Ok, now this isn't a method i've used (in fact, i've never cultured springtails) but i read this on frognet and thought you guys might find it interesting:
Here is the trick to springtails.
It is actually very simple, but flys in the face of most of the techniques
you have heard of prior to this.
Use a plastic shoe box with lid.
Fill it with about 1 or 2 inches with damp peat moss. (approximation, work
with it
Add a layer of LECA - again, play with it, but at least 1 inch or so.
Add water or dampen until peat is completely soaked and water level is close to or at LECA level.
Add some plant clipping if you want - also, springtail simply go nuts over
cucumber pealings!!!!
Add springtails - the more you add the quicker the culture will BOOM!
Now, here is the real trick;
Sprinkle white rice or crushed peices of pasta - not a ton, say a level
teaspoon at the most, I usually only sprinkle a couple of pinches.
Spray to moisten.
In a couple of weeks or less, you won't believe the results.
Our good friend Chad Mayer told us the secret of using the rice (we have
never tried the pasta, but I am sure it works just as good) and we have had
BOOOOMING springtail cultures ever since.
Maintenance;
About once a week I open the shoe box, spray all the springtails down and
tilt the end of the box.
I scoop up the springtails off the surface of the water, put them in a cup
with some water already in it, and then pour directly into tanks or use to
create new cultures.
Add a few more sprinkles of white rice, spray to moisten, and put away.
Give it a try, and I think you will be pleased with the results.
Now I can use this post to update our web-site. Been meaning to do that.
THANKS CHAD!!!!!!
Greg Sihler
http://www.azdr.com
P.S. - Don't tell anyone I told you.
Again, thats from Frognet, not me
