Daphnia culture

[tqy]

Hi guys! After getting into fish keeping, I've finally decided to culture daphnia for my own live food. I've done a little research on how to keep these but still have a few burning questions that needs answering.

Firstly, would I be able to sustain my culture only on yeast?

Secondly, would instant yeast work or would I need active yeast , if so how much yeast to make the suspension? ( some sources say enough to make the water cloudy but we all have different definitions of 'cloudy' )

Thirdly, how often do I change the water and more importantly how do I change the water without losing the daphnia?

Fourthly, sources say that fine bubbles will lodge in the daphnia's carapace but how fine is fine? ( I'm currently using airstones will that be okay? )

Finally, any other tips?

Thanks in advance! You guys are awesome!


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[Gillie]

Yes you can sustain them on active yeast, but I feel that it is lacking in nutrients so I feed spirulina powder. The best way to change the water is in small amounts with a nylon stocking over the hose. Air stones that produce larger bubbles is ok, but I just leave the air line open ended in the water. Oh and splitting the culture often is a must, they can crash seemingly for no reason.

 

[BillD]

The absolute best food is green water. however, providing it on a regular basis can be difficult. Infusoria is very good and can be cultivated at home. They will also consume a bacteria bloom. This can be created in the tank with the addition of a cooked vegetable such as zucchini. Doesn't matter what you use as long as it makes the water cloudy. I have never actually used yeast so can't speak to it's efficacy.

 

[tqy]

Yes you can sustain them on active yeast, but I feel that it is lacking in nutrients so I feed spirulina powder. The best way to change the water is in small amounts with a nylon stocking over the hose. Air stones that produce larger bubbles is ok, but I just leave the air line open ended in the water. Oh and splitting the culture often is a must, they can crash seemingly for no reason.

Thanks to both of you but would instant yeast work I couldn't find any active yeast at nearby supermarkets.


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[Gillie]

I'm not sure, but whole foods stores sell spirulina powder which can be mixed with aged water in a bottle and poured into the culture and is sometimes cheaper than yeast.