How to take care of blackworms?

[Danny]

Hey everyone, I need some advice on taking care of blackworms. Recently, I've been feeding my axolotl blood worms, but I really don't feel like they're as healthy, correct me if I'm wrong. I would really like to make a change to blackworms, but I can't seem to keep them alive (only had them one time before, but they all died). I basically know nothing on how to take care of them and just am looking for some help or the link to information. From what I've heard, if I take care of them well they will keep reproducing and I will basically never have to get anymore, and I'd love to be able to do that. Sorry this is so broad, but I just really need all the info I can get on how to take care of them!

Thanks!!

 

[elim]

I've been wondering the same thing, so I did some searching. :happy:

Caudata Culture Articles - Worms

Keeping live blackworms alive: Blackworms can be stored in the refrigerator for weeks, but they do require some care.

Keep cold. They can survive for periods of time without refrigeration, but they will “age” faster that way.
Don't drown them. The worms should not be too deep in the container. The water should just barely cover them.

Rinse daily with refrigerated, aged water. Although chlorine is not good for them, chemical dechlorinating drops may be worse. If you have chlorine in your water, age it before using for blackworms. If you have chloramine in your water, age it with some pieces of filter carbon.
Once some of them start to die, it's hopeless. If more than a few die, or the whole container stinks, throw them away immediately. Healthy blackworms may have a faint "earthy" smell, but should not smell foul.
Find out what day of the week they arrive fresh to your pet store, and only buy fresh ones. Pet stores often do not rinse and store them properly. They will often try to sell you their older ones, unless you specifically request the freshest ones. Also, in hot weather, their fresh ones may arrive in a state of decay.
When you get a new batch of blackworms, rinse them several times and keep them for a day before use. This gives you time to rinse away any dead ones and make sure they are healthy before feeding them to your animals.

 

[Kaysie]

I always keep mine in tank water. They'll die right off the rip with tap water. Also, I've had better luck keeping them uncovered, rather than with a lid.

Blackworms are notoriously slow to reproduce, if at all. Most people have a hard time culturing them. Don't get your hopes up about a never-ending supply of food. If you want to breed worms, start on a red wiggler culture now for when your axolotl gets bigger.

 

[Danny]

Okay, thanks for all the advice everyone!

 

[ilsa]

I have been getting black worms from my local aquarium.
I keep them in a plastic container - no lid- in the fridge with enough water to cover them.
I do daily water changes with tank water and try to remove any dead.
My little fellas love them!