Culturing blackworms-How?

I have a juvenile axolotl and would like to keep a live culture of blackworms going for him. I purchased some online, and want to successfully culture them in a small tank for him. They’re not available at any LFS in my area whatsoever. I ordered around 1/4 pound of blackworms. I plan on storing some in the fridge in case this doesn’t work out as I hope and I have a die-off, but also putting some in a 1/2 gallon tank with some gravel at the bottom. I also plan on using an air stone to keep the water oxygenated and filling the tank maybe halfway so the level isn’t too high for these nasty little worms. How often should I change the water after the initial thorough rinsing of the worms? I plan on feeding them flake food, and occasionally some spinach and brown paper towels, but how often should I feed them so I don’t foul the water quickly? Is anyone successfully maintaining a blackworm culture?

 

Just top the water off as it evaporates and it should be fine for them. The air stone is a must for them as it oxygenates the water and causes the worms to break up which forms "new" worms. Feeding them 3 times a week will be fine. I was keeping a culture in a plastic tote till I left for break and just added them all to my tanks for the fish to eat as they please while I was gone.

 

Thank you! I read that if the water isn't changed on a consistent basis, they smell like raw sewage. I don't want that happening, although I'd like to maintain the culture, at least until I have no more use for them. They're pretty nasty looking, although a great food for fish and amphibians!

 

Thank you! I read that if the water isn't changed on a consistent basis, they smell like raw sewage. I don't want that happening, although I'd like to maintain the culture, at least until I have no more use for them. They're pretty nasty looking, although a great food for fish and amphibians!

Oh yeah they do smell for sure if you over feed them. Water changes are hard to do with them though, you might want to make a fine mesh bottom you can lift up and remove most of the worms with so you can do water changes. I kept the culture in an unused corner away from stuff and I never smelled it unless I was going over there or working with the culture. Just having them in my dorm gave me the creeps and crawls at night sometime- they are kinda nasty! But alas the things we do for our pets.

 

I have one of those little mesh things to keep stuff from sliding in your cabinets that i've put in the bottom of the tank on top of the gravel, weighted down slightly to try to make it a little easier to harvest them and change the water as well. They look grotesque, but if they're as nutritious as they say, then I guess it's worth it!

 

I have one of those little mesh things to keep **** from sliding in your cabinets that i've put in the bottom of the tank on top of the gravel, weighted down slightly to try to make it a little easier to harvest them and change the water as well. They look grotesque, but if they're as nutritious as they say, then I guess it's worth it!

I've never had a fish or frog that wouldn't gorge on them! Also good luck with the axolotl! I've always wanted one but I just don't have the space right now.

 

Thank you! They are really so much fun and so interesting to watch. I've always loved having a tank, but the axolotl is extra special to me He eats like a beast. I'm positive he won't turn these away.