The Benefits of Worm Farming - For Commercial Fisheries and Aquarium Operators

Breeding worms for fisheries has the potential to be big business. Large scale fish farms have a requirement for large amounts of fresh feed supplementary to the regular feeding schedule. Many fisheries have their own worm farms while some seek worms from nearby breeders.

There are many benefits to fisheries breeding their own worms for feed. Once established a worm farm is basically self sufficient with the exception of adding regular food.

Worms for fishing require a high protein diet which enables them to bulk up quickly. Many breeders supplement their diet with high protein foods. There are many options for protein supplements including high protein horse pellets. Mixes designed for racing horses usually have the best protein levels.

As the owner or manager of an aquarium or fishery, the size of the worm farm you choose to operate will depend on your requirements. Small fisheries could operate on a couple of commercially available multi layer worm farm units. Larger farms may require several 200 litre drums to fill demand. You also need to ensure you have a regular base food sufficient for the size of your worm farm.

Some points you will need to consider when deciding to use a worm farm for your fishery or aquarium supplies:

• For additional requirements you will need to keep a book of other breeders in your area who can provide you with back-up supplies.
• Its important to keep a separate farm of adult worms which can be used for the supply of capsules to increase and replace your stocks of worms.
• Reds and Blues are the best choice for fish. These worms grow to a substantial size by 3 to 4 months of age.
• Worms should be held at between 5,000 and 10,000 per metre to allow for growing room and to keep sufficient food for bulking the worms to a suitable size for feeding to fish.
• Polystyrene boxes are ideal for use to grow worms to a suitable size. These will be available (often for free) from vegetable suppliers or from processing fisheries. If you process your own fish for market you may have some of your own. This of course depends on your requirements. If you need thousands of worms per day you will need to look for larger suitable containers.

Although aimed at commercial fisheries and aquariums, these same principles apply to keepers of pet fish in a home environment as well as pet shops and anyone who keeps or breeds aquatic species.

By breeding worms for your own Aquarium Business (or private venture) you are also creating a supplementary income source through the sale of the leftover organic fertiliser left by the worms as well as excess worms which you may have after covering the internal demand of your own system.