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Writer's picturewillyoueatworms

Culturing Instructions for Microworms, Banana Worms and Walter Worms

Updated: Feb 1, 2020

There are different ways to culture microworms, this is what works best for me.

Banana worms and walter worms are also cultured in this way.




Microworm Starter Culture Instructions:


Things You Will Need:

A container with a lid (a clear tupperware type container is best)

Oatmeal

Yeast

Water (must be dechlorinated, I use bottled spring water)

Starter Culture


Instructions:

Cover the bottom of the container with the oatmeal. Usually a layer that is about ¼ to ½ inch thick will work.

Stir in water until the oatmeal is of yogurt consistency.

Next sprinkle a small amount of yeast over the top of the oatmeal mix. Be sure your spread the yeast around well.

Add your microworm starter culture to the top of the mixture.

Using a push pin or small nail, carefully poke holes into the lid. This step is very important so that the microworms can breath. Allowing air flow also helps prevent the development of mold. (If your culture does grow mold, just remove the mold spots from the container and add a few more holes to the lid.) You may also want to lightly stuff some cotton or polyfill into the holes so that ants or other pest can’t make their way into the container.

Cover the container with the lid and set it aside out of direct sunlight for a few days. After a couple of days you should see the worms start to make their way up the sides of the container. This is indication that the culture is ready for harvesting.

After 2-3 weeks, it is advisable to subculture your worms so that multiple cultures exist in the event that one may crash.

Harvesting Your Microworms

Harvesting your worms is quite simple. After the microworms start to crawl up the side of the container, (I will usually let them climb up about ¾ of an inch before harvesting) simply use a plastic spoon, small rubber spatula, or even your finger to swipe around only the side of the container. Do not scoop up any of the oatmeal media when harvesting to feed. Place directly into the tank water. You will see a white cloud form. This is thousands of tiny microworms being released into your tank. Your fish will love you now!!


>>>Disclaimer: This blog is written based upon my own personal experiences. There are different ways to apply this technique. This is what works for me. Do your research before diving in based on one persons opinions and experiences.


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