Nightcrawlers for Corals and Fish

[Nano sapiens]

I've feed my fish earwigs before, they enjoyed it

Interestingly, insects do form a small percentage of the reef diet as some are blown out to sea and drown.

I've seen my Barnacle Blennies take small moths and spiders from the surface with gusto!

 

[chicago]

Interesting. Following this thread

 

[NY_Caveman]

Not new, but has been forgotten over the years. I've been feeding earthworms occasionally for a few years now in my old nano tank. For the last year I've been feeding once a week since I have a slow feeding Callogobius hasselti that just loves them:


I just use the 'babies' from my compost heap for the fish and also the LPS/Mushrooms.

That was great. The shrimp was trying to play the worm like a guitar!

 

[Nano sapiens]

Thanks for sharing! It's good to see long term success with such an easy sustainable live food.

The natural reef fish diet is relatively low in fat (~6% if memory serves me correctly). Earthworms are lower in fat than white or grindal worms and IMO are a better long term food source.

Even so, I restrict earthworm feeding to once a week as it is a terrestrial source of nutrition that would make up a very small part (or not at all) of most reef fishes' diets (morso those that live on inshore vs. those that live on oceanic reefs).

 

[Kscope]

Years ago I raised nightcrawlers for fishing. Tight box with lid and light. They will escape! Hence their name "Night Crawlers" My recipe was corn meal, coffee grounds, top soil (bagged) and sand. I cant remember the ratios but a similar recipe is here.

http://bluegillfishing.us/raising-nightcrawlers-worms-bait/

 

[Reefs of Space]

Even so, I restrict earthworm feeding to once a week as it is a terrestrial source of nutrition that is not naturally a part of most reef fishes' diets.

Yeah I agree. I feed worms on the weekend and New Life Spectrum during the week. I'm mainly trying to fatten up my anemone and lps corals. I just throw a few chunks to the fish as well. I think everyone would like to see how big a lobo head can get

 

[67chevellemalibu2]

How about feeding meal worms? Are those any good?

 

[Reefs of Space]

How about feeding meal worms? Are those any good?

I would be worried about the jaws and feet. Red wrigglers and nightcrawlers are nice and fleshy

 

[Javier Leon]

Very interested topic, I heard that before but I wasn’t sure, definitely I’ll try this. Thank you! For sharing with us

 

[Dude60415]

Very interesting. I'm subbing to follow along. And going to the garage for some crawlers. Always thought to feed them to the tank and never bothered to try.

 

[Greenstreet.1]

Those are some spoiled worms. I guess white worms are more high maintenance Have you ever fed them to any corals or anemones?

No I just drop them in the tank my fish love them I’m sure that the corals may get some once in a while.

 

[anthonyroc]

Following very interesting

 

[siggy]

When fragging fish I feed a few small chunks, Parts is parts.

 

[vlangel]

I have used them to feed a large oscar that I had. I have never used them to feed saltwater creatures.

 

[Reefs of Space]

Here's some nutrional information. Looks like squid takes the cake, but as an easy sustainable "live" food source, nightcrawlers are a front-runner with their low fat to high protein ratio.

 

[Reefs of Space]

I have used them to feed a large oscar that I had. I have never used them to feed saltwater creatures.

No adverse effects as of yet. As long as there are other supplements to the diet I don't foresee any problems.

 

[Reefs of Space]

Now a flower pot or such could be kept on the back porch or under the sink,depending on the smell.

It just smells of earthy dirt, nothing crazy. I'm actually going to move mine under the kitchen sink to monitor moisture levels easier. Plus it's getting too hot outside even in the shed.

 

[cracker]

Ok I see your in Florida as well. It is getting too hot . I thought this started early then realized the months have flown by ! Is Anne Maria on the pan handle?
Considering what liquid to use to purge them. I think You said plain water?
wonder if saltwater would work quickly.

 

[Reefs of Space]

Ok I see your in Florida as well. It is getting too hot . I thought this started early then realized the months have flown by ! Is Anne Maria on the pan handle?
Considering what liquid to use to purge them. I think You said plain water?
wonder if saltwater would work quickly.

It's in the Tampa Bay area. Just north of Sarasota on the coast. Saltwater might work better, but they seem to freak out under freshwater so I never bothered to use my tank water.

 

[Salty.Reefer]

This is awesome. I have been interested in composting for a while. Vermiculture greatly speeds up the process. I like the idea of growing my own fish food that also has a dual purpose.