Wasn't sure if this goes under General Discussion or Breeding.
I just purchased 2lbs of Black worms. The instructions state to rinse with cold water EVERYDAY and make sure the water level is no more than 1/4" above the worms. According to the instructions, the water level is kept low so the worms can breathe and they ARE NOT TO BE FED.
.... The following are my assumptions: they are kept in the fridge as to reduce metabolism, thus lasting longer. They are rinsed everyday to clear the waste and prevent staleness (and also provide oxygen as the water is not aerated). They are not fed as the water quality would degrade quickly in small containers that have no water movement/filtration. The water line is low so the worms can physically "stick their heads" out and take in oxygen.
I have also read there are people keeping their black worms in tanks at regular tropical temps 75 to 80 degrees?
Could it be as simple as getting a 20 gallon tank....a couple of "cycled" sponges with airlines, feeding sinking food, and regular water changes as one would with regular fish?
Seems like the fridge method is simply to keep alive for 4-6 weeks while essentially starving the worms to death. Makes sense for the industry, as one would have to order on a continuous basis.
I am seriously contemplating of getting a tank, dump 1lb into the tank, and treat as one would regular fishes.....ie feeding, water changes, etc.
Anyone else done this? Makes sense? Ideally one can keep the worms for much longer periods of time AND have them even breed ...... can possibly even have a constant supply of black worms? Although, I'd be more than happy with just keeping them long term and THRIVING.
I just purchased 2lbs of Black worms. The instructions state to rinse with cold water EVERYDAY and make sure the water level is no more than 1/4" above the worms. According to the instructions, the water level is kept low so the worms can breathe and they ARE NOT TO BE FED.
.... The following are my assumptions: they are kept in the fridge as to reduce metabolism, thus lasting longer. They are rinsed everyday to clear the waste and prevent staleness (and also provide oxygen as the water is not aerated). They are not fed as the water quality would degrade quickly in small containers that have no water movement/filtration. The water line is low so the worms can physically "stick their heads" out and take in oxygen.
I have also read there are people keeping their black worms in tanks at regular tropical temps 75 to 80 degrees?
Could it be as simple as getting a 20 gallon tank....a couple of "cycled" sponges with airlines, feeding sinking food, and regular water changes as one would with regular fish?
Seems like the fridge method is simply to keep alive for 4-6 weeks while essentially starving the worms to death. Makes sense for the industry, as one would have to order on a continuous basis.
I am seriously contemplating of getting a tank, dump 1lb into the tank, and treat as one would regular fishes.....ie feeding, water changes, etc.
Anyone else done this? Makes sense? Ideally one can keep the worms for much longer periods of time AND have them even breed ...... can possibly even have a constant supply of black worms? Although, I'd be more than happy with just keeping them long term and THRIVING.
