Leaf Pax
Leaf Pax
The Leaf Pax box is a vented cavity for holding a pack of medium and large leaves. It can be used for samplng aquatic macroinvertebrates, investigating stream metabolic rates or for comparing the decomposition rate of different leaf types immersed in a waterbody.
For waterbug sampling, open the box, fill with native leaves, close and place it in the water for 2 to 4 weeks to allow microorganisms to colonise and condition the leaves. Macroinvertebrates will move in to feed on both the microorganisms and the leaves themselves. Made of chemical free eucalyptus hardwood and hardboard.
Retrieval requires carefully lifting the Leaf Pax into a bucket or tray of water, opening and rinsing.
Leaf Pax is supplied with 2.4m of jute or sisal cord and a cork float to assist in locating the box.
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 Leaf Pax lid requires removal. It should be disassembled, ensuring the wing-nuts are collected and stored for later assembly. The hardboard lid and washers should be carefully rinsed and gently brushed to dislodge any waterbugs, then all leaves are removed from the box and placed in the tray or bucket with the rinse water. The procedure for picking and sorting waterbugs is then the same as it would be after collecting contents from a waterbug sampling net.
Leaf Pax is built using zinc-plated bolts and wing nuts retaining the hardboard lids. No special tools are required for assembly but the wing-nut should be done up firmly by hand.