Mealworm farming

[hannakat]

Quote:
I'd think the fish room would be okay unless the surfaces are all dripping wet...the windows are fogged......How high is the humidity in there? You must keep the mealworm substrate DRY, meaning no actual wetness. It's best to put high moisture content food items such as cucumber on newspaper or a piece of plastic.

Some studies showed that egg production is higher with higher realitive humidity ..as long as the farm is dry to prevent mold. Always microwave your substrate substance before use as a mite preventative and you should be fine. Sounds like the fish room would also be warmer and that's a plus!

 

[hannakat]

I've been catching up on the reading and it sounds like everyone's farm is moving right along...

Right now I still have my small containers with baby wormies in the oven with the light on 24/7. That's the only area I have that a light bulb makes a significant difference. Hopefully, they'll be treat size by January/February!!

For now I'm just

 

[Kassaundra]

I'm still working on my idea, but I've been stuck at work for the past 48hrs, so when I get home in the morning, hopefully I'll have some time to work on it. I'm using found objects where I can to keep the cost down, can't wait to see if it works.

 

[Gypsi]

Quote:
The only time the windows fog in the fish room is when it is very cold out. I don't close the door, that's my humidity source for the whole house (used to be a couple of aquariums in every room.) It is warmer, as the tanks are heated and the reef light gives off heat. I keep the house between 65 and 70 most of the winter, the fish room is closer to 80.

My little rolling plastic cart used to be stuffed with inventory, but I've sold a lot of it off, given some away and it has 4 smooth plastic drawers BUT they do not seal super tight. Small amounts of dust can get in. The bottom 2 drawers are deep. Top 2 are only 3 inches deep.

Or should I keep it for parts and use a margarine bowl? I have aquariums, but stowing and moving them - they are heavier. If I'm going to be moving this around to get the right temp and humidity, I do not want it in a 29. If I need multiple stage "drawers", and if the beetles can't get out of my little cart drawers, that would be the most convenient. How many beetle escapes do I have to worry about?

I'm tired. Will check in in the morning.

 

[hannakat]

Gypsi, your cart sounds perfect. Did you see the pictures of my 3-drawer unit? It's small and not a single beetle has ever left for greener pastures. My drawers are only about 3-4" deep and I keep a minimum of 1" space from substrate to top. It does not 'seal' tight like a container does...the 3-drawer colony allows for great ventilation and mine have done spectacularly in there.

Your fish room is perfect...not to worry! Wish I had a warm fish room instead of the oven

Have fun setting up your colony and let us know how it's going!

 

[binders]

Quote:
The only time the windows fog in the fish room is when it is very cold out. I don't close the door, that's my humidity source for the whole house (used to be a couple of aquariums in every room.) It is warmer, as the tanks are heated and the reef light gives off heat. I keep the house between 65 and 70 most of the winter, the fish room is closer to 80.

My little rolling plastic cart used to be stuffed with inventory, but I've sold a lot of it off, given some away and it has 4 smooth plastic drawers BUT they do not seal super tight. Small amounts of dust can get in. The bottom 2 drawers are deep. Top 2 are only 3 inches deep.

Or should I keep it for parts and use a margarine bowl? I have aquariums, but stowing and moving them - they are heavier. If I'm going to be moving this around to get the right temp and humidity, I do not want it in a 29. If I need multiple stage "drawers", and if the beetles can't get out of my little cart drawers, that would be the most convenient. How many beetle escapes do I have to worry about?

I'm tired. Will check in in the morning.

Your fish room sounds great. I have found that my worm are more active when they are in a little more humidy environment. As others have said, the substrate needs to be dry though. I have mine in my fish room because it is the warmest room in the house and also the most humid. I live in the desert SW so the air here is really dry so I don't noramlly have to deal with things molding on me.

I also think the plastic cart will work great. You don't want it to seal tightly. The worms, pupa and beetles won't get out as long as the sides are smooth. It sounds like they are big enough that you will be able to get a large colony going in them. Some of your fish will also like to have some treats. Some fish really like the little mealworms. Just make sure that they eat them and that they don't just settle on the bottom of your tanks. Have fun!

 

[oneofseven]

The biggest thing is, experiment and do what is best for you. The stuff I have posted is from college research studies under super controlled environments. Nobody lives like that. Do whatever works for you. Youtube is full of hundreds of good videos about raising wormies. Some are even about cooking them for yourself.

Have fun.

 

[galanie]

You bet! Just roll it away from that fish room lol.

 

[Gypsi]

cooking them for myself?

Maybe if I got really really hungry... with ketchup! Thanks everyone.

 

[hannakat]

In a taco shell with lettuce, tomato, onion..... yummy