Make Infusoria
Infusoria are a bloom of microorganisms that are popular for feeding young fish. It it is cheap and prolific to make.This is the best food for new betta fry and other egg layers.
Steps
- The Culture Container. Fill your bottles halfway with tap water treated with a water conditioner that removes chlorine. You must use treated tap water as regular tap water kills infusoria. You may also use water sucked out of a planted tank.
- The Culture Medium. Place one lettuce leaf in each bottle.
- Infusoria Food. Place one algae wafer in each bottle, you can also try some liquid fry food.
- Waiting, waiting, and waiting. Let both cultures sit under bright light for a week or more.
- Bacteria vs Infusoria. When the water is cloudy you have bacteria but wait a little longer.
- Finding Infusoria. When one culture starts clearing up or turns pink you will have infusoria. The reason it clears up is because infusoria eats bacteria.
- Clone Your Best Culture. Pour your good culture into the other culture.
- Feeding your fry. Feed your fry a few drops at a time so the tank stays clean. Don't overfeed, it will make the water green.
Tips
- Siphon water from live plants as they will contain infusoria.
- Wash the lettuce well to remove any lingering pesticides, or use organic lettuce instead.
- Liquid fry food will jump start your cultures.
Warnings
- Don't feed until the water clears as it could kill your fry.
Things You'll Need
- Rotting lettuce
- 2 bottles
- Algae Wafers
- Bright light
