Daphnia Harvesting

[rob]

Hey all,

Started my culture last week and it looks like the population is growing decently. I just had a few questions.

First, how do you harvest them to feed your animals with? I was going to use a coffee filter, but was wondering if there was a better way.

Second, what % should be harvested weekly? I read that you need to harvest constantly to help prevent pulses, but I'm not sure how many to harvest.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[jennifer]

Hi Rob, you need to buy a "brine shrimp net". It's just a regular small fish net, but with fine white fabric instead of mesh. If you can't find one, a piece of nylon hose lining the inside of a kitchen strainer will work. Regarding the second question, if the daphnia start making cysts (little black seed-like things) then you know they are too crowded. I know that's not much help, but it's the best I can do. It's just something you have to get a feel for.