emcat Posted February 15, 2015 I am wondering if anyone could give me some advice... I am trying to find microscope slide stains that will work well with mycology. But it seems pretty hard to buy any in Australia. I have found lab supply shops (eg http://www.anpros.com.au/ ) which sell these chemicals... But I don't know whether they are legal or not. Are restricted chemicals listed anywhere? Are there any over the counter substitutes that can be used? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alice Posted February 15, 2015 But I don't know whether they are legal or not What are the chemicals you are considering? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
emcat Posted February 15, 2015 Methyl blue, iodine tincture (I'm pretty certain this isn't legal - but it would be useful). There are kits on amazon but they don't ship to Australia:http://www.amazon.com/Economy-Microscope-Staining-Includes-Stains/dp/B00AVWV99IOthers that have been recomended are Melzer's reagent, Crezyl Blue, Sulphuric acid, KOH. I really don't know that much about it. Most sites that give info on home microscopy for mycology give advice based on chemicals which are easy to obtain in the US or England but not here (eg iodine). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Anodyne Posted February 15, 2015 Iodine tincture should be available from any pharmacist - look for the generic version of Betadine. I doubt you can get Melzer's easily due to the chloral hydrate in it. KOH has many uses & should be fine. Sulphuric acid purchase might be flagged in some situations, but this is very unlikely to be one of them. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zen Peddler Posted February 22, 2015 Ive used Methylene blue and it was ok. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
