History group for their recommendations for large specimens' containers or cautionary advice? It would be very helpful if you could share your experience with sealants. For context, I've consulted the books Fluid Preservation: A Comprehensive Reference and Best Practices in the Preservation and Management of Fluid-Preserved Biological Collections. If I've missed something within them feel free to point it out.

Please reply off list to ageraghty at museum.ie<mailto:ageraghty at museum.ie> and tanks in advance for any help,

Dr Amy Geraghty,
Assistant Keeper - Natural History Division,
National Museum of Ireland - Natural History,
Merrion St. Dublin 2, Ireland.
D02 F627
T: + 353-1-6307-310
Ext: 610
www.museum.ie<http://www.museum.ie/>

[Museum Opening Hours]<https://www.museum.ie/en-IE/Museums/Decorative-Arts-History/Exhibitions/we-make-our-own-histories>

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