Australia's Science Forum

Hi Robb,

Could I join the queue for a copy of your RA? Your input would be most appreciated!

Our school fax number is 9482 2524.

Robbie

A big thank you to you, Marie, for this simple alternative.

I appreciate this website just so much!! It is great!!

Thank you again Adam, and Robb for keeping us on the straight and narrow!

Robyn

Hi Judy, Have a look at HSC Online, i.e. http://hsc.csu.edu.au/biology/core/better_health/9_4_3/943net.html. This suggests using meat extract cubes. You can buy these from a supermarket considerably fresher than the peptone you have. Our peptone is a similar vintage to yours. It predates me and I ha...

We bought the glass cutting tool which Steph referred to from Serrata some years ago. I would recommend it highly. It saves a lot of hazzles.

Robbie

We get our frozen rats from Gore Hill Research Laboratories, Building 44, Carpark 8, Royal North Shore Hospital, Pacific Highway, St Leonards. (North Sydney area) Phone 02.9514.4377. You need to ring them in the morning as they finish early afternoon. I understand the Blood Bank in Sydney closed dow...

Hi Steph

Luminol is listed in Science Supply Aust P/L catalogue - 5 grams $68.60.
Toll Free Phone 1300 857 544.

Regards,

Robbie

Thanks Goran, I will check that it seals properly. The cartridge stays in place for some time and then I will notice that it has moved and is not sitting straight. Unlike yours, our Vaquapura does not use batteries, it is mains powered. We have a second unit which is battery operated but it needs re...

Robb,

Thanks very much. I thought that was the case but I was not sure.

Robbie

Hi Robyn, No, I can't solve your current problem, however, I can suggest a way of not letting this happen again. We had this happening frequently until someone told me to store the thermometers vertically, not horizontally. Since doing this we have not had a single problem. I stand the thermometers ...

Is there an easy way of checking the purity of water? I use a Vaquapura deioniser water purifier which has a meter to check the purity of the water. However, I am getting such weird readings with a new cartridge I am wondering if I have damaged the nickel electrodes while cleaning the unit. I rememb...

Thanks to all for the suggestions. I still use a pressure cooker but we do have a microwave available which I will use next time. I also have left the prepared plates in the frig for many months without any ill effect. After the experiment is over, how long do you leave the plates in the microwave t...

Tracy and Kath, Greetings! I have checked the 2006 Q Stores catalogue and it does not list Methanol at all. As an alternative, try Serrata Pty Ltd, P.O. Box 73 Galston NSW 2158, Phone: (02) 9651 3033, FAX (02) 9651 2031. I rang them just now to check and they have Methanol and would be happy to supp...

John Reed of Broken Bay Communications will come to schools and repair most equipment (except microscopes). His phone number is (02) 9918 2911, mobile 0407 498 520. I am not sure how far he is prepared to travel. We have used his services many times over the years.

Robyn

Hi Rhonda, No, I don't think Westfield would have these particular ones. Domestic water purifiers do not do the same thing as laboratory deonisers. I agree this forum is great. I tried to get something like this going some years ago but could not find anyone with the necessary IT skills. All thanks ...

Hi there Lou, Any chance you could get to the 2006 Science SASS Conference held on 23 and 24 November at St Marys Senior High School (in the western part of Sydney)? I attended the conference in 2001 and 2004 and it was excellent in every way. If the school can finance you it is definitely worthwhil...

We have two Vaquapura Water Purifiers (probably purchased in the 1970s). They work very efficiently and until last year we could purchase the replacement ion exchange cartridges from Q Stores. However, these are no longer stocked. Does anyone know where we can obtain these? We don't want the expense...

Hi Kim, Try Wardrop Laboratory Supplies Pty Ltd. They are at The Gap, Qld. Free Number 1800 240 058. According to their website they have technicians who travel throughout Qld each year servicing and repairing microscopes. Alternatively, contact Robin Parkes of Eyepoint Instruments in Sydney, Phone ...