CO2 kit for II

[Bosleeu]

I have booked on an II course and are looking into some options regarding the CO2 part of the setup. I am sure we will be advised on the course but in the meantime I am trying to get my head round a few things.

Would be grateful if those with experience have any advice and tips regarding bottles/regulators or any other tips for obtaining these from within the UK.

Many thanks.

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[birdsandbees]

I'm just setting mine up, I've gone for an aqua grow start up kit, it does have an free standing bubble counter and a regulating valve with pressure gauge and I've purchased a separate valve for control of flow rather than just using the one on the bottle for ease.
there's enough gas in it to last ages but they are easy to replace.

I'm only going to be producing on a small scale but I guess it depends on how many you will be doing as to how big you need it.


as an example...

http://www.watersideaquatics.co.uk/...MIse7lnOz62gIVIgbTCh360Q4MEAQYBSABEgLyU_D_BwE

Have you already purchased the rig? which one did you buy?

 

[B+.]

I have booked on an II course and are looking into some options regarding the CO2 part of the setup. I am sure we will be advised on the course but in the meantime I am trying to get my head round a few things.

Would be grateful if those with experience have any advice and tips regarding bottles/regulators or any other tips for obtaining these from within the UK.

Many thanks.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

In addition to a main regulator, you need to step down the rate of flow to about 1 bubble per second. This can be archived with a simple clamp and washing flask, or, you can use the same device I use (https://beekeepingforum.co.uk/album.php?albumid=751&pictureid=3755). I bought mine from Prof Schley, but he is retired now. However, you can buy his equipment from Alexander Wachholz (see price list attached)

I have some II videos on my YouTube channel which may help
IWF C1801 Rearing of Queen Bees (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyzAS5eZ2xA)
IWF C1746 Instrumental Insemination of Queen Bees (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_vcpRnYhHg)
Sue Cobey - Instrumental Insemination of honeybee queens (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZMLo52lUMk & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBFvAnFa5B4)


Prof Dr Peter Schley
Collecting drone sperm (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVjLkUVt-Lg&list=LLIsQ_z2syxMF7feqmNm415w&index=22&t=0s)
Insemination process for queen bees (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vPV_WeQxV8&list=LLIsQ_z2syxMF7feqmNm415w&index=21&t=0s)

 

[Bosleeu]

I'm just setting mine up, I've gone for an aqua grow start up kit, it does have an free standing bubble counter and a regulating valve with pressure gauge and I've purchased a separate valve for control of flow rather than just using the one on the bottle for ease.
there's enough gas in it to last ages but they are easy to replace.

I'm only going to be producing on a small scale but I guess it depends on how many you will be doing as to how big you need it.


as an example...

http://www.watersideaquatics.co.uk/...MIse7lnOz62gIVIgbTCh360Q4MEAQYBSABEgLyU_D_BwE

Have you already purchased the rig? which one did you buy?

I am awaiting a Loc instrument. I am left handed and have been in touch with most manufacturers, there was a possibility of Schley making a few lefties but it seemed to involve a lot of committee meetings. In the end I bought the Loc from Abelo on advice from Sue Cobey. It has a handle that you manoeuvre with your left hand to position the syringe tip and she seemed to think it was a good one.

You?

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[Bosleeu]

In addition to a main regulator, you need to step down the rate of flow to about 1 bubble per second. This can be archived with a simple clamp and washing flask, or, you can use the same device I use (https://beekeepingforum.co.uk/album.php?albumid=751&pictureid=3755). I bought mine from Prof Schley, but he is retired now. However, you can buy his equipment from Alexander Wachholz (see price list attached)

I have some II videos on my YouTube channel which may help
IWF C1801 Rearing of Queen Bees (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyzAS5eZ2xA)
IWF C1746 Instrumental Insemination of Queen Bees (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_vcpRnYhHg)
Sue Cobey - Instrumental Insemination of honeybee queens (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZMLo52lUMk & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBFvAnFa5B4)


Prof Dr Peter Schley
Collecting drone sperm (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVjLkUVt-Lg&list=LLIsQ_z2syxMF7feqmNm415w&index=22&t=0s)
Insemination process for queen bees (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vPV_WeQxV8&list=LLIsQ_z2syxMF7feqmNm415w&index=21&t=0s)

Many thanks B+, very welcome advice. I seem to be on YouTube more than my teenage son these days. A very engaging little project.

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[B+.]

I am awaiting a Loc instrument. I am left handed and have been in touch with most manufacturers, there was a possibility of Schley making a few lefties but it seemed to involve a lot of committee meetings. In the end I bought the Loc from Abelo on advice from Sue Cobey. It has a handle that you manoeuvre with your left hand to position the syringe tip and she seemed to think it was a good one.

You?

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The model 2 schley can be left or right handed

 

[Bosleeu]

The model 2 schley can be left or right handed

Funny you should stay that. My first question to them was whether you could use it left or right handed and the answer was that the instruments were precision engineered and therefore no. They were then going to check with the engineers and possibly, maybe, build a few. I have ordered one now but will get back to Alexander about that. I was thinking of just getting the full Monty from them as well rather than building it all up like I'm doing now.

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Sew

 

[B+.]

I was thinking of just getting the full Monty from them as well rather than building it all up like I'm doing now.

If you can afford it, that would be a better option. You will be sure that everything works correctly then.

