I recently got a microscope and am in the process of learning how to use it. I ended up with OMAX 40X-2000X Lab LED Binocular Microscope from Amazon. I hoping it will work well enough for me to learn on To give you my background the last time I used a microscope was in High School biology class 1987. I believe I have the basics figured out I have bought an eyepiece with reticle and calibrated it using a stage micrometer. I’m still fuzzy on best use of light intensity, condenser location and diaphragm opening For now I’m just playing with all 3 till I get what I think is the best image So, with all that said I have a few questions.
1. For staining do I just need phloxine? I’ve also read that Lactophenol Cotton Blue and Safranin are useful. I was just curious what others use.
2. For mounting I guess I’ll be using distilled water or KOH. Do I need anything else for mounting?
3. For testing chemical reactions I have Amonia, KOH (on order), and FeSO4.
4. Is there any way to check for Amyloid, dextnroid or inamloid without melters reagent?
I have more I’m trying to figure out, but these are my main concern right now. I appreciate any advice that anyone is willing to offer. I’ve attached a pic of some spores taken using my phone