Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Looking for a source for alcohol resistant collecting tubes

Posted by pjoris on 02-03-2013 09:55
#1

For an alcohol collection I need tubes with preferably the following characteristics:
- plastic
- alcohol resistant (I assume this means polypropylene), with good closing cap (leak proof)
- flat bottom
- size approx. 5 cm high, 1 to 2 cm width
- price: max 0.25 euro/tube, preferably cheaper
Any pointers to sources in Europe which would be able to supply these (to an individual not a company), would be extremely helpful

Thanks,

Joris

Edited by pjoris on 02-03-2013 09:58

Posted by rvanderweele on 02-03-2013 12:13
#2

0,25 cents? I think you can forget it, I am afraid.

Posted by Tony Irwin on 02-03-2013 23:07
#3

I think under 0,25 cents is possible - but you may have to buy in bulk (possibly 1000).
Avoid polystyrene - they will not last.
High-density polyethylene will last longer, but needs to be kept in dark, or they will disintegrate after a while.
Polypropylene may be the best for what you want.
Other materials are better, but probably too expensive.
I'll try to get some more information together, but it would be good to hear from others who have found good plastic tubes! :|
ps. Where are you based?

Edited by Tony Irwin on 02-03-2013 23:08

Posted by pjoris on 02-03-2013 23:20
#4

Tony,

Thanks for looking into this. I was planning in buying in bulk (1000 would be what I would buy initially).

I'm based in Belgium. I did notice polystyrene wasn't any good - that was my previous attempt ... I have looked at catalogues of live sciences material suppliers but am completely out of my depth there, with no idea what I would need (apart from avoiding polystyrene). I did find something possibly suitable in the catalogue of Entomopraxis in Barcelona "Tubo de fondo plano, polipropileno ultraclaro, 15 x 50 mm, volumen 5 ml, graduados a 2,5 y 5 ml. Tapón blanco de polietileno a presión. Precio los 10 tubos" costing 1,20+taxes for 10 pieces. Anybody experiences with these or with other bottles ? I guess I can keep the collection mostly in the dark.

Thanks,

Joris

--- Later note: I ordered the tubes from entomopraxis and received them quickly. They seem OK with regards to cost and size, but I'll see how the hold up to the alcohol. This should be fine as they are made of polypropylene. ---

Edited by pjoris on 13-03-2013 12:57