Daphnia: A Boon To Fish Health & Well-Being

**tetrakid** · 10th Mar 2012, 09:08

As long as one can raise Daphnia ('big bad boons') successfully on any scale in even in tough climatic conditions, one would have mastered one of the most challenging tasks known to aquarists/agriculturists. Daphnia in general, including tiny Moina, is itself is a marvel of life creation, worthy of jaw-dropping awe even by the most learned naturalist.

Originally Posted by Draka

Well if you say so sir. Culturing and rearing are different things. Do know the difference.

**tetrakid** · 17th Mar 2012, 19:16

Just treated my fishes to some nice little Moina boonies bought at Nanyang Sea View. I didn't know my Cory Sterbais will even go bonkers over these, lol.

**iggi3z** · 23rd Mar 2012, 05:29

A question for Aq bros here. I bought a bottle of hikari freeze dried daphnia. Read that it might cause bloat in my Malawi cichlids due to high protein. Is that true?? I thought only bloodworms and tubifex worms are the even higher protein food. *scratch head

**tetrakid** · 30th Mar 2012, 06:35

I reckon overfeeding of any dried food may cause stomach bloating. The spatial volume of dried food is reduced because moisture is removed from it. When the dried food is packed into the stomach by overeating, it may expand in the stomach after a while after eating when the food becomes soaked in water and stomach juices. It's just a thought, though. (As an analogy, a small scoop of rice grains becomes a big bowl of porridge).

**stormhawk** · 30th Mar 2012, 08:34

Daphnia or Moina in essence is basically a food rich in fiber, protein and fat. Daphnia species have protein content of 50% and fat content of 20-27% in adults, less in the young. Moina have a protein content of 70%. Since most of the FD Daphnia is made from the bigger Daphnia species, feed in moderation. The bigger worry is how to keep the food fresh, because FD stuff can go stale pretty quick if the container does not have an air tight lid.

**tetrakid** · 30th Mar 2012, 08:44

Wow, the fat content part is most appealing to me. I like my Cory Sterbais (my 'Sea Hamsters') to be plump and rotund. It makes them cuter. Luckily they are not like humans, who hate to look fat, lol.

Originally Posted by stormhawk

Daphnia or Moina in essence is basically a food rich in fiber, protein and fat. Daphnia species have protein content of 50% and fat content of 20-27% in adults, less in the young. Moina have a protein content of 70%. Since most of the FD Daphnia is made from the bigger Daphnia species, feed in moderation. The bigger worry is how to keep the food fresh, because FD stuff can go stale pretty quick if the container does not have an air tight lid.

**stormhawk** · 30th Mar 2012, 09:31

The fat content is somewhat lower with FD Daphnia I think. With Moina, the 70% protein content is superb for fry, but they lose their nutritional value rather quick. If they're not reddish when you feed them to the fry or fish, the nutrition level is lower.

**tetrakid** · 30th Mar 2012, 09:45

Succulent Red Russian Daphnia, which are the 'biggest and baddest boons', will make any fish salivate in excitement, even my somewhat 'blind' but cute Cory Sterbais. lol.

**chuakc** · 25th Apr 2012, 08:43

328 Boon suppply not so consistence, is there any LFS near west area selling Boon everyday?? - KC

**stormhawk** · 25th Apr 2012, 08:55

Have you tried Hong Yang at CCK Central? They have "boon" every day I think. No idea for other LFS. I saw a bag of "boon" at C328 but all were already dead when I had a closer look.

**chuakc** · 25th Apr 2012, 09:14

Thanks storm, is that near the OCBC bank, opposite the bus interchange?

**stormhawk** · 25th Apr 2012, 09:18

Yes it's opposite the interchange. Nearby is an Indian shop selling flowers and stuff. Beside Hong Yang is a hair salon or beauty centre I think. The shop is at Block 306 CCK Ave 4. Check out their Merchant postings in the Merchant section. There's a contact number so you can call the boss to see if there's "boon" in stock. Some days, they sold out early.