Infusoria

[phin]

I have some questions regarding growing infusoria for a ghost shrimp breeder tank I'm planning. I plan on growing infusoria in jars placed in high sunlight areas per various instructions on the web. One thing I cannot find an answer to however, is whether or not to cap the jars of infusoria water/culture or to leave them open to the air. Also, is there an optimal temperature range for growing infusoria or is it ok to keep the jars outside in direct sun in 90+ degree heat?

Thanks.

 

[OrangeCones]

When I lived in Florida, I grew infusoria in 5 gallon tubs outside but in a semi-shaded spot in the yard. Direct sun where the temperatures reached the 90s or 100s, was too hot and slowed down growth a lot, and sometimes crashing the culture. I got best growth outside if the temps outside were less 95.

No need for any lids as the culture needs to breathe, but outside it needs a mosquito cloth to prevent mosquito eggs from being laid in the water, for health reason (as well as being illegal in most areas to keep 'stagnant water' outside on purpose).

I got best growth at water temps from the low 70s to high 80s, basicly the same as a tropical aquarium.

If you are planning on using glass jars, the glass will magnify the temperature, so it may get too hot. Also, evaporation will be very high outside in such small containers. I use glass jars currently (1 quart canning jars), but not outside. I keep them in window sills inside the house.

 

[phin]

Thanks. I've got 2 glass jars, half full with water from my pwc today. I plan on adding an algae wafer and a piece of old lettuce to each jar and see how that goes. I've read multiple recipes, but this seemed simple enough with 2 things I already had. I'll see how it goes.

 

[OrangeCones]

Dried grass clippings work really well to.

 

[phin]

Excellent. I just finished mowing the yard!!