If you were me...

[vince0]

Where would you get a microscope from? I was looking into mosses today, thinking about getting a few more varieties and such. The more I researched, the more I realised that whats already in my tank, may not be properly identified. I found a great article on killies.com which showed pictures of the actual leaves of the moss. My eyes, as young and awesome as they are, cannot pick out the fine details in the leaves of the moss. So, I guess the next logical step, would be to get a microscope! Problem is, I know nothing about those things, I never paid attention much in school, and any knowledge, scientific or otherwise, has been self taught through extensive and tedious research. Any help with this subject will be greatly appreciated! I know we have some science teachers that post on here, so I'm especially looking at you folks for help

[capnbrad]

a microscope might be a little bit to intense for what you are trying to accomplish may i suggest a a 10x jewelers loop it is what most "plant people" use its basically just a magnifying glass but with better optics i found mine at the dollar store for under 2 dollars

[Rabadswompe]

a binocular magnifier will get you the resolution you need plus well lit specimens. We have one here at the labs!

Also... any aestetician's magnifier (on a articulated arm with a circular neon tube) ... My sister had one and gave it to my wife (who is into beads and jewelry making). I currently use it more than her ... I use it to look at my A. striatum fry !!!!! it looks like this one (click 4th smallest pic on the right):
http://montreal.kijiji.ca/c-acheter-et-vendre-sante-besoins-speciaux-Equipement-desthetique-W0QQAdIdZ252583543

look up lab inventory surpluss clearing houses, beauty products.... you 'll get the tool you need. Buying a new binocular magnifier or a monocular microscope could be overkill (and over pricy) unless you want to look at infusoria.

[vince0]

Who knows that cool stuff Ill start looking at once I get the tool! My GF (girlfriend) has a 5 year old daughter who trully enjoys sciency stuff, so it might be a greater learning tool for her as well! Thanks for the help guys, it gives me some options to get started. A magnifying glass may be the first step to get the information I want.

[MDahms]

There are some really cool digital microscopes that you hook up to your computer using a USB port, kinda expensive but you can have access to photos or video right away without buying camera adapters etc that you need for standard microscopes.
I got a nice little jewelers loop with attached LED light for a few dollars on Ebay and that's where I noticed the digital microscopes as well.

Mike

[fishclubgirl]

Excellent, now you can identify my mosses and I even have a "printers" loupe to help you out!!

[vince0]

heres the link i found, it gives difference between x-mas, signapore, weeping, java and a taiwain... check it out, and maybe i can swing by and take a look at what you got...

ps. I started sorting through the last mossball i got off you, there so neat stuff in there ill have to identify

heres the link

http://www.killies.com/Truthaboutmosses.htm (http://www.killies.com/Truthaboutmosses.htm)

[fishclubgirl]

Great, now I know where all my rare mosses disappeared to!!

[vince0]

youll be glad to know, ill be seperating small parts and making attempts at regrowing them, at which point youll be able to get them back lol