Foods & Feeding;
Daphnia are filter feeders and sift the water they live in for amongst other things,
bacteria, algae and various particles of debris.
Feeding Daphnia has always been open for debate as many Aquarists offer their own
tried and trusted concoctions to satisfy their dietary requirements. I have probably
stumbled on a so called elixir of algae (which I culture at home) to feed my colonies
on. This method works for me so I see no reason to change. Other folks may have
their own potions and possibly gain equal or better results for those methods I cannot comment upon as I can only present my findings from my own practical experiences.
I managed to acquire a starter culture of a strain of algae from a local biologist. As
yet I do not have a clue as to the species of algae in question. (Possibly Chlorella
Vulgaris)
Basic set-up for culturing this "Green Water" involves (i) having a bright light
source close at hand, (ii) the ability to provide turbulence within the culture vessel
via aeration, (iii) a reliable food source upon which the algae can assimilate (iv) the
culture vessel/s themselves.
Above image and next page show a cross section of my "Live Food" larder, visible
is the "Green Water" algae production