Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

[ChrisM]

Hi all,

Am after 'flightless' fruit flies, and dwarf tropical woodlice to start some cultures.

1- Can anyone tell me wheres a good supplier- I have bought both, and not very productive yet (followed suppliers instructions).

2- Can anyone tell me / show pics of there cultures, so I can copy!!!

Thanks in advance.

Chris

[MJ]

2 ripe banana's
1/2 pint of welchs grape juice
5 floz of cheap white vinager
1 packet of cake makers gelatine
potatoe flakes
yeast

1) Smash up banana in a medium suacepan add the grape juice and vinager bring to the boil

2) add the gelation and reduce to a simmer for a couple of minutes stirring

turn off the heat and add potatoe flake until you get a thick wall paper paste consistancy and then add 1 packet of yeast

pour the mixture into your culturing cups ( I use large 32 ounce deli cups I buy from the states) to a leval of 2 inches

put these into a fridge for the gelatin to set maybe 3 hour or over night works.

Once its set bring out the culture allow to come up to room temprature and then add scrunched up kitchen towel or rafia add around 50 flies and cover with a paper towel and elastic band and keep some where warm.

I will get a picture tonight of the maggot load I have gotten using ths method as this is the first time I have tried it but I can barly see inside the cup due to all the maggots!

For flies it all depends on what your feeding... I prefer the smaller flies (D. melanogaster) over the larger hydei since the frogs seem to prefer these.
_________________
Paul

For all your Tropical plant and Naturalistic Vivarium needs please enjoy Urban Bromeliad

[ChrisM]

WOW. MJ- thansk, sounds so easy!

Where do you suggest buying the origional culture from?

Will be feeding Leucs- haven't got any yet, letting the tank, and cultures grow first!!

[MJ]

ummm people have had mixed results with most suppliers...
I really cant remember who I last purchased flies from though
Not sure if Rick does the small fly or just the big black ones.
_________________
Paul

For all your Tropical plant and Naturalistic Vivarium needs please enjoy Urban Bromeliad