Media

[russ]

Thanks for the tips.

 

[russ]

Just on a funny note. I started a couple of new colonies the other day and I didn't bother using a measuring device for the yeast and sugar. I'm sure the yeast was about right, but I'm also sure that I put more sugar in than required, but I thought nothing of it. I added the starter flies after 24 hours and they were all dead within 12 hours. When I opened the containers for a closer look it smelled like a screwdriver (vodka/orange juice). So now I know either to follow the recipe exactly or add ice!!

 

[ian]

for the media mentioned at first post, do I have to boil the mix?

 

[edward]

Hi Russ,
This is what can happen when the yeast gets really going. CO2 is heavier than air and there is usually a very slow rate of exchange with air outside of the container due to the lid resulting in suffocated flies. I have heard of people placing large cultures in small fairly airtight cages as a supplemental food source and gassing the animals living in the cage via the amount of CO2 produced.

Ian,
no you do not have to nuke the culture but if you do then you get less contaminents growing.

Ed