Fruit Fly Easy Mix

[DonLisk]

I set up my 1st cultures today and there are a lot of flies in the kitchen now :-)
That was the toughest part, getting the flies into the containers,

I did the instant potato, powdered sugar, dash of yeast and vinegar version without the brewers yeast. Couldn't find it locally at any of the markets. I did find the capsule and the versions for dogs but nothing powdered.

Hopefully they take.

[DonLisk]

I set up my 1st cultures today and there are a lot of flies in the kitchen now :-)
That was the toughest part, getting the flies into the containers,

I did the instant potato, powdered sugar, dash of yeast and vinegar version without the brewers yeast. Couldn't find it locally at any of the markets. I did find the capsule and the versions for dogs but nothing powdered.

Hopefully they take.

A little excited here as I have found tonight that my first try at setting up cultures has started to take off. I set up cultures with D. melanogaster that I purchased through Black Jungle. Tonight I saw many maggots climbing all around the bottom of the jars.

Now, how often should I create new cultures to ensure I don't run out?

Also, I used the basic instant potato, powdered sugar, vinegar and active yeast mix this time but was thinking on adding molasses to the next mix...is this advisable or should I try a new mix with bananas for the vitamins?

[clownonfire]

When I first started cultures, I overproduced. The perfect balance in my case for 2 vents and a bumblebee walking toad is 2 cultures each 10 days. I always do 2 cultures each time in case one doesn't take off.

[DonLisk]

Thanks Eric. I did three and it looks like all three are beginning to produce.

[John]

I'm not a fan of the Fruit Fly Company (another name for ED's Fly Meat / ED's Fruit Fly Media). They tout their medium as the best out there but it's simply not the best in my experience. Also, in my one dealing with that company, she (her name is Erin) stiffed me on a refund - said I could get my money back off my next order. Needless to say I didn't order from her again. AVOID.

[DonLisk]

Just wondering.... the cultures I received from Black Jungle were producing for about a week and then almost nothing.... so I started the new cultures ..... not all of a sudden the Black Jungle cultures exploded and there are crazy amounts of flies producing. Common?

[bshmerlie]

Ok the verdict is in. Day 13 they are finally taking off. I made two cultures on February 18th now I have fruit fly producing cultures. It was pretty easy and it was "just add water". So I'll let you know how long they continue to produce. I know you guys have these great recipes...I just honestly don't have time to do that kind of stuff. Anyway this is an easy alternative for a lazy newbie like me. When I first started getting into frogs, dart frogs seemed kind of intimidating because I didn't want to have to worry about cuturing a food source. Then I was worried about escape flys and culture crashes and I just avoided tiny frogs all together. But if this culture maintains for a decent amount of time I think it takes the pain out of dart frogs in my opinion. I know I've only had my two darts for two months but they are extremely easy to care for. You always hear how dart frogs are not for the beginners but I don't really see why not. It all goes back to if you can maintain a consistent enviroment for your specific frogs they will do well. And with the "just add water" food source it puts them into the beginner category for me. Just my opinion guys.