I've been using Naphrax for some time now, but compared to Hyrax (which has been long gone - and is still sorely missed), I find that slides made with Naphrax do not have the same high-quality resolution at high mag (especially for taking photomicrographs). I've also tried Zyrax, but liked that less than Naphrax. I would appreciate any suggestions.
I used Naphrax.I think it is enough to make slides of diatom. But if the aim to take photo~ and the cell are very small need to to be photo, I suggest use SEM~
See Crumpton, W.G. and R.G. Wetzel. 1981. Limnol. Oceanogr. 28(5).
Did you tried using Pleurax? Pleurax gives good results and it can be made in your lab.
Pleurax have high refraction index and may be available commercially. Trade name is mountmedia, you can search from here "http://www.e-reagent.com/"
Thanks all, but I have also tried Pleurax, and actually prefer Naphrax over Pleurax. It looks like I will have to continue using Naphrax until someone comes up with a better product -- something along the lines of the quality of Hyrax.
Now. Naphrax is also available in US. Check here http://www.phycotech.com/products.html#Naphrax
I am a also diatomist and quite accostomed to LM photos of diatoms, and I agree with other poeple here who stated that Naphrax and/or Pleurax were enough for good photos of diatoms.
Well, I guess there could be other factors rather than the mounmedia itself. Hyrax, Pleurax and Naphrax are all resins which means you need solvents for actual use ot them, and it is possible that they could have been more or less 'condensed' according to their storage condistions and agaes. Particularly the Hyrax are no more on commercial any more, it would be possible that you may have used old bottle which had been more 'thickened' in time.
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