Q&A for How to Make Infusoria

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

Can I use any plant instead of lettuce?

Community Answer

Yes, you can use almost any plant leaves that are not poisonous. For example, grass, tree leaves, and cucumber skin.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 10 Helpful 74
Question

What's the other alternative of algae water?

Community Answer

You can buy Copepod cultures at your LFS or online. Almost the same process, but you'll want to maintain your culture with aged aquarium water (after a water change) or rain water. Put the container you chose to use under direct light for 48-72 hours for bacteria and phytoplankton to grow for copepods to eat and you're set. Or, if you have a spacious, well-off tank, your fry can survive off of the ecosystem of the tank. I've left fry in the same tank as they were born, yes a couple were eaten, and they've grown into full adults in a 10 gallon tank.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 27
Question

Can I use cabbage instead of lettuce?

Community Answer

Yes. I have used cabbage because I live in India and lettuce is not available here.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 12 Helpful 54
Question

Can I use flakes instead of wafers?

Community Answer

You can use flakes, but wafers are better.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 26
Question

Can I use spinach instead of lettuce?

Community Answer

Yes. Any leafy greens will work. As long as they are non-poisonous, you should be fine.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 24
Question

What is an algae wafer?

Community Answer

An algae wafer is a kind of fish food that is made with algae and other vegetables and vitamins pressed into a little disc.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 47
Question

In making infusoria, should the bottle filled with lettuce and water be closed, or left open for several weeks?

Community Answer

Use a third of the jar filled with lettuce, then keep the lid open. An open lid helps circulate the oxygen from the air, and if you set the culture inside then stir once/twice a day just to keep it saturated.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 30
Question

Can you use bread instead of algae?

Community Answer

Theoretically, you could - but you would have to crush the bread to near baby-powder consistency.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 6 Helpful 36
Question

Can I use bananas instead of lettuce?

Community Answer

No. Leafy greens or other plant materials such as as leaves or grass will work. You can basically use any non-poisonous plant.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 28
Question

Will my fish die if it gives birth?

Community Answer

No, it shouldn't.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 10 Helpful 28
Question

Should I clean the water if it turns green?

Lissa Kelly

Community Answer

If your water turns green, your batch went bad, and the bacteria overtook the infusoria. Start with a new culture.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 7
Question

Is it risky to give infosuria to betta fry?

Community Answer

No, it shouldn't be risky. Feeding the betta fry infusoria for the first two weeks should be fine.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 4
Question

Which food is best for the betta fry, the infusoria or microworms?

Community Answer

Microworms, as they are more nutritious, and also larger so they are easier for the fry to catch and eat.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
Question

I do not have infusoria food. What can I use instead?

Community Answer

You don't have to use infusoria food. I made a culture without the food (just lettuce), and it was successful.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 5
Question

Can I use betta flakes instead of the algae?

Caeiia

Top Answerer

No; those are high in protein and meat instead of vegetable matter. It'll just rot in the water.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
Question

Can I use spirulina pellets instead of algae wafer?

Community Answer

Yes, in fact it speeds up the process and is very beneficial.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Can I use dog food instead of algae wafers?

Community Answer

No. It will cloud the water and release harmful oils which will kill any infusoria and your fry.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
Question

Is there a replacement for algae wafers or for infusoria?

Community Answer

For algae wafers, if your other tanks grow algae, you could put the algae from that tank in your culture. As for infusoria, you could us baby brine shrimp or crushed freeze-dried bloodworms.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 4
Question

Is infusoria already present in a fish tank?

Community Answer

Only if there are no fish or anything to consume the infurosia. It'll grow if there is food available. Often happens in fish food cycles.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Can a betta be fed infusoria?

Community Answer

Yes. Breeders sometimes feed them to the betta fry, which can be helpful.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I use pellets instead of lettuce when making infusoria?

Pragati Kc

Community Answer

Pellets are a commercial diet to be fed. It's better to use green, leafy vegetables, as they are a natural form.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I use spirulina fish food in place of wafers?

Community Answer

Yes, it is perfectly fine for you to replace the wafers with spirulina fish food.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can I use pellets instead of algae wafers?

Dasha Kuzmin

Community Answer

No, pellets might cloud the water, but if you really don't want to use wafers, you can use flakes.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Which is the best food for betta fry -- infusoria or microworms?

Community Answer

If you have both, it'll be great for your fish. But, don't feed it microworms more than three straight days. If you have baby brine shrimp available, that is also good.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Which type of food is used for infusoria?

Community Answer

Infusoria consumes the bacteria that’s being released from the greens that you would need to add in order to make them.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can the lettuce be cultured with tropical flakes?

Community Answer

Yes, you can use any type of fish food to grow infusoria.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
Question

How long will the infusoria culture be alive?

Community Answer

The infusoria colony should survive as long as it is provided food and sufficient space, but overcrowding of the colony is not uncommon since the infusoria grows so quickly.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
Question

Can I use water from a fish pond that has a lot of algae in it to make infusoria? Could I put some algae water in to feed fry?

Community Answer

No! Many organisms live in pond water that will happily kill and eat your fry, given the chance.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Can I use Spirulina Pellets, instead of algae wafers?

Community Answer

Any plant-based fish food should be fine.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Is it okay to use a plastic bottle?

Community Answer

It is recommended that you use small glass jars rather than plastic bottles.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2