Grindal Worms do not get bigger than ½ inch. Therefore they are especially well suited for smaller fish. Grindal Worms are easy to breed and highly nutritious. They are well suited for both, marine- and freshwater set-ups.
Grindal worms sink to the tank bottom rapidly and quickly try to hide in the gravel. Usually bottom feeders and catfish will feed from these. Fish will hunt them down and the worms can survive in the water for several days. Since these worms are very lightweight, good water movement will keep them afloat for a while.
Grindal Worms can be found at pet stores, bait and tackle stores and some online vendors. A small amount of worms will get your culture started.
Grindal worms are best cultivated in a plastic container with a perforated lid for aeration (shoebox size or larger). Potting soil with a light peat content can be used to fill the container about half to two thirds. The medium should be kept damp by spraying the surface from time to time as required. If the soil is too damp the culture will not reproduce, if too dry the worms will submerge further into the soil.
Grindal Worms do not like acidic soil that is why peat moss should be used sparingly. If reproduction does not take place as expected, a soil change or the addition of baking soda for pH reduction can work wonders. Worms avoid light, so the container should be kept in the shade at a temperature of about 70 - 75 degrees.
The best food is well rotten vegetable matter already mixed into the soil. A boiled potato is also suitable, but should be removed if mold develops. Cereal powder can be used by sprinkling it on the surface. Some retailers that provide starter colonies also offer food for the worms.
Check on the culture daily. Keep them well fed and remove bad or spoiled vegetables. An established colony will grow rapidly and will provide live food on a daily basis.
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