How to build a VIRTUE rack
The rack is built by placing a pair of CD-shaped plastic discs back-to-back (composed of 3 mm PET-G or acrylic plastic) with fixed distances of 10 cm between each pair. We recommend using 5 sets of discs per rack. When the discs are retrieved out of the water, it is easy to examine the upper and lower sides because it consists of two separate discs. You can also use acrylic plastic instead of PET-G, but acrylic is not as durable as PET-G.
The discs and pipes can and shall be cleaned and re-used!
Cleaning instructions (pdf)
Supplies for 4 VIRTUE racks:
-
4 x 10 transparent plastic discs (with a center hole)
Note: If you want to examine microplastics, use metal parts! - 1 Electrical installation pipe with outer diameter of 10-12 mm (length is usually 300 cm if you buy in electrical stores)
- 1 Electrical installation pipe with outer diameter of about 16 mm (length is usually 300 cm if you buy in electrical stores)
- 8 pcs of cable tie (available in hardware stores)
- 1 white, plastic sign (cut from a plastic sheet)
- Rope (syntetic 4-5 mm, enough length for the specific place) and weights (could be almost anything).
The material used:
The VIRTUE rack parts can be bought in most hardware stores, except the thicker discs, which can be manufactured by most plastic manufacturers. The signs can be made of white, plastic sheets. Use a soft lead pencil for writing.
The plastic discs should have a diameter of 120 mm*, preferably 3 mm thick made of plastic (PETG or acrylic) with a 12 mm centre hole. Plastic Petri dishes can also be used, but are more fragile.
*if you use discs of other material than plastic or other diameter, note this in your Report.
In the US, it´s common to use discs with a diameter of 100 mm
The pipes are made from “Vinyl tubes” (for electric wiring). There are also PVC free alternatives.
How to mount a VIRTUE rack:
A simple mounting instruction is included in "What is growing on the disc?" (download as pdf).
A plastic sign should be fastened on each rack. Use any white, durable plastic sheet, cut into square signs and drill a hole for the rope. The sign must be fastened well above the water surface.
Enter contact information, date, location and "ID number" for the rack.
Use a pencil (preferably hardness 2B or 3B) - pencils adhere best on plastic surfaces and the text is easy to remove.
If the surface is shiny, sand the surface with fine sandpaper - that makes the writing stay intact better.
The QR code above is linked to www.virtue.gmbl.se (English version)
You can easily create your own QR code.