Question 1

What is the purpose and benefit of using Mercer of Montana Collector Sieves for aquarium hobbyists?

Accepted Answer

Precision Separation: These sieves come in various mesh sizes, allowing hobbyists to precisely separate different organisms and contaminants from their aquarium water or culture media. Whether it's separating live foods like Rotifers, Copepods, or Artemia, or removing larger unwanted particles, these sieves provide accurate filtration tailored to the hobbyist's needs.

Enhanced Water Quality: By effectively removing debris, uneaten food, and other pollutants, these sieves contribute to maintaining optimal water quality within aquariums. Cleaner water leads to healthier aquatic ecosystems and happier, thriving inhabitants.

Customizable Filtration: With multiple mesh sizes available, aquarium hobbyists can customize their filtration process based on the specific needs of their tank inhabitants. From fine filtration for delicate organisms to coarser filtration for larger particles, these sieves offer versatility in maintaining aquarium health.

Durable Construction: Mercer of Montana Collector Sieves are constructed with PVC framing and laboratory-grade stainless steel mesh, ensuring durability and longevity even in aquatic environments. The 316L rating of the stainless steel mesh provides exceptional corrosion resistance, making them suitable for both freshwater and saltwater setups.

Ease of Use: Designed with the hobbyist in mind, these sieves are stackable, allowing for efficient filtration and saving space. The rough finish on the outside of each sieve and glow-in-the-dark, latex-free silicone bands enhance grip and ease identification, even in low-light conditions.

Question 2

What are Mercer of Montana Collector Sieves?

Accepted Answer

Mercer of Montana Collector Sieves are large, high-quality stackable sieves designed for various filtering applications. They come in 2", 3", 4", & 5" diameters as well as 53 micron, 120 micron, 250 micron, and 850 micron mesh sizes.

Question 3

What sets Mercer of Montana Collector Sieves apart from other options?

Accepted Answer

These sieves were initially developed for personal use to address limitations in other available options. They are known for their ease of use, sturdiness, reusability, and laboratory-grade stainless steel mesh.

Question 4

What materials are Mercer of Montana Collector Sieves made of?

Accepted Answer

Mercer of Montana Collector Sieves are constructed with PVC framing and laboratory-grade stainless steel mesh. The stainless steel mesh has a 316L rating, offering the highest level of corrosion resistance.

Question 5

Are Mercer of Montana Collector Sieves safe for various environments?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the stainless steel mesh used in these sieves is FDA approved safe for food contact and suitable for use in freshwater or saltwater environments.

Question 6

What are the recommended uses for Mercer of Montana Collector Sieves?

Accepted Answer

These sieves are ideal for separating organisms such as Rotifers, Copepods, Amphipods, Daphnia, Ciliates, and Artemia. They are also useful for removing larger unwanted contaminants from culture media and rinsing frozen fish food while thawing.

Question 7

How should Mercer of Montana Collector Sieves be stacked?

Accepted Answer

For optimal separation, stack the sieves with the smallest micron size at the bottom. Stacking additional sieves reduces the number of passes required to achieve the desired separation.

Question 8

What maintenance is required for Mercer of Montana Collector Sieves?

Accepted Answer

To prolong the service life of the sieves, rinse them with distilled or RO/DI water and dry with a soft cloth before first use and after every use. They are not dishwasher or microwave safe.

Question 9

What should I be aware of regarding the appearance and handling of Mercer of Montana Collector Sieves?

Accepted Answer

These sieves are handmade, so slight variations in height and discolorations are expected. A gentle touch is required when washing and rinsing, especially with the smaller mesh sizes, as the screens are delicate and prone to tearing.

Question 10

How can I identify different sizes of Mercer of Montana Collector Sieves, especially in low light conditions?

Accepted Answer

The glow-in-the-dark, latex-free silicone bands on the sieves are colored and debossed to ease identification in low light.

Question 11

Is there a warranty or guarantee for Mercer of Montana Collector Sieves?

