Are blackworms safe for rays?

[CrAzYNeSs]

I have seen other members in the past mention how blackworms should be phased out of their the rays diets due to potential parasites.

I've been growing more and more suspicious about the safety of these worms. I source them directly from CA Blackworms and they claim that they are parasite free, but it still makes me wonder. On many occasions, you can find 'harmless' worm eating leeches in them.

From the people who actually feed your ray(s) blackworms, what are your thoughts?

Thanks!

Best,

 

[keepinfish]

IMO if your ray will eat earthworms, then why waste your money and the (slight risk) of parasites from BLK worms...??

 

[CrAzYNeSs]

So its only a slight risk?

 

[wheresalbany]

I raise my own blackworms at home so there's no risk for parasites
Plus I have a never ending supply. It's the way to go.

 

[CrAzYNeSs]

I raise my own blackworms at home so there's no risk for parasites
Plus I have a never ending supply. It's the way to go.

What setup do you have? I was thinking about doing it in a 10G w/ a sponge filter. Thanks!

 

[ShadowStryder]

Have never used blackworms. All my rays have started on either Crawlers or Pan/Trout Worms.

 

[Mr Pleco]

I'm curious myself , do blckwrms pose a possible parasite ,
disease source.?..btw what are those flat white worms in with the blckwrms is? I heard leeches have been found in some shipments.

 

[vamptrev]

i had a parasite introduced through blackworms. (as far as we know)

i will get a pic of the little bugger later tonight.

my smallest pups start eating chopped earthworms 2 days after being born. i think blackworms are a waste of money unless u are having trouble getting a smaller ray eating.

 

[keepinfish]

Have never used blackworms. All my rays have started on either Crawlers or Pan/Trout Worms.

i had a parasite introduced through blackworms. (as far as we know)

i will get a pic of the little bugger later tonight.

my smallest pups start eating chopped earthworms 2 days after being born. i think blackworms are a waste of money unless u are having trouble getting a smaller ray eating.

i agree

 

[flamenco-t]

I use blackworms to get small young rays to start eating. I get them on blackworms and let them gain some weight.

Then I started to soak small pieces of market shrimp or krill in the worm keeper and I started to introduced the shrimp to the young rays. They smell of balckworm entice their appetite and about 8/10 start to take it the first few times. Once they're on shrimp or smelt, I am off any worms other than nightcrawlers for occasional treat.

stan