Culturing Springtails

Supplies:

1. Container-We use large 5-6 quart clear Tupperware/Rubbermaid/Sterilite containers.

2. Charcoal

3. Starter Springtail Culture

3. Water free from Chlorine – Chlorine will slow the rate of production. You can use distilled, RO, spring, etc.

4. Springtail food

Procedure

Task Tips Pictures
Order a starter culture of Springtails If you want the springtails to colonize in your tanks, just dump the culture in your tank or drain off some water from the culture into the terrarium.
Fill the Tupperware 3/4 full of charcoal and dump in the starter culture
Add food
Spray down the culture until there is 1/2 to 1 inches of water in the bottom of the container. Humidity is the key. The springtails don’t need to swim, but keeping water in their container keeps the humidity up.
Put the lid on. No ventilation is needed.
Every couple of days add Springtail food and spray down cultures as water evaporates. Make sure the water level is not too high. The springtails will not utilize any of the charcoal that is under water.

Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Solution(s)
Springtail culture stinks
  • Cut down on food
Springtails are dead
  • Make sure water is 1/2 to 1 inch deep. They will die if humidity is low.
  • Make sure you are not overfeeding
  • Check temperatures. Temperate springtails like a little cooler than room temp and tropical springtails need it at room temp or higher.
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4 Responses to “Culturing Springtails”

  1. springtails, why must you defy me! - Page 2 - Dendroboard Says:

    [...] white rice were the best cultures to keep mites away. Here’s a video on how we care for them: Josh’s Frogs How-To Guides Blog Archive Culturing Springtails __________________ http://www.JoshsFrogs.com Same Day Shipping [...]

  2. Great Springtail culture - Page 2 - Dendroboard Says:

    [...] success putting regular store-bought mushrooms in the culture. Josh’s Frogs – Springtails Josh

  3. Randy Says:

    What is the purpose of the charcoal?

  4. Josh's Frogs How-To Guides » Blog Archive » Springtails Says:

    [...] Culturing Springtails is a simple care sheet that covers the basics behind rearing springtails for food. [...]

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