Earthworms?

Superfly · #1 (**permalink**) 03-11-2007, 09:36 PM

I was wondering if having earthworms in my substrate would do any good? Right now I have the substrate that comes compacted and expands with water, with moss on the top. Do you think the worms would make a difference, or would they not do too well in the tropical environment?

Thanks again

Tindomul1of9 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-12-2007, 11:10 AM

I would try it. I think that you are talking about coco-earth? Or compressed peat bricks? If so, this is basically what we use to keep earthworms in. So they might do well. If they don't, they will become fertilizer, and everything will be ok so long as they don't stink the place up. Now the problem might be an introduction of disease via the earthworm to your animals, I've been warned about this in the past. Are you willing to risk it? Make sure you get them from a pesticide free area as well.

Tindomul1of9 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-12-2007, 11:11 AM

If everything is successful, the earthworms will aerate the substrate, and fertilize your plants. While at the same time reproducing themselves.

Superfly · #4 (**permalink**) 03-12-2007, 09:48 PM

Well I have been digging up worms in the back yard to put in the cricket cage, but I think I might buy a can from the bait store for the frogs. Hopefully those might be a little more sanitary. I think if I just rinse them off first it should'nt be too bad. I have a plastic screen separating the cocoa substrate from the lower gravel level, will the worms eat through this?

Thanks for the help!

Tindomul1of9 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-13-2007, 11:37 PM

I don't know if they will, but I will assume they wont want to eat through it. O also don't know if the bait store worms will be more or less sanitary than the wild cought. Goodluck.

Superfly · #6 (**permalink**) 03-14-2007, 12:04 AM

Well, I'll keep throwing them in the cricket cage and see how well that turns out. It has the same substrate. Ill let you know how it goes. Thanks for the help!

zaroba · #7 (**permalink**) 03-14-2007, 11:06 AM

bait worms probably come from worm farms. the farms use leftovers from other farms. things like old feed, manure, etc

of course...i'm sure theres worm farms that use other things too.

Rainfrog · #8 (**permalink**) 03-15-2007, 02:41 AM

Definately watch for smell. if you get even the slightest wiff of any stink clean it our imediately! Nothing I have ever smelt (and I grew up on a ranch and have worked CNA and Hospice care) Nothing smells as bad as dead worms. they will start to stink fast and strong and if that smell settles in to anything you probably wont get it out completeley ever. My dad is a fisherman and I am from time to time as well. Ive had to throw out coolers and my dad has had to scrap entire fridges after power outages becouse of the smell. if they die off the warm wet environment of a viv will be perfect to build a good stink. I think it could work but I would advise monitering very closely. id say this is "cant be to carefull" senario.

Superfly · #9 (**permalink**) 03-15-2007, 11:18 PM

Oooof, that doesnt sound to good. My tank would be pretty hard to clean out if that did happen. Ill see what happens in the cricket cage, so far all is well.

Rainfrog · #10 (**permalink**) 03-16-2007, 05:23 AM

If you have an extra tank like a 5 or ten set up and inexspensive "test" tank and keep the peramaters the same as what will be in the intended tank for a while Temp, Humidity, soil saturation levels, Keep in mind The soil moisture levels and the humidity will probably be diferent then the cricket cage. Temperate climate earth worms might not do as well. Is possible I would try to test it in an environment as close to the real deal as you can. set up a gravel drainage layer put on some screen and then the soil. if they do well over a week or 2 go for it.