Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well, the weed block material doesn't work!! The larve for the Smaller type of FF can get through! What a mess. Now I'm trying a sponge stuffed into a quarter sized hole, so far, so good-report back later.

I actually tried the sponge/foam stuffed into a hole, and I could never get it to fit right. Larva ALWAYS escaped, and flies with wings somehow got in. Perhaps I am merely too unco-ordinated to use any sort tool, so I have completely thrown away my old system of fly containers. Now, I purchased 72 mason jars which can be cleaned and reused. My new lid system is now doubling up coffee filters, and tightening the ring of the lid around them. I find this works far better for me, the only downfall beng that I have to keep my cultures out of reach of little kitty paws
Good luck.
Double J

Folded paper towel is still the best...
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
D. leucomelas
D. azureus

I agree. Paper towels are the way to go. That is as easy as it gets. I don't know why so many people feel the need to make everything so complicated.

Actually, I've heard many people complain about paper towels being chewed through over time by fruit flies. I've never experienced this first hand, however, since I use coffee filters.
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Randy
Lawrence, Kansas
1.1 Azureus
1.1 Cobalt
1.1 Fantasticus
1.1 Bastimentos Pumilio

Only time I have had a problem is when I used the top part of the lid to the mason jar with holes punched in it. I had 1 culture where the sharp back from the punched out holes made a small hole that allowed the larva to get out. I stoppped using the tops and just use the metal ring and have not had any problems. I'm not FF expert, but I doubt they can chew threw anything.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
D. leucomelas
D. azureus

Well, for some strange reason, I am one of those people for whom the ff will not cooperate! Paper towels would get slightly wet,and the ff would then chew through! Happened on 2 cultures(perhaps the cultures were too wet) The sponge sort of works, but I'm wondering if enough air exchange happens. I'm going to try the coffee filters next. I wish I could make it simple-really I do-but of course-everything is complicated for me.

I tried the weed block the same day you set yours up and got the same results--larvae on top. I just stuffed the whole thing into the deli cups, larvae, weed-block and all and replaced the top with paper towels and will try some coffee filters. These shouldn't tear as readily when they get damp.
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Patty
Lost River, Idaho