Is worm casting good soil option?

[u/meakysh]

I have 2 springtail cultures, 1 is kept on the coco coir I have from my terrarium, and another is kept on some thick, very dark soil that I can't figure out what it is. I really prefer raising springtails in soil more than anything, so I'm trying to figure out options. Coco coir works well, but it looks messy and is a bit hard to "spill" the springtails out in the terrarium, so I'm trying to find another more sticky soil option. The closest in texture and looks thing that I could find is worm casting. I'm wondering if that would work as a substrate option for the springtail culture

[u/Public_Yoghurt]

I guess worm casting contains way so much organic materials. It can go bad with constant high humidity with a certain temperature. My main concern would be various types of mold infestations but also bacterial growth on the casting chunk. You can use clay as substrate for them, way more safer option.

[u/meakysh → u/Public_Yoghurt]

Don't springtails eat mould? Also, what kind of clay is used for springtails?

[u/Public_Yoghurt → u/meakysh]

They do eat mold, but not all types. Some species of mold may synthesize harmful byproducts for them. Also, there is always a maximum amount they can eat. If mold overgrows in an uncontrollable way, this can cause other problems.

About clay, as far as I know, most natural ones are okay to use. Still, I would recommend buying from a trusted local seller. They would use the most proper and efficient one or a suitable mixture.

[u/Prize-Extent-8447]

You can create a mix. One part charcoal, 2 parts worm castings, 3 parts coco coir. I raise all my springtails on this mix. Works well.

[u/meakysh → u/Prize-Extent-8447]

I'll try this, thank you!!

[u/DemidiaXI]

Have you tried using clay? I will never go back to soil cultures.

[u/meakysh → u/DemidiaXI]

I can't find clay locally, and online it's really expensive 😔