[Killietalk] Synthetic Cultures

[Tom McLean <tmac2 at opusnet_com>]

I started two cultures of grindahl worms a couple of months ago using 
starters from Patrick Coleman and Magic Worm Bedding.  That the stuff from 
Walmart Barry mentioned.  I ordered it directly from the manufacturer.  I 
am using one of the plastic shoe boxes and feed cooked oatmeal.  If I feed 
too much I get fur fungus, so I have cut feeding qualities back and now 
feed more often.  I have NOT achieved useful quantities of worms.  I don't 
like the media, and plan to try a new one.  I believe that "Magic Worm 
Bedding" is simply milled peat moss.  I think what I am missing is a good 
soil bacteria culture.  But, the last time I tried getting one I 
contaminated the grindahl culture with regular white worms.

The new media will be a mix of sterilized soil (30%, vol.), chopped live 
green moss (20% vol.), and coconut fiber with some crushed oyster 
shells.  I like to use a piece of glass on top of the media and food.  I 
may add a couple of washed red worms to the media to kick start the "flora".

More later:

Tom McLean
AKA, NWK
NANFA



To join the AKA see http://www.aka.org/pages/join.html
Archives are at http://fins.actwin.com/killietalk/