The Multiplate Sampler is designed for samplng macroinvertebrates from standing waters such as ponds, pools and wetlands.
Slide the cork to the approximate depth, to aid later locating of the sampler. Then
place it in the water for 3 or 4 weeks to allow microorganisms to colonise and condition the hardboard plates. By that time macroinvertebrates are likely to have moved in to this multli-level artificial habitat.
Carefully lifting the sampler into a bucket or tray of water allows for rinsing or disassembly and collection of waterbugs.
Sampler is supplied with 2.4m of jute or sisal cord and a cork float to assist in locating the sampler.
These plant derived cords should be replaced after several uses. Synthetic cord is not recommended as a replacement, posing too much risk to wildlife.
Not recommended for known platypus habitat.
Once placed in a wash tray or bucket the sampler should be disassembled, ensuring the wing-nut is collected and stored for later assembly. The hardboard spacers and plates should be carefully rinsed and gently brushed to dislodge any waterbugs. The procedure for picking and sorting waterbugs is then the same as it would be after collecting contents from a waterbug sampling net.
The sampler is hand built by myself, using either stainless or zinc-plated eyebolts. The eight plates and seven spacers are cut from FSC approved, eucalyptus fibre, chemical free hardboard.
No special tools are required for assembly but the wing-nut should be done up firmly by hand but not overtightened as the plates will swell once saturated, making disassembly more difficult. Each plate and spacer has been cut to standard dimensions that provides the sampler with a combined surface area of 1000cm2. This provides the opportunity to compare between sites or sampling events if deployment periods are also standardised.
Check out the videos of deployment and retrieval.
