Daphnia, also known as water fleas, are tiny live organisms that can be a good source of food for pets.To start a Daphnia culture, you need to care for them correctly.If you follow the right steps, you can raise a healthy culture of Daphnia that can serve as an all-natural food source for your pets.
Step 1: The water should be chlorine-free.
The Daphnia cultures can be housed in a plastic tub or aquarium.The chlorine in the tap water will cause Daphnia to die.If you have an existing aquarium, use the water from it.Distilling water is also possible.It is easier to keep an eye on your Daphnia if you use a glass aquarium.
Step 2: The water should be treated with a de-chlorinator.
You can buy it at a pet shop.Add the correct amount of chemical to the water by reading the instructions on the back of the packaging.The solution should sit in the water for 30 minutes.
Step 3: There is a bubbler line in the tank.
Small bubbles can cause problems in daphnia and mechanical filters can crush them.The water should be relatively calm if you use the lowest air setting.
Step 4: The goal is for the pH to be between 6.5 and 8.5.
If the water's pH level is too high or low, you should boil it.distilled water can be used to reset the pH level.The water is acidic.
Step 5: The water temperature should be between 18-22C.
Daphnia cultures prefer cooler climates so leave them in a cooler place.If you keep the Daphnia cultures outside, make sure they don't go above 22C or it will prevent them from reproducing.
Step 6: Set up more than one culture.
If one culture dies you will have a backup.The Daphnia cultures should be housed in three different tanks.
Step 7: The Daphnia can be purchased at a pet store.
Daphnia will usually be shipped to you within a day or two if you buy them online.When opening the packaging, be careful not to puncture the bags that come in.You can start a culture with around 30 Daphnia per container.The Daphnia will have yellow water.
Step 8: The bag needs to be submerged into the water.
Place the container or bag that the Daphnia arrived in into the water for around 30 minutes so that they can get used to the temperature.
Step 9: The Daphnia should be put into the water.
Carefully pour the Daphnia into the bag or container that you opened.
Step 10: 10% of the water is changed every week.
You should not use regular tap water when changing the water because it contains chlorine.You can either use the old water from the aquarium or dechlorinate the tap water.Remove 20% of the water from the container and replace it with new water.
Step 11: Use green water high in the air.
If Daphnia starts to form in your container or tank, don't remove it because it thrives in green water.The Daphnia can use the water as a food source.If you want to make your own green water, you can leave a bin filled with water and a few grass clippings outside for several days.Green algae filled water can be created by plant fertilization.
Step 12: The Daphnia should be fed one to three pinches of active yeast every day.
You can buy active yeast at a grocery store.The yeast will make the water cloudy.
Step 13: The next day, look at the clarity of the water.
The water should be clear the next day.It is an indication that you are feeding them too much.You should lower the amount of yeast you give to the Daphnia.The Daphnia needs to be fed more if the water clears before the 24 hours are over.The levels of food should be adjusted until they eat all of the yeast.
Step 14: Every day, keep an eye on the health of your Daphnia cultures.
Death can be caused by temperature changes, overfeeding, or overcrowding.Monitor the tank to make sure you are feeding them enough.If you notice that Daphnia are getting crowded, you should harvest them more frequently.
Step 15: The Daphnia can be Harvested after a week and a half.
You can harvest 25% of the Daphnia population if your culture is strong.The baby Daphnia can slip through the large holes in the net, but it's small enough to catch the adults.Before harvesting, look at the Daphnia population.Delay the harvesting if you notice they aren't reproducing as fast as usual.Once the Daphnia culture is stable, it can be Harvested daily or every other day.