Where To Buy Aquatic Insect Nets And Dip Nets?

Since the closure of Bioquip back in 2022 there have been voids for specific entomology equipment. One particular piece of equipment has been the Aquatic Insect Net (or Dip Net). Luckily, Ecology Supplies is here to fill that gap with our very own Aquatic Insect Net. So if you are looking to buy aquatic insect nets, you have come to the right place!

What Are Aquatic Insect Nets / Dip Nets / Kick Nets Normally Used For?

Typically this style net is used for the collection of Benthic Macroinvertebrates and water quality sampling. Biological water quality monitoring is the use of biological indicators, in this case small aquatic organisms such as insect larvae, that are sensitive to environmental change, which makes them important indicators of the health of a waterbody. These small animals are sensitive to chemical, physical, and biological changes in their habitat. Many long-term monitoring programs exist across the globe.

What Makes A Good Aquatic Insect Net?

Traditional Aquatic Insect Nets, like those previously offered by BioQuip (7412D), have a solid wooden handle, attached to a steel net ring, with heavy duty canvas net bags connected to the ring with hog rings. A common ring shape was a “D” shape, with the flat edge of the net ring used to scrape the bottoms of water ways, and also easily inserted into a pan or bucket.

When you want to buy aquatic insect nets, you need to think about the materials need to be durable and long lasting as much of the intended collection requires scraping along stream bottoms, sweeping through thick vegetation, and constant contact with fresh water. Stream bottoms sometimes have many rocks, rough surfaces, vegetation roots, and debris, which makes scraping along the bottom of the stream very tough on these nets. Additionally, in order to capture the invertebrates used to monitor water quality, they typically need to be knocked loose, which requires a great deal of agitation and scrapping of the stream bottom, which can also be rough on the net.

Tell Me More About Ecology Supplies New Aquatic Insect Net

The Ecology Supplies Aquatic Insect Net is a sturdy and robust net. Aquatic Insect Nets, or Dip Nets, are a crucial tool when sampling benthic macroinvertebrates which is why we designed this net with durability and stability. We are thrilled to offer this premium piece of equipment for anyone that is looking to buy aquatic insect nets.

Can I Get Aquatic Net Bags Separately?

Yes! We offer two styles of Aquatic Net Bags, Water Quality Sampling and Heavy Duty.

Water Quality Sampling (Rapid Draining) – This net bag’s design includes heavyweight cotton/polyester canvas on the bottom and ring and 500-micron white mesh along the top and sides. This material allows for rapid water draining, faster than the Heavy Duty Aquatic D-Net Bag design. The mesh material also allows the viewer to easily see organisms caught within the net.

Heavy Duty – The fabric of net bags is heavy cotton/canvas, 8 inches deep, featuring a white, 500-micron mesh bottom. There is a 4 inch canvas skirt under the mesh to protect against snags. This bag is best for the roughest terrain and conditions while allowing for easy draining to help transfer specimens smoothly.

Both bag options come with a set of 15 hog rings.

I Have A Net From Another Company, Will Your Net Bags Fit?

You have finally figured out where to buy aquatic insect nets, but now you need to replace some parts. Where do you start? First, you need to realize that there are a few different styles of D-frame Aquatic Insect Nets, and we have net bags to fit whatever you have!

10.5 inch styles: If you have a BioQuip’s Heavy Duty D-Frame Water Quality Net (7442D) and corresponding net bag (7242D) OR WildCo style net, our Rapid Draining Aquatic Net Bag will fit.

8.5 inch styles: If you have BioQuip’s Heavy Duty Aquatic Nets (7412D & 7412DN), the corresponding replacement Bags (7212DD & 7212DN) OR LaMotte style net, our Heavy Duty Bags will fit.

Can I Get Extra Hog Rings?

Yes! We sell hog rings in packs of 15, So if you are looking to buy aquatic insect nets, you can find not only the full net, but the replacement parts.

How do I sample with a D-Net / Dip Net / Kick Net

Once you buy aquatic insect nets, the next step is to use them in the field! Enter a water body (stream or small river) with waders or tall boots. Placing your net so that the flow of a stream is flowing into the net bag. A good sampling location is riffles in a stream, a habitat high with oxygen mixing. Stand in front of the opening of the net, and begin to agitate or twist your feet to begin to dislodge material from the stream bottom and flow into the net. A great resource to start sampling with your Aquatic D-Net can be found here, by University of Wisconsin Extension Program.