Rapashy "Superfly" Fruit Fly Media

[cbreon]

I just got another 8lb bag for ~$30 which will last me for about a year. So far so good, no mites, good production, no crashes, no mold. I also tried NE Herp's media as a promo for free, also seemed to be pretty good...

[ChrisK]

A year?!?! How many cultures a week do you make?

[Chuck Lawson]

I've been using Superfly for the past two months, and have been happy with it. Of course, I don't have a lot to compare it to; the only other media I've used has been Josh's.

I notice that earlier in this thread there was some discussion about the mixing ratios; I've been using the instructions that are on the package (and I suppose they may have changed since it was introduced), and using 3tbs to 2/3 cup of boiling water -- is this what everyone else is using, or has anyone found a ratio that works better for them?

[JJuchems]

I have a wholesale account, so I went exclusively Super Fly. I have had issues with the change of season and this summer. My cultures either go soupy or dry out. Part of the issue is I keep them in my basement, however it is the only place I can keep them. I have started to cut Aldi potato flakes in, like I did in high school/college and have found that it stabilizes the mix.

[dtfleming]

I use both Josh's and the superfly, I just bought some more superfly. I'm happy with both.

[JJuchems]

I know other guys who are having my issues, my guess is it is a Midwestern issue. We have gone from 25% to 70+% humidity like a roller coaster.

[cbreon]

A year?!?! How many cultures a week do you make?

Only 4, but that bag lasting a year might be a bit of an exaggeration. I think a bag probably lasts me more like 7-8 month, I have to lie to myself so I doesn't seem like I spend so much money on frog stuff... :lol:

[cbreon]

I've been using Superfly for the past two months, and have been happy with it. Of course, I don't have a lot to compare it to; the only other media I've used has been Josh's.

I notice that earlier in this thread there was some discussion about the mixing ratios; I've been using the instructions that are on the package (and I suppose they may have changed since it was introduced), and using 3tbs to 2/3 cup of boiling water -- is this what everyone else is using, or has anyone found a ratio that works better for them?

1/3 cup media to 1/2 cup hot water...

[cbreon]

I know other guys who are having my issues, my guess is it is a Midwestern issue. We have gone from 25% to 70+% humidity like a roller coaster.

Yeah, my humidity typically ranges from 45%-65%, but my frog room is in a basement and I believe the humidity is a little more stable. The extreme ends of your spectrum will definitely make it more difficult...

[cbreon]

A year?!?! How many cultures a week do you make?

Only 4, but that bag lasting a year might be a bit of an exaggeration. I think a bag probably lasts me more like 7-8 month, I have to lie to myself so I doesn't seem like I spend so much money on frog stuff... :lol:

Last night I had to make some cultures so I checked the bag, it says it makes approx. 80 cultures, assuming 4 cultures a week I use one of these bags every 20 weeks. But, like most I do not make cultures every 7 days, sometimes its 10 days and sometimes its 6, really depending on when the newest cultures bloom. Typically I feed every 2-3 days, but if there is a delay between feedings, I break out the isos and springtails. My tanks with neonates and young froglets get springtails every 2-3 days as well, and isos every 10 days or so...

[frogfreak]

I still love the stuff. I cut it with 25% potato flake and it doesn't seem to have an affect on production.

This weeks batch. I need to add flies to it yet.

[Philsuma]

yeah I would totally cut it as well. Do those plates stay firm in the media and not pop out or slide around when harvesting?

[Rusty_Shackleford]

Thanks Glenn, I never thought about using paper plates. Or are they styrofoam plates?

[frogfreak]

They're 6" unwaxed paper plates, so they can absorb excess water. They stay put. I only use 1/culture, fold them in half, bend the corner and jam it in. They open up in time. Using more and it takes up too much water. They're less than 2 pennies each and nice and clean, unlike excelsior. I can't stand that crap. Not a fan of the coffee filter slump either. lol

[dtfleming]

Never thought of using them may try once my 15lb box of excelsior runs out. I still use superfly for my golden hydei cultures.

[frogfreak]

Never thought of using them may try once my 15lb box of excelsior runs out. I still use superfly for my golden hydei cultures.

I would try it before you run out, just in case you don't like it. When experimenting, I always do things in advance, just in case it falls apart on me.

I'm having difficulty with my Hydei's. I'm using up too 5 plates with them. Same mix as the others, but they give off so much waste that the plates collapse. Would you mind sharing how much water to media you're using. The last batch I made, I used rafia as a climbing surface.

Cheers,

[dtfleming]

pretty much whats on the label. 2/3 cup hot water to 4 TBSP of media. I guess you could trying cutting back on the amount of media.

[frogfreak]

pretty much whats on the label. 2/3 cup hot water to 4 TBSP of media. I guess you could trying cutting back on the amount of media.

Thanks, I've played around with in a lot of ways. The production is insane and it's almost too much. maybe I'll cut the Hydei with more flake.

[Chuck Lawson]

Going to have to try that paper plate thing; thanks!