Worms - what to get and where to get 'em?

[EH]

My system is still fairly new (4 weeks in) and is not fully established yet. It is a rather small system as it is an experimental set (used the Ikea plan from Japan Aquaponics). Few questions:

Is it too early to add worms now?

For a 7 gallon grow bed, what would be a good amount?

I don't want to order 500 worms, so does anyone know where I can get less than this? 

Can I use any 'ol bait worms sold in sporting goods stores or do I need to get red worms?

Thanks!

[Converse]

  Greetings,

 

   I only have a short bit of time, so this will be brief, and not necessarily complete:

   If you skip over to a recent discussion, you will find the answer about "what to get", and the "bait worm" info. too. Go to http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/forum/topics/last-year-disa...  . 

    A 7 gallon sized grow bed does not need many redworms.  They will increase in population to fit the food available.  What I would suggest is to get 500 redworms anyway. ( I know I have them available for $12.50 per 500 to give you a price to compare to.  I stick pretty close to the low-cost end of the industry standard.)  Put about 1/2 the 500 in your growbed, and keep the other half in a vermicomposing bin.  The vermicomposting bin correctly managed will not smell, and can be a source of food for your fish, and worm castings to start your seeds in or to make worm casting tea.. You can make a very adequate vermicomposting bin out of one 10 gallon tote (or you can co smaller, at 5 gallons) or a 5 gallon bucket or even a kitty litter bucket.

  I hope you can find a good source of redworms locally.  I do ship redworms all over the USA too, so would be happy to send some your way. Whether or not you get redworms from me, I will gladly answer your questions.  Always glad to help out a fellow AP enthusiast!

- Converse

[EH]

Woah! 1/2 of 500 is 250. That's not a lot for a 7 gallon tank? I thought I only need like 25 or so.

If I can't find worms locally, I will definitely contact you.

So, are there any local redworm sources in the Denver area?