Culturing Grindle Worms: A Simple Guide for Fish Keepers

 

This guide has been adapted from the same instructions I include with every new Grindle Worm culture I send out. It is written for anyone who has just received a fresh starter culture and wants to establish it successfully. Whether your Grindle Worms came from LOMWILD or another source, this method works just as well for any starter culture.

If you are looking for an excellent live food source for your fish, Grindle Worms are one of the easiest and most rewarding cultures to maintain. These tiny white worms are packed with protein and move enticingly in the water, making them ideal for feeding small tropical fish, killifish, bettas, and fry. Here is a step-by-step guide to get your Grindle Worm culture started, keep it healthy, and expand it over time.

Getting Started – Unpacking and Setup

  1. Carefully open the container and remove all items.

  2. Use filter floss to plug each pre-drilled air hole on the culture container. This allows proper airflow while keeping the worms from escaping.

  3. Gently add the live Grindle Worms and their bedding into the plastic culture container.

  4. Tap the container lightly against a solid surface to level and compact the bedding slightly, creating a smooth and even surface.

  5. Use your thumb to make a shallow indent (about thumb-sized) in the center of the bedding.

  6. Take a few pieces of high-quality dry dog food, such as Blue Buffalo or Taste of the Wild, and lightly moisten them with dechlorinated or RO water. Do not soak them completely, just dampen them.

  7. Place a plastic grid centered over the food and indent. This provides a clean surface for the worms to crawl onto for easy harvesting.

  8. Place the lid securely on the container and store it in a cool, dark, and dry area, such as a cabinet or drawer.

Care and Maintenance

• Check the culture every 1 to 3 days.
• Replace food as needed by moistening fresh pieces and placing them as described above.
• Only harvest worms that have crawled onto the grid. Avoid digging into the bedding to preserve the culture’s stability.
• Observe how quickly the worms consume the food:
 • If food molds, reduce the amount next time.
 • If food disappears too fast, increase the number of food pieces.
• Always remove uneaten food before it molds. Mold can crash a culture quickly.
• To harvest, simply brush or gently wipe the worms from the grid with your finger or a soft tool.

Starting New Cultures

Once the main culture is stable and growing well, it is wise to start additional cultures. This ensures you always have a backup and can expand your feeding capacity.

To begin a new culture:

  1. Prepare a new container with fresh coco coir bedding.

  2. Make a shallow thumb-sized indent and place moistened dog food in the center.

  3. Add a small group of worms from your original culture.

  4. Cover with the plastic grid and place the new culture in a dark, cool space.

Tips for Success

• Maintain temperatures between 65 and 75°F, though many find Grindle Worms continue thriving into the 80s.
• Keep the bedding moist, not wet.
• Do not overfeed—adjust food amounts based on how fast it is eaten.
• Label each container with the setup date to monitor age and performance.

Final Thoughts

Culturing Grindle Worms is a rewarding and low-maintenance way to supply your fish with nutritious live food. With just a little attention to cleanliness, feeding, and temperature, a single starter culture can last for months or even years. Once the colonies are thriving, you will always have a dependable food source right at your fingertips.

For additional guidance or troubleshooting, feel free to reach out for support or advice.

 

Back to blog