Re: [Killietalk] PotatoFlakes/FruitFlies

[Chris <cgraseck at optonline_net>]

I would like to second Lorraine's suggestion to use vinegar in your
fruit fly cultures.  I culture thousands of *D. melanogaster* and *D.
hydei* for my dart frogs, using Carolina's medium mixed with up to three
parts vinegar and 1 part water.  For me, the acidity of the vinegar
helps to prevent bacterial overgrowth of the medium.  Bacteria commonly
form a manila colored slime layer on top of the medium, which
drastically decreases yield.  Frog people often recommend mixing high
quality brewers yeast into the medium for increased yield.  I also add a
pinch of bakers yeast to top of the medium.  The thought being that the
yeast cells out compete the bacteria and are not offensive to the fly
larva. One other recommendation from the frog hobby is to start your new
cultures from vigorous cultures (not old ones) and to begin with at
least 50 flies. In theory the large number of flies help to keep the top
layer of the medium from becoming overrun with bacteria or mold.

Cheers,
Chris

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