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Worm Farming Questions

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clafortune

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Hello everyone,

I have a year-old axolotl who loves to eat dew worms (aka nightcrawlers, fishing worms), and I would like to start raising my own worms.

I have a 10-gallon aquarium that I used as a reptile tank, and so it is no longer suitable for fish. Would I be able to use this for a worm farm?

Also the regular questions, I have done some research. Here's what I think I know so far:

They need 30% moisture content and like 20 degrees celsius temperature.
they like peat moss and worm food is available for purchase online.

they like it dark.

Any other tips for a beginner? Much appreciated!
 
SludgeMunkey

SludgeMunkey

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Nope. Ten gallons is too small. Worm farming (small scale) to produce suitable caudate food is difficult indoors as Lumbicus terrestris has a habit of needing a very large volume of earth, plus very specific humidity and depth requirements. There are a number of papers and threads here on the forum that discuss the topic.

Ten gallons will work for Ensidia foetida, but they are slow to reproduce as are Lumbricus.
 
nwmnnaturalist

nwmnnaturalist

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I much prefer smaller species such as the Eisnia (AKA Red Wigglers, Trout Worms) than Nightcrawlers. Nightcrawlers are big, demanding and can be very invasive if released into the wild.

I put a mix of organic compost w/manure and organic garden soil in a 15 gallon plastic tote and placed it in a cool spot in our basement. They are breeding, though slowly, and see to be quite content. With their smaller size, it's easier to feed animals since you don't have to cut the up.
 
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  • 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??
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  • 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
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    @Thorninmyside, I Lauren chen
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