Thank you Donna, for your correction -- that Infusoria (singular -- Infusorium) is not a virus -- but instead, a mixture of a number of kinds of microscopic ANIMALS (sometimes called, "Animaculae" and/or "Zooplankton"). I was just about to write a similar correction, which was obviously needed, but then I saw yours.
John, Your concession to Donna in this regard is duly noted, however when redefining a subject with which you previously referred to erroneously, I would suggest you do more than one Google Search in getting your definition. I've seen this exact same definition posted word for word as the opening statementin at least half a dozen (or more) Search results, including:
< www.ehow.com/how_4619007_culture-infusoria.html > and
< en.wikipedia.org/wiki/infusoria >.
This comes as no surprise, as many "self authoritative" sites copy from one another, regardless of the accuracy (or inaccuracy) of the information. Wikipedia is notoriously incorrect on many occasions as they accept input from anyone caring to submit it, without question. For this reason, one should never just assume that information posted on the internet is always correct.
In this case. while "unicellular algae" are included in all the similar Google Search sites posting the same statements as a description for "Infusoria." please know that Infusoria do not comprise unicellular algae as part of it -- even though this algae often accompanies it, especially when the cultures are exposed to sunlight for some periods. Unicellular algae are microscopic PLANTS and thus are not animals (Infusoria). All of the other component microscopic animaculae types you mentioned as part of Infusoria are quite correct, to which can be added Paramecia.
I've even noticed some sites stating that Rotifers are a part of Infusoria. These more highly advanced animals cannot be considered as being part of Infusoria -- even though they too may on occasion accompany an Infusoria culture -- but they are not unicellular organisms. The suspended unicellular algae that may accompany Infusoria at times are can also be a beneficial food source for those fry which would feed on it.
Also, as there is a vast difference in size between the infusoria and the mosquito larvae you mention, I must assume that you mean for the mosquito larvae as being a food for the adult Cory's since these insect larvae are quite some size larger than Cory fry until they're at least several weeks old.
While I won't dispute your methods of culturing infusoria, and your apparent results with it in feeding your Cory fry, quite often the cloud appearance you see in the jars is nothing but bacteria -- until the water clears after several days and you start to see a cloud of individual "dust-size" organisms. Raw foods (animal or plant) that you indicate you're using most often results in little but bacteria cultures until the foods are first broken down, although they can also result in nothing but a rotting (and stinking) mess of nothing but bacteria. One of the best foods to be used for infusoria is snail droppings, which will not foul the water. While quart jars are usually adequate, just as larger aquariums are more stable for fish maintenance, so are large (gallon) jars for culturing infusoria. Crushed and broken plant trimmings or crushed ROMAINE lettuce, along with a batch of snails in a jar is an ideal set-up for infusoria. Liquid fry food (in a tube), such as "Liquifry" is also good as a food for infusoria, as is yeast.
It should never be refrigerated as long as you want it growing and multiplying, but can be stored this way for short periods in between fish spawnings, although it's probably more productive just to start new cultures from the old, as you see it dwindling. This should be done anyway to ensure the continuation of a culture. Ray
--- In tropicalfishclub@yahoogroups.com, John <jbuf@...> wrote:
>
> Donna
>
> You are absolutely correct, Infusoria is a collective term for minute aquatic creatures like ciliates, euglenoids, protozoa, and unicellular algae that exist in freshwater ponds. I wrote that response while riding the bus and i didn't proof read it, Thanks for correcting me.
>
>
> John
>
No comments:
Post a Comment