WETLAND COLLECTION TOOLS: Bottletrap design details
Collection bottles = These bottles are carefully cut so they
will latch together, with out any other
devices needed to hold them together.
Bottle holder = A plastic part which will hold the
bottle in a horizontal or vertical
position. Place the bottle so the
bottom is held securely. If the holder
is placed too far fore-ward it will
collapse the bottle and the funnel will
come loose.
Clamp = A squeeze on the ends of the clamp
will allow you to move it up or
down the stake easily.
Stake = A 1/2 pvc pipe with a tapered end to
help insert into the bottom and one flat
end with hole to accept the locating
flag.
Flag = An attention getter, as the stakes
tend to get visually lost in the tall
grass.
Artificial substrate = 3 inch dia. pipe 5 inches long, for long
term submergence to allow colonization.
Substrate holder = A special made pipe, clamp, tee, and
spring pin to keep the substrate in
place for extended time periods.
Microscope slide holder = A holder with holes drilled to keep two
slides, back to back, so tightly that
there will be little or no growth
between them. Inhabitants on the slides
can be observed as they grew, without
scraping them off another substrate.
Retriever = A PVC pipe, with a fine screen attached
to the bottom, to allow the artificial
substrate to be placed into them, or the
traps to be emptied into them, which
will allow the water to escape and
retain the contents, with the red
plastic cover. This unit will also make
a good transportation device.
It is a good idea to remove the bottles from the holders, and clamps from the stakes, when not in use to retain their spring.
Note to Users of this device:
At the time of writing this letter, I do not know who will receive them, so I wish to mention a few
things which may assist in working with these items.Collection Bottles I find it easiest to put my
hand into the funnel, one finger through the hole. Next put the rim of the main bottle in two of
the slots and cam or pivot the other two slots into place.
Bottle Holder
The bottle holder should be placed more towards the
bottom of the main body of the bottle, the holder
tends to collapse the bottle if too far forward.
If the plastic screws are tightened correctly the
holder will hold the bottle horizontal, or vertical.
Clamp
A gentle squeeze on the ends will allow the clamp to
be easily moved up and down on the stake. Note that
the clamps are slightly different, between the
substrate holder and the others.
Stake
This stake is not quite as ridged as a wood dowel, but
it easier to clean, and is not affected by water like
wood. Note the hole in the flat end to insert the
locating flag. If you feel that the stake needs to be
stiffer, please let me know.
Substrate Holder
This is several pieces, which will hold the substrate
so it can not come off, however I am not satisfied with
the plastic cloths pin, even though it works.
Microscope Slide Holder
Putting my palm on the outside of the holder and two
fingers inside the clamp, on either side of the plastic
nut, allows me the best control to squeeze the holder
to elongate the holder to insert or remove the slides.
NOTE: HAVE CAUTION THIS IS GLASS. I am sending a couple
of the best slides that I know, but I have found a few
slides which break very easy if inserted improperly.
Hold the two slides together ( they can not be put in
one at a time) set one end into the holes, squeeze the
holder and position the other end into the opposite
holes. Do not release the holder until the slides are
lined up with the holes. This holder has not been used
yet but should provide good viewing of whatever attaches to it.
Retriever
Sized to remove the water and carry the contents of the
bottle traps or the entire artificial substrate. Use
the plastic caps, or some critters will leave. Many of
the bottle bodies will just fit inside the plastic
caps and can be used for small terrariums or whatever.
I would appreciate your comments on the use of these items, what would you like changed and
what would you like added.
--Don Wik