Culturing Microworms: A Step-by-Step Guide

Culturing Microworms: A Step-by-Step Guide

Microworms are a nutritious live food source for small aquarium fish, fry, and other aquatic creatures. Culturing them is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Materials You'll Need:

1. Microworm culture starter available from KJE Aquatics here :https://kjeaquatics.com/product/microworm-starter-culture/
2. Plastic container with a ventilated lid (e.g., a small plastic or glass container, or 16-ounce deli cups)
3. Oatmeal or instant mashed potatoes
4. Distilled or dechlorinated water
5. Paper towel, coffee filter, or poly filter media
6. Yeast

Step 1: Prepare the Container

Ensure your container is clean and dry. Create ventilation by poking small holes in the lid to allow airflow while preventing contamination.

Step 2: Prepare the Substrate

Add a thin layer of oatmeal or instant mashed potato to the container's bottom, aiming for about a ½” depth.

Step 3: Add Water

Moisten the oatmeal with distilled or dechlorinated water until it's damp but not overly wet. It should stick together when pressed. Sprinkle a small amount of yeast on top.

Step 4: Inoculate with Microworm Culture

Spread a spoonful of your microworm culture starter evenly on top of the moist oatmeal.

Step 5: Cover and Protect

Cover the container with the ventilated lid and secure a paper towel or coffee filter over the ventilation holes using a rubber band or string. This keeps pests out while allowing airflow. Alternatively, use poly filter media or cotton to cover a hole in the lid.

Step 6: Placement

Place the container in an area away from living spaces as it may produce an unpleasant odor.

Step 7: Harvesting Microworms

To harvest microworms, gently scrape a portion of the culture's surface with your finger or a cotton swab. Collect microworms along with some oatmeal substrate. Transfer them to your tank and gently swish in the water.

Step 8: Maintain the Culture

Occasionally feed (just a tiny sprinkle of the yeast) the culture and monitor its moisture level. Add more oatmeal and water as needed to prevent drying out. Avoid overfeeding to prevent mold and spoilage. We here at KJE just start a new culture when we notice the one at hand fading out.

Step 9: Start a New Culture

Consider starting a new culture every couple of weeks from your existing one to ensure a continuous supply of microworms.

Following these steps will help you maintain a consistent source of microworms for feeding your aquarium inhabitants and other small creatures. For any questions or assistance, feel free to contact Keith @KJE on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.

Regards, Keith @KJE

 

Here are a few pictures of the materials/ingrediants you will need - Brands are not specific. This is just to give you an idea: