Back What's new
By:
Filters
Caudata.org: Newts and Salamanders Portal

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
Did you know that registered users see fewer ads? Register today!

Earthworm question.

J

jack

Guest
Someone told me that "bait shop" earthworms had a high nitrate content and that they could be hazardous to amphibians. Is this correct? If so, could you change the substrate and feed properly, thus reversing the high nitrate problem?
 
J

jesper

Guest
I don't think a high nitrogen content in the food would be reflected in the nitrate levels. As far as I know all animals use urea as the carrier of excess nitrogen - the worms excrete their urea in their castings.

The problems seems to be that worm farmers spread pure urea into the substrate to increase the nitrogen content in the worm castings(which they sell as plant growth enhancer).

I'd say that homeostasis mechanisms will keep the total nitrogen levels in their body rather constant, if they load the substrate with too much urea they will most likely screw up the mechanisms at work resulting in intoxication and death.
 
J

jack

Guest
Thanks for the info, Jesper. So basically, there should be no problem with feeding worms from a bait shop?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
General chit-chat
Help Users
  • No one is chatting at the moment.
  • Shane douglas:
    with axolotls would I basically have to keep buying and buying new axolotls to prevent inbred breeding which costs a lot of money??
     +1
    Unlike
  • Thorninmyside:
    Not necessarily but if you’re wanting to continue to grow your breeding capacity then yes. Breeding axolotls isn’t a cheap hobby nor is it a get rich quick scheme. It costs a lot of money and time and deditcation
     +1
    Unlike
  • stanleyc:
    @Thorninmyside, I Lauren chen
     +1
    Unlike
  • Clareclare:
    Would Chinese fire belly newts be more or less inclined towards an aquatic eft set up versus Japanese . I'm raising them and have abandoned the terrarium at about 5 months old and switched to the aquatic setups you describe. I'm wondering if I could do this as soon as they morph?
     +1
    Unlike
    Clareclare: Would Chinese fire belly newts be more or less inclined towards an aquatic eft set up versus... +1
    Top