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Your Wet Specimen Has Arrived! A Comprehensive Care Guide May 28, 2020 Written By Gordon Simmons Welcome to the world of wet specimens! I've received countless questions about their care, so I've compiled this detailed guide to help you keep your preserved treasures in pristine condition. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, these instructions will ensure your specimens last for years to come. Understanding Your Wet Specimen First, let's clarify what "fixed" means. When a specimen is "fixed," it means that the tissues have been chemically stabilized to prevent decay. This is a crucial step in the preservation process. After fixation, the specimen is then stored in a preserving fluid. Essential Care Instructions: Initial Rinse: Upon arrival, gently rinse any residual contaminants from your specimen with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Proper Housing: Your specimen has been fully fixed and preserved. Now, it needs a suitable home. Place it in an airtight glass jar that allows for slight movement. Glass is strongly recommended. Plastic can degrade over time, and unknown plastics may react negatively with the preserving fluid. Choose a jar with a wide opening, to facilitate easy placement of the specimen. Preserving Fluid: Completely fill the jar with 70% isopropyl alcohol. If your specimen is diaphonized (cleared and stained), use glycerin instead. Maintaining Fluid Levels: Regularly check the fluid level (monthly is a good practice). If evaporation occurs, top off the jar with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Opening the jar too often will increase evaporation, so try to limit the amount of times that the jar is opened. Storage Conditions: Store your wet specimen away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. These conditions can cause the preserving fluid to degrade and the specimen to fade. Safety First: Ventilation: Always handle ethanol and isopropyl alcohol in a well-ventilated area. Protective Gear: Wear gloves when handling the specimen and preserving fluids to protect your skin. Flammability: Keep all preserving fluids away from open flames and heat sources. Safe disposal: When the time comes to dispose of the alcohol, please do not pour it down the drain. Contact your local waste management, for proper hazardous waste disposal. Additional Considerations: Specimen-Specific Needs: While these instructions are generally applicable, some specimens may have unique requirements. Delicate specimens, for example, might benefit from additional support within the jar. Ethical Sourcing: When purchasing wet specimens, it is important to be aware of the ethical sourcing of the animal. Long term care. Wet specimens can last for many years, with proper care. Clarification of Glycerin usage: Glycerin is used after the specimen has been fixed, and then cleared. It is not used on a specimen that has only been fixed. Shipping Information: We can ship glass jars, but due to safety regulations, we cannot ship flammable liquids like ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. You will need to purchase these locally. Open Forum: This is an open forum for discussion. Please feel free to ask any questions or share your experiences with wet specimen care. I hope this expanded guide helps you enjoy your wet specimen for many years.