red wiggler colony

[festaedan]

I'm planning on starting a red wiggler colony so my fish get to eat some
worms. So far I've made a drain system by drilling holes in the bottom of an 18 gallon opaque container and put yougurt cups under it so any
excess water can drain through. I've also already driled lots of holes in the lid and on the sides with a 1/8 inch drill bit and shredded up all of the
un-colored news paper I could find in my recycling bin. Quick tip, turning over a huge 40 gallon recycling bin in your moms garage, rooting around
in the pile for news paper and the shredding it all by hand is not the most eficent way to make bedding. Now I just need to shred up cardboard, add
a little soil, order the worms, and I'll be done. I also wanted to ask, is there anything I should do differently or is there anything else I'll need?


I'll try to get some pics of it tomorow.

 

[chriscoli]

I don't worry about excluding colored newspaper ads....they all use soy-based ink now.

But, ultimately it's up to you!

I use coir bedding for my worms, but that's not the only thing you can use.

 

[chriscoli]

Sounds like you're almost there, though! Congrats!

 

[festaedan]

Thanks! What else should I use for bedding, other than cardboard, dirt and news paper?

 

[chriscoli]

Well, like I said....I use coir. You can get or order compressed bricks of it that expand when you add water. I like it because it tends to remain fairly pH neutral longer.

I also add a lot of dried leaves that I collect in the yard.

Anyone else have any suggestions?

 

[dogofwar]

Just use shredded newspaper (or shredded junk mail). Slightly moisten it when you get your worms.

They'll do the rest...

Matt

 

[festaedan]

Thanks