Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Must know tips for culturing Springtails on any medium


Springtails thrive in moist environments feeding on organic waste, preferably produced by other critters.
 In terrariums Springtails often gather around wet spots feeding on poop of animals. 
For that reason I culture Springtails with Grindal worms in the same containers.


Buy Springtails locally on Craigslist: 
 or buy Springtails on Amazon (paid link): 



 I feed Grindal worms and Springtails feed on the waste produced by the worms. 
And my fish enjoy eating Springtails and Grindal worms all the same. 

Here you can see how I collect Grindal worms from a piece of plastic. 



Springtails also could feed on the same food that Grindal worms eat if nothing else offered. 


Misting the culture is better for Springtails than simply watering the medium. 
Springtails always gather on tiny water droplets on the walls of the container. 


Here you can see Springtails walking on the water - it's the easiest way to separate them from worms.
Collecting Springtails using water is easy, but it delays reproduction.
 Remember, Springtail males drop sperms on the ground for females to pick it. 
Water wash sperm away from where females would look for it. 


I prefer to shake Springtails off of the plastic covering the culture. 










Or just hold the medium in a place and shake Springtails out of the container. 

Either way, shaking Springtails out is better than using water.





 Collect Springtails about once in 4-6 weeks or less to allow babies to reach maturity. 




Top feeding fish of all ages feed on Springtails - let your fish try it! 



My Endlers enjoy live Springtails 1-2 times a week.

 There are cons and pros in culturing Springtails on different mediums.
 The most prolific cultures of Springtails with Grindal worms I've been keeping on polyester foam and moss with daily feeding. 

The most stable cultures I've been keeping on wilted leaves - videos are coming. 

Have fun and happy Springtails :)

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