Accepted Answer

We stand behind the quality of our sieves. We offer a 30-day replacement or refund policy for any unused sieve. Additionally, if any sieve is not performing properly due to its construction, such as if the screen tears or the unit falls apart during use within 30 days, we will replace or refund it.

If a customer decides they do not like the sieve or requires a different size, unused sieves can be replaced or returned within 30 days. However, the customer will be responsible for return shipping costs.
It's important to note that while our sieves are durable and made with high-quality materials, they are not designed to last a lifetime. Over time, the stainless steel mesh may begin to corrode and your sieve may need to be replaced.

Question 12

What should I do if my sieves do not stack equally or are slightly crooked?

Accepted Answer

Don't worry! Our sieves are handmade, and while we thoroughly test each one for its ability to stack and filter, slight variations may occur. This is especially true because we prioritize sustainability and aim to utilize all materials available.

Question 13

My sieves clog immediately when I use them. What am I doing wrong?

Accepted Answer

You're not doing anything wrong. Sieves are designed to filter ("clog"), and as they do so, physics comes into play. This issue can be resolved by either purchasing a sieve with a larger mesh or pouring more slowly through the filter.

Question 14

I bought the set, but realized I only need 1 or 2 sizes. Can I return the other 2 for a refund?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We understand that needs may vary. Returns for unused sieves from the set can be arranged within 30 days of purchase. However, please note that the customer will be responsible for return shipping costs.

Question 15

What size sieve should I use for thawing brine shrimp?

Accepted Answer

For thawing brine shrimp, it's recommended to use a sieve with a mesh size that allows the shrimp to pass through while retaining any larger particles or debris. Typically, a sieve with a mesh size of around 120 microns would be suitable for this purpose. This size provides enough space for the thawed brine shrimp to pass through easily while capturing any remaining food particles or debris. Therefore, a 120-micron sieve would be ideal for effectively thawing brine shrimp in aquarium hobbyist settings.

Question 16

What are each of your sieve micron sizes’ common uses?

Accepted Answer

53 Micron Sieve:
Filtering Live Foods: A 53 micron sieve can be used to filter live foods such as Rotifers, Copepods, or Daphnia from their culture media. This ensures clean, healthy live food for feeding aquarium inhabitants, promoting their growth and vitality.
Removing Fine Sediment: In tanks with fine substrates like sand, a 53 micron sieve can help remove accumulated sediment and detritus, preventing it from clouding the water or clogging filtration systems.

120 Micron Sieve: 
Straining Water for Aquascaping: Hobbyists can use a 120 micron sieve to strain water when adding new substrate or decorative materials to their aquariums. This removes excess particles and debris, preventing cloudiness and ensuring a clear view of the aquascape.
Screening New Tank Additions: When introducing new fish, plants, or decorations to the aquarium, a 120 micron sieve can be used to screen them for any hitchhiking pests or unwanted organisms, helping prevent the introduction of pests into the tank.

250 Micron Sieve:
Sieving Aquarium Substrate: Hobbyists can use a 250 micron sieve to sieve aquarium substrate during tank setup or maintenance. This helps remove larger particles and debris from the substrate, promoting better plant growth and enhancing the overall aesthetics of the aquarium.
Pre-filtering Water: Before adding water to the aquarium during water changes, hobbyists can use a 250 micron sieve to pre-filter the water. This removes large particles and contaminants from tap water, ensuring only clean, debris-free water is added to the tank.

850 Micron Sieve:
Coarse Filtration for Large Debris: A 850 micron sieve is ideal for coarse filtration tasks where larger debris needs to be removed from aquarium water or substrate materials. It can capture leaves, twigs, and other large particles, preventing them from entering the aquarium and causing water quality issues.
Separating Substrate Grades: In planted aquariums or aquascaping projects, a 850 micron sieve can be used to separate different grades of substrate materials. This allows hobbyists to create layered substrate beds with varying textures and particle sizes, enhancing the visual appeal of the aquariumscape.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions