How to culture Microworms

Learn how to culture microworms, which are an easy and great way to get into live cultures. Microworms are small enough to feed most of the youngest fry out there, and they’re even a little smaller than vinegar eels which top out at 2mm. They’re also a very inexpensive culture to raise, as oats are

Finding yourself a microworm starter culture can usually be found on AquaBid, or I’ll occasionally sell them as well. If you’re interested in getting a starter culture leave a comment on this page, and I can reach out to you privately.

• Probable Species: Panagrellus redivivus
• Growing Medium: ground oatmeal, or some use dried mashed potato flakes
• Size: 1mm

How to culture your new microworms:

1. Prepare your culture medium:
   I use old-fashioned oats as my medium after passing them through a food processor or blender until it becomes like an oat flour
   
   
2. Measure out enough of the oat flour medium so it fills the container about to about 1/3″ inch thick.
   
   
   
3. Perforate the lid using a needle with at least 20+ holes in the lid to allow airflow, but flies can’t get into the holes.
   
   
4. I suggest using spring water, to help ensure there’s no additives, not even a chlorine remover. Heat the water up, but let it cool to at least 120°F. Since microworms consume yeast, higher water temperatures will kill most of the yeast in your oat flour.
   
   
5. Use a few spoonfuls of water and mix with the oat flour to create a paste-like mixture. After mixing it, wipe the sides of your container as your microworms will climb them and it’ll make harvesting easier.
   
   
   
6. Let the mixture cool until it comes to room temperature.
   
   
7. Wipe some of your microworm starter culture from the sides of the container they’re in, and put it on your oat flour and water mixture.
   
   
8. Cap the perforated lid and let your new microworm culture sit out in a stable, room temperature environment. I’ve noticed areas that get some sunlight has resulted in more microworms.