2 replies to this topic

[alwayslearning]

I hope you are doing well.

 

YES... I'm aware this can sound like a first-world-problem question, however, I have doubts and I'd like to solve them.

 

I use cotton balls to close the test tubes. I bought a bag in Wallgreens that are 100% cotton and hypoallergenic.

 

Lately, several colonies are making fluff from the cotton and placing it around the test tube. This tends to make difficult the cleaning process and as a photography amateur, it also makes difficult taking proper photos.

 

Is this a normal behavior? Should I switch to a particular brand where the ball is more compact? (Don't make fun, it is a serious question).

 

I saw a picture of a guy who used cotton covered in latex? Does anyone has experience with this? If so, any complain about the latex.

 

As always, thanks for your time as for any advice.

[AntTitan]

Yes this a very common behavior, especially with fledgling colonies. They do this because they are trying to get out of the test tube because they either need more space or need more food/water. You can try and midigate this by depending on the colony giving them more of these things. although there is not much you can do. I'm not sure about other brands/types of cotton balls though. If you find anything interesting or a solution. let me know, I know me and tons of other in the community have this problem.

Edited by AntTitan, November 15 2021 - 7:20 PM.

[antgallery]

You could try PVC sponges instead of cotton.