Microworm Culture?

[fry_forever!]

Hey guys, okay, I must admit, my first attempt at breeding bettas, I was unprepared to breed them, and because of that, I lost many of my fry, and the rest really aren't growing properly. I don't have enough BBS eggs to hatch all the time, so the only live food they have is infusoria - and that seems to be not doing good for them, because it's killing some every time I pour it in. (So I am feeding them dry food) All the ones that die kind of turn vertical and just hang there, as if their swim bladders never actually developed properly.

Okay, I know, I made a horrible mistake breeding, especially unprepared, but I really am not one to give up, and I want to try again, PREPARED this time. (Please, no criticisms)

Okay, so I was thinking, if this is not a genetic thing that is wrong with the fry, I want to try breeding the same pair again. They are both Veiltails, but I know a couple places that are willing to take the grown up fry, even though they will be Veiltails. (And they won't go in tiny cups + to un-educated owners when they're older.)

I also want to start a microworm culture very soon. If I remember correctly, I've read that you need yeast, oats/meal, and water. (Right?) So would I need a starter culture? Or could I just put that mixture together and a bunch of little worms would grow out of it? I can't find a site specifically saying that I NEED to buy a starter culture. If so, can I just buy one at my LFS? And how much do they usually go for? (In Canadian, or if you don't know in Canadian, US?)

Thanks in advance, please no warnings, rude comments, etc. I have already learned my lesson, and you guys are just making me feel even more terrible about my first attempt when you say things like that.

Thanks,

f_f!

 

[mattlee]

in the UK you can but starter cultures on ebay, so it may be worth a look there

 

[fry_forever!]

Thanks! Unfortunately, my parents won't allow me to buy things on Ebay. I guess I'll check with the Aquarium stores near my house.

 

[betta fish]

Don't worry we all make mistakes, my first ever try at breeding bettas was also a disaster and I thought I was prepared only when I actually tried it did I learn, and I am still learning 2 years on!
As for the microworms you will need a starter culture to get one going, I only ever add mine to a mix of water and porridge oats they seem to grow fine without the addition of yeast, the warmer the room the quicker they grow but you may find you have to change the culture more often if it starts to smell rather vinegary, it always pays to split the starter in two so you have insurance should one go wrong though I have never had this happen.
In the UK I have never found an LFS that sells microworms but the US may be different if not see if any memebers on here from the US can send you some, good luck!

 

[fry_forever!]

Thank you very much for the kind response. I have decided to wait a bit to try breeding again, because once this batch is completely gone, I am going clean up the tank a bit, and put some molly fry that I brought home from work/volunteering in there. My parents won't allow me to set up a third 10 gallon, so unfortunately I can't do a few things at once. lol

I will definitely be at least a little more prepared the next time, and I really appreciate the help. I will definitely look around for a starter culture. One more question.... Does the culture come in powder and just needs oatmeal and water to activate it? Or do you buy it in a little tub or something? Sorry, I have never seen a culture before, and I have no idea. Also, do you keep a lid on the current culture you have?

Thanks again.

-f_f!

 

[Inchworm]

Hi fry_forever!

A microworm culture looks like a container of oatmeal. Depending on how much you start out with, just add it to another batch of oatmeal and they will reproduce in it. Then you just divide what you have, throw some of it away, and add the rest to a new container of oatmeal.

Microworms are so tiny that when you add them to the water in a tank they just look like fine dust settling down. When you look at a good culture it's almost impossible to tell them apart. The surface will just have a glittery appearance.

If you click on the link in my signature to see my fishroom, scroll down to the last picture on the first post. Behind a small fry tank are two microworm cultures. The ones you would harvest are the microworms that are climbing up the side of the shoe boxes. What you see above the oatmeal on the bottom are clean microworms, ready to serve.

If you can't get any online, try getting in touch with someone in your local aquarium society. Most clubs will have some members who cultivate them and would be happy to give you some for just a couple of dollars.

 

[fry_forever!]

Thanks kindly, Inchworm. Unfortunately, I am a bit young, so I am not allowed to buy online, and also, there are no aquarium societies where I live. I have checked everywhere.

I seem to be one of the only fish lovers/breeders in my city. The only hopeful source I can think of is this guy that works at my favourite fish store - he breeds bettas, and I may be able to get a starting culture from the store or him.

So, I guess my question now is, how did microworms start? Like, from the very beginning. It's a pretty shallow question, but I am seriously confused. They couldn't of just grown when somebody left their oatmeal out one day, right?

lol Sorry, I am slow.

 

[Inchworm]

So, I guess my question now is, how did microworms start? Like, from the very beginning. It's a pretty shallow question, but I am seriously confused. They couldn't of just grown when somebody left their oatmeal out one day, right?

That's a good question and I hope someone can give us an answer. I do know that they are a harmless nematode but, other than knowing how to raise them, I don't know anything else about them.

 

[fry_forever!]

Wow, I've finally asked a good question.

Thanks, Inchworm. So, they sell starter cultures in little tubs online or at some fish stores?