Are you familiar with nematodes? People don’t usually think about them, but they are pretty standard in terrariums. A nematode is a worm-like creature that feeds on plant roots. Is it wrong for terrariums to have nematodes? Are your terrariums safe? Here’s what we found out.
Are Nematodes Bad for Terrariums?
Nematodes are bad for terrariums. Nematodes feed on plant roots so that they can cause damage to plants. Plants will likely lose growth and die if they are damaged. Therefore, nematodes may negatively impact terrariums. A terrarium substrate may contain parasitic nematodes that can harm pests.
A nematode is a type of worm that can harm terrariums. The worms consume dead plant and animal matter, so if you have a terrarium with them, they will eat these resources and destroy your plants. Also, they release trophic eggs that can attack other living organisms.
In addition, nematodes can release contaminants into the water column that harm other fish and amphibians. Terrariums should not contain nematodes. Before adding any new plants to the tank, quarantine them for a few weeks.
Is There a Downside to Nematodes in Terrariums?
There are a few downsides to terrariums that you should be aware of. The following are some downsides to keeping nematodes in terrariums.
1. Damage to your terrarium plants
Firstly, nematodes can damage the plants in your terrarium. They feed on plant roots and may harm your plants if present. Additionally, nematodes can cause fungi to grow and spread, causing further damage to your plants.
2. Nematode discharges contaminants
Nematodes release pollutants into the water column of your aquarium when they expel eggs and feces. The other fish and amphibians in the tank are affected. It also causes gnats and springtails. Nematodes release parasites into the environment, putting aquatic life at risk.
3. Viruses spread to others:
Nematodes can spread diseases to other plants in your terrarium. The other plants in the tank could become ill and die if they are incompatible with nematodes.
However, nematodes can also provide proper nutrients to plants in terrariums. The following are some of the benefits of nematodes:
1. Itchy aphids
Nematodes can help control an aphid infestation by feeding on the pests. Having nematodes in your tank can help reduce the damage done by aphids.
2. Mite control
Additionally, nematode activity helps to control mites in your terrariums. Mites live on plants and cause significant damage to them over time. Nematodes can feed on mites, and other creatures in the tank can also consume their carcasses.
Are Nematodes Harmful to Plants in Terrariums?
Plants in terrariums are susceptible to nematodes. In terrariums, nematodes may cause harm to plants for several reasons. Plant roots can be damaged by nematodes, which feed on them.
When nematodes excrete their eggs and feces, they contaminate the water column. Other fish and amphibians in the tank will be adversely affected by this. Additionally, nematodes can cause terrariums to lose moisture.
There are times, however, when nematodes can be beneficial to plants. As nematodes feed on pest insects, they can reduce their plant damage. In addition, nematodes can reduce the amount of damage caused by mites in a tank.
Will Tiny Worms in Terrarium Kill Plants?
Terrarium worms are not always harmful. First of all, you should know what Tiny Worms are. They are known as “nematodes.” In soil and water, nematodes live as tiny worms. In addition to eating pests, they contribute to cleaning the environment around plants.
If nematodes are found in large numbers, or if the plant is stressed by other factors (water quality, temperature, light), they can also damage plant roots. However, tiny worms do not always kill plants in terrariums. Tiny worms can kill your plants in extreme cases if their numbers increase. Observe your terrariums and take appropriate measures to prevent worm infestations.
Can I Put Worms in My Terrarium?
You can put worms in an open terrarium because you can easily remove them if they grow so much. However, if you have a closed terrarium, you should not put worms in it. In closed terrariums, worms may enter the plants and damage them.
A terrarium is like a natural showpiece, so having worms in it does not look good either. Vivariums and aquariums with water are easy for worms to enter and damage plants. For those still interested in keeping worms in their terrariums, make sure you follow these steps:
1. Keep terrariums well-ventilated: Mucous clouds can quickly form in a terrarium when worms are present. Anoxic conditions (low oxygen) caused by mucus accumulation can kill plants. The expelled gases in a terrarium should not accumulate and suffocate your plants.
2. Maintain a clean substrate: Droppings from worms contain bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens that can infect plant roots if not disposed of properly. This creates a bad odor. To prevent potential damage, keep the substrate clean – especially around the worms.
3. Use a barrier: A suitable substrate and good ventilation are essential to keep worms in your terrarium. The substrate should be separated from the glass or plastic walls of your terrarium by some barrier (a layer of finned plant life works well).
4. Provide a moist condition: Water your worms sparingly while providing them with a moisture-rich environment. Having too much moisture will cause your plants to develop fungi and mold.
5. Keep baby worms away from adults: Do not let baby worms come into contact with adult worms in your terrarium. Their lives may be at risk if they become infected.
Final Words
To conclude, Nematodes are detrimental to terrariums because they produce clouds of mucous that suffocate plants. They carry bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens, and their droppings cause moisture problems. Protect the enclosure from moisture and critters and keep it moist, but don’t overwater.