I would advise you to think about whether you want a device-mounted syringe or a Harbo-type. Something to consider is that a device-mounted syringe could knock your hand just at the wrong time but a harbo-type takes that risk away. If you add a Gilmont gauge, you can measure the volume of sperm easier.
The type of tips are dependent on which syringe you use: long ones go with the device-mounted syringe, short ones go with the Harbo syringe. Whichever you choose, buy plenty of tips (or learn to make your own) as these are easily broken during cleaning.
Also, think about how you want to open the vaginal cavity. This determines which dorsal hook you need. You can either use one with a sting hole or forceps. The older spoon type aren't worth bothering with now IMHO.

 

[birdsandbees]

I am awaiting a Loc instrument. I am left handed and have been in touch with most manufacturers, there was a possibility of Schley making a few lefties but it seemed to involve a lot of committee meetings. In the end I bought the Loc from Abelo on advice from Sue Cobey. It has a handle that you manoeuvre with your left hand to position the syringe tip and she seemed to think it was a good one.

You?

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I've bought an exact replica of the Schley 1.01 with Harbo Syringe, sting forceps and a two different designs of hook, I was worried it would be a bit ropey but I'm actually really impressed with it, it was half the cost!

I know what you mean about youTube, some great videos and some not so great! Susan Cobey videos are great, not many give advice on Co2 either.

Thanks for the advice also from me B+ I'll be ordering the Co2 regulator you suggest myself

 

[B+.]

I've bought an exact replica of the Schley 1.01 with Harbo Syringe, sting forceps and a two different designs of hook, I was worried it would be a bit ropey but I'm actually really impressed with it, it was half the cost!

I know what you mean about youTube, some great videos and some not so great! Susan Cobey videos are great, not many give advice on Co2 either.

Thanks for the advice also from me B+

I'm very happy to have been able to help. Too many people see II as a barrier. I see it as more of a gateway. There is so much more to learn and do.
I remember John pollard doing II with a bit of old biro stuck to the desk with blue-tac as a queen holder. Aquarium supplies for airline and a pair of binoculars instead of a microscope. That was a long time ago though (http://www.dave-cushman.net/bee/iingridd.html)

 

[Bosleeu]

If you can afford it, that would be a better option. You will be sure that everything works correctly then.

I would advise you to think about whether you want a device-mounted syringe or a Harbo-type. Something to consider is that a device-mounted syringe could knock your hand just at the wrong time but a harbo-type takes that risk away. If you add a Gilmont gauge, you can measure the volume of sperm easier.
The type of tips are dependent on which syringe you use: long ones go with the device-mounted syringe, short ones go with the Harbo syringe. Whichever you choose, buy plenty of tips (or learn to make your own) as these are easily broken during cleaning.
Also, think about how you want to open the vaginal cavity. This determines which dorsal hook you need. You can either use one with a sting hole or forceps. The older spoon type aren't worth bothering with now IMHO.

I am getting the forceps. Mine will be compatible with a Harbo syringe and I intent to buy one - is Schley the best place to get them from? Many thanks for the advice. It's a shame it is so difficult/expensive to get hold of all the gear.

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[B+.]

I am getting the forceps. Mine will be compatible with a Harbo syringe and I intent to buy one - is Schley the best place to get them from? Many thanks for the advice. It's a shame it is so difficult/expensive to get hold of all the gear.

I think that's why John Pollard was so keen to teach the basics. I learned a lot from him. I remember practicing insemination using milk in the syringe and using a piece of sponge instead of a queen. It sounds silly, but, it was effective.
The Harbo syringe that comes with the Schley kit doesn't have a Gilmont micrometer on it. You can buy that direct from Sue Cobey (http://www.honeybeeinsemination.com/equipment2.html).
The forceps work just as well as the sting-hook. It's just a different way of opening the sting chamber. Be sure to grasp the sting close to its base though.
I bought all my kit from Peter Schley so I can't really say if one is better than another. Nor can I say which is necessarily a better deal now. I'm afraid, you'll have to make that decision yourself.

 

[Hivemaker.]

https://www.coleparmer.com/p/gilmont-micrometer-syringe-and-burette-dispenser-accessories/65958

 

[Bosleeu]

Many thanks all!

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[B+.]

https://www.coleparmer.com/p/gilmont-micrometer-syringe-and-burette-dispenser-accessories/65958

I think the only thing missing is a perspex stand which would be easy to make. I'm not sure how much Sue Cobey charges but I'd guess it is quite a bit more than this (https://www.coleparmer.com/i/gilmont-gs-1200-micrometer-syringe-2-0-ml-1-ea/0784400?pubid=SI)

 

[Bosleeu]

I have been on the insemination course this weekend. Happy with my Loc instrument. The insemination part is not too bad, but sement collection can be pretty frustrating for sure. Many thanks for all the advice given.

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[B+.]

looking into some options regarding the CO2 part of the setup. I am sure we will be advised on the course but in the meantime I am trying to get my head round a few things.

Would be grateful if those with experience have any advice and tips regarding bottles/regulators or any other tips for obtaining these from within the UK.

Many thanks.

Things could get difficult https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44606777

 

[Bosleeu]

Things could get difficult https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44606777

Great. I thought there was too much of the stuff.

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[B+.]

All this talk about CO2 being in short supply at the moment has got me thinking.
How do those of you who do II buy your CO2?
I have just picked up a new bottle this morning.
I paid a 10 pound deposit on the bottle, 20 pounds for a 3 year contract and 25 pounds per refill. I am thinking that there has to be a cheaper way?

 

[Beefriendly]

Don't know how large a volume you need but Soda Stream bottles of CO2 can't be far off the mark.