Springtail vs Mites...

I have heard the theory that all things being equal, Springtails will 'out populate' mites. 

I kinda believe that. I really only think that Mites take over a FF Cx is when the flies are not producing for either old age or poorly made founding stock or possible environmental factors.

Mite contamination in springtail cx's happens in two ways:

1. Springtail cxs are place too close to FF cxs and the mites simply walk onto the Springtail cxs

2. Mites arrive at the Springtail cxs on an escaped FF. FFs normally 'carry' grain mites that are just hanging out on the legs or the body of the fly. Not SUCKING the blood of the fly, just crawling around or tucked onto the fly. 

The FF desires to get moisture from the Springtail CX and finds an opening and settles on the Springtail CX media. The grain Mite(s) then disembark the Fly Taxi and voila.....mite contamination. 

Any thoughts? Theories?

I currently have seven dart frog tanks going. Here are some of my little friends.

Phylobates terribilis in a 36x18x36
   
   

Dendrobates leucomelas in 36 xtall
   
   

Dendrobates tinctorius azureus
   
   

Ranitomeya lamasi now sirensis
   

Dendrobates tinctorius Patricia
   

Dendrobates auratus El cope
   

Oophaga pumilio blue jeans
   

I need at least 10-20 gallons of well-made ABG

Shipping to Central Pennsyltucky.

This thread is only for Admin posting of the Recap of each Month's POTM

Big tank...real deep.

Needs H.O Lighting fer sure.

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Just like a mechanic or carpenter has a lot of different tools for different jobs....so do we.

Water bottles, misters, sprayers, squirt bottles, big and small.

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Holy F, I do not know how I ever lived without a Robot Vacuum before!!

Be careful you don't get burned by the molten LAVA.

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A little head...

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Cloud Forest design is all I will ever use!

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