Live Whiteworm Culture

A white worm (Enchytraeus albidus) culture is a simple, low-cost method for growing high-protein live fish food at home. Key requirements include:

• Cool, dark location: Ensure the culture is kept in an area away from direct light and heat.
• Damp organic soil or coconut coir: Maintain a moist substrate for the worms to thrive.
• Starchy foods: Feed them wet bread, oats, or similar starchy items.

Setup and Environment

• Container: Use a plastic storage box or ice cream tub with small ventilation holes poked in the lid.
• Substrate: Add 1 to 2 inches of damp, peat-free compost, coconut coir, or soil.
• Temperature: Keep the culture cool, ideally between 10°C to 20°C (50°F–68°F). Avoid temperatures above 22°C (72°F), as they can crash the culture.

Feeding and Maintenance

• Diet: Place moistened white bread (without preservatives), rolled oats, cereal, or mashed potatoes on the soil surface every 2 to 4 days.
• Moisture: Lightly mist the bedding with water when it feels dry. Ensure it stays damp but not waterlogged or muddy.
• Harvesting: Lay a piece of plastic mesh or glass on top of the food. Worms will gather underneath or on the mesh, making them easy to collect cleanly.