Micro Worm Culture Setup & Maintenance Guide

Live Fish Food Protocol – Lane Aquatics

Micro worms (Panagrellus redivivus) are one of the easiest and most reliable live foods for raising fry. They are small, slow-moving, and perfect for guppies, bettas, angelfish fry, and other small freshwater fish.

This guide outlines the exact Lane Aquatics culture method for consistent production.

🧪 Materials Needed

• Plastic culture container with lid (vented)

• Instant mashed potatoes (base food)

• Active dry yeast

• Water

• Micro worm starter culture

• Spoon or mixing tool

• Small collection tool (cotton swab or plastic scraper)

⚙️ Step 1: Prepare Culture Substrate

1. Add a thin layer of instant mashed potatoes to the bottom of the container.

2. Add enough water to create a thick paste consistency (not watery).

3. Mix thoroughly.

✔ Goal: Moist, thick substrate (like peanut butter texture)

🍞 Step 2: Add Yeast

1. Lightly sprinkle a small pinch of yeast over the surface.

2. Do not overuse yeast—too much can cause crashes.

🪱 Step 3: Add Micro Worm Starter Culture

1. Spread starter culture evenly over the substrate surface.

2. Close container (Make sure the lid is vented).

🌡️ Step 4: Culture Conditions

• Keep at room temperature (70–80°F ideal)

• Avoid direct sunlight

• Ensure slight airflow (prevents anaerobic buildup)

✔ Culture should begin producing worms in 24–48 hours

🧫 Step 5: Harvesting Micro Worms

1. After 2–4 days, worms will climb the container walls.

2. Use a cotton swab, finger, or plastic scraper to collect worms.

3. Rinse into aquarium or feeding container.

✔ Harvest daily for best productivity

🔁 Step 6: Maintenance & Renewal

• Cultures peak in 7–14 days

• Replace culture every 2–3 weeks

• Start new cultures before old ones crash

📊 Quick Reference

Parameter Value Culture potato paste Temperature 70–80°F First Harvest 24–48 hours Peak Production 7–14 days Culture Life 2–3 weeks

⚠️ Important Notes

• Make sure you have a hole in the lid with some cotton in the hole, this will keep out pest.

• Avoid excess moisture (prevents sour crashes)

• Start multiple cultures for continuous production

• Always keep a backup starter culture

🧬 About This System

This micro worm culture protocol is used at Lane Aquatics (Texas-based breeder) to produce continuous live food for fry development. It supports early growth stages in guppies, angelfish, plecos, and other freshwater species. You can get your culture from Lane Aquatics.com