small food culture (infusoria)
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small food culture (infusoria)
Hello Folks,
I had decided a while back to get into breeding starter barbs, and as I was doing my research, I kept noticing that the articles would generally recommend food cultures that were smaller than microworms and infusoria was mentioned.
I had never tried to put an infursoria culture together in previous years as I didn't really have a window I felt comfortable using for the cultures. As I purchased my own home and have a south facing basement window, I thought I had an ideal setup for culturing small foods.
I grabbed 2 mason jars (no need to put the caps on) and filled them with tank water. I added a broccoli leaf (didn't have lettuce) and an algea wafer. Within 2 days the water was murky, indicating a bacterial bloom and another three days later, the water had cleared up as the infusoria took over.
I unfortunately didn't get a spawn out of my cherry barbs, and I'm unsure how long the cultures will last, but I'm glad regardless that I can see small things swimming around in the jars. Maybe the endlers will get a treat as everything else I have is much larger.
Here is a picture of the cultures

I had decided a while back to get into breeding starter barbs, and as I was doing my research, I kept noticing that the articles would generally recommend food cultures that were smaller than microworms and infusoria was mentioned.
I had never tried to put an infursoria culture together in previous years as I didn't really have a window I felt comfortable using for the cultures. As I purchased my own home and have a south facing basement window, I thought I had an ideal setup for culturing small foods.
I grabbed 2 mason jars (no need to put the caps on) and filled them with tank water. I added a broccoli leaf (didn't have lettuce) and an algea wafer. Within 2 days the water was murky, indicating a bacterial bloom and another three days later, the water had cleared up as the infusoria took over.
I unfortunately didn't get a spawn out of my cherry barbs, and I'm unsure how long the cultures will last, but I'm glad regardless that I can see small things swimming around in the jars. Maybe the endlers will get a treat as everything else I have is much larger.
Here is a picture of the cultures

vince0- Pleco Poster
- Posts : 506
Join date : 2013-09-07
Location : Alberta
Re: small food culture (infusoria)
I think it is about time I also get a basement with a south facing window... It is great that you succeeded! But what about your new sterbai babies?! I bet they would like some infusoria... No killifish fry at the moment?
Biulu- Support
- Posts : 3694
Join date : 2013-09-12
Location : Montreal, Quebec
Re: small food culture (infusoria)
you are totally right, I do have some killifish fry that very well could enjoy the meal. I better go look at how to harvest these critters.
will update!
will update!
vince0- Pleco Poster
- Posts : 506
Join date : 2013-09-07
Location : Alberta
Re: small food culture (infusoria)
good post Vince. I always forget about infusoria when talking about food cultures.
Re: small food culture (infusoria)
Glad to see you had success. Looking forward to hearing how you harvest the infusoria (and who gets to dine on them)
JayB- Angel Fish
- Posts : 475
Join date : 2013-09-09
Location : New Westminster, BC
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