A quick and easy water collection unit is an empty, dry plastic water bottle. Screw the cap on loosely to allow oxygen to enter. The cap may be tightened for a few hours while traveling.
A handful of grass, pulled roots and all, collected away from animal feces is a good culture starting medium. Results within hours.
Hay is another. Don't overcrowd the container. Results can be observed within hours.
A tablespoon of soil is a quick starter. You'll find invertebrates and tiny amoebas within hours after adding distilled or spring water. Soil is comprised of lots of organic matter and dirt (sand and grit). See Tips and Tricks on removing grit from the culture.
Moss is another good starter. invertebrates such as tardigrades (water bears, moss piglets), nematodes and rotifers will be evident within hours of soaking with spring water. Just a few pieces of moss will do. Results within hours.
Non-polluted freshwater ponds and lakes provide instant population. Make sure to get a little nutrient-rich bottom muck with the water along with a little aquatic vegetation.
Bird baths are a great source for rotifers, nematodes and other microbes and invertebrates.
Shallow rain water drainage ditches with standing water are a great source for Euglena and other flagellates. Make sure to get a little bottom muck when collecting.
Each sample you collect should go into a separate culture container
