Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I liked the different recipes on http://www.doylesdartden.com/fruitfly.html so I decided to make slight adjustments to one to make it a little more cost effective.

Here is a quote from The Power Mix recipe by Chris Miller.
"1/3 cup Brewers Yeast (the key ingredient)". So how important is it? I couldn't find any at Albertsons or Ralfhs, so I guess I will try Trader Joes.

This one recipe caught my attention because it was noted that there was an increase in production. I changed a few items to suit what I had around the house. I ended up using mash potato flakes, 2 bananas, powdered sugar, kaytee baby bird formula (had extra lying around and thought it couldn't hurt), baker's active yeast (I wonder if I used too much), methyl paraben, and some water. Sounds ok?

The picture below is an example of what it looks like now. It is still cooling down. I will use a coffee filter with rubber band on top. I am getting my fruit flies tomarrow and hoped to use it. I still need to buy some screen or something for them to create more surface area.

To increase your cultures' surface area, I (and many others) would suggest excelsior. It's extremely affordable, easy to find, and serves it's purpose perfectly. You can find it at Wal-mart, Hobby Lobby, and any other hobby store for that matter.
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Randy
Lawrence, Kansas
1.1 Azureus
1.1 Cobalt
1.1 Fantasticus
2.2 Bastimentos Pumilio
2.5 Bri Bri Pumilio
0.0.3 Mysteriosus

Wow, thanks. I was wondering where to get that stuff instead of ordering it online. I will definately go driving to Walmart to check. If they don't have it I am guessing Michael's (craft store) might have it. Thanks for the suggestion.

I use this also. The Larva will Cocoon on them as well. I think this is why I have had such a boom in FF's since I started using the stuff. I get mine from Hobby Lobby.
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Thanks and Gig Em,
Cliff
0.2.1 Sipiwlini Tinc's

I just use crumpled up paper towels to increase the surface area and keeps the flies from getting too wet. Just press into media with a long spoon. Has worked for me for years.

WM

FWIW, I use the medium suggested by Derek Petrie via the BDG at:
http://www.thebdg.org/library/feeding/fruity_fruitflies.htm
Works well for me. I make up a batch freeze - several months supply. I use folded paper towel to increase the surface area. This is important and definitely increases the long term yield of the culture.
Mike.
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Mike Edwardes Tropicals
http://mike-edwardes.members.beeb.net

Here is what I use:
It is also from www.doylesdartden.com, but I use vinegar instead of the Mthyl Paraben.

Original:
1 cup of powdered sugar
4 teaspoons Mthyl paraben (mold inhibitor)
8 cups potato flakes
1/2 -1 cup brewers yeast

Mine:
1 cup of powdered sugar
8 cups potato flakes
1/2 -1 cup brewers yeast

I then use equal amount of dry medium to 1:1 mixture of water and distilled vinegar. This has worked out great for me, and I have more flies than I know what to do with. It is dry in my house so I use 1/3 cup medium to 1/2 cup water:vinegar. I use quart mason jars for my cultures.

Hope this helps,
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
0.0.2 D. azureus
0.0.3 D. imitators

I plan on playing copy cat with kyles media set up to see how it works. I just need to go to GNC and get some bakers yeast and get started!

BTW, my cultures came with exelcior (sp?) in it. I wasnt planning on using it but after seeing how the flies crawl around it would increase their numbers. Is there any easy way to get the flies out of that culture to get in another cup to cover with supplements?

aj
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Click Here to see my vivarium and steps on how to make a basic vivarium UPDATED 7.18.03 Now complete! All that is needed are some New River Tincs!

kungfu28181: My god. You are insane. -Mon Jun 30 21:41:05

np
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Nate
1.1 alanis tincs
0.0.2 Azureus (soon)
0.0.2 imitators very very soon