Daphnia and other Cladocerans may be kept and cultured in the laboratory. Many methods have been devised, all attempting to provide a rich infusion of algae upon which the daphnia feed. When daphnia arrive, remove the lids from the shipping jar but do not aerate.

A larger container (20 liters or larger) should be filled with lake or pond water. Tap water may be used if it is first treated with water conditioner. An infusion is made by adding pond vegetation, boiled hay or sheep manure. A small quantity of any of the above is allowed to decompose in the culture for 2 or 3 days. Daphnia may now be added. To introduce Daphnia into the culture container, hold the shipping jat uprigght and gently submerg it. Then "pour" under water and remove the empty container. Do NOT pour the Daphnia through the air into the culture container. If you do air will become trapped beneath their carapace and they will float to the surface and die. The temperature should be kept close to 60 degrees F. A good culture will take about 10 days to develop.

Daphnia may be kept in one gallon container for a few days if the temperature is kept below 65 degrees F. Several rice grains should e added. Diffuse light is beneficial, but strong sunlight must be avoided.

If Daphnia do not survive, the difficulty is most likely from the type and age of the water used or from an excessive food supply.