First at all in your opinion, what are the prices of fermented substrates currently sold on the US market?Â
And what do you think when you see the price?
It's terribly expensive, right?
In this post, I think it would be good to learn how to make a fermented substrate and why the fermented substrate is so expensive.
So, there are many ways to make fermented substrate at home.
You can just use a simply plastic storage boxes, large sack, Japanese kitchen garbage processor, or a Compost Tumbler.
First, I will explain how to make a fermented substrate using the most easily accessible plastic storage boxes.
In general, the size of plastic storage boxes used to contain fermented substrates ranges from at least 5 to 15 gallons.
Once the box is ready, you need find supplies to create the fermented substrate.
The most basic fermented substrate materials are oak wood pellets (you can use other hard wood, but I recommend oak), wheat bran, glucose, and active dry yeast.
Of course, lots of sellers, including myself, add many more additives.
But unfortunately, it is the result of a lot of experimentation and investment of time. So, sadly it is a kind of secret.
But I promise you that you can make a good enough fermented substrate from these basic materials without any additional additives.
The first thing to do is to dissolve the pellet with water.
You can use cold water, but if you use warm water, the pellets will dissolve into sawdust more quickly.
🚩 Be careful not to add too much water.
Add water little by little and watch the pellet expand.
If you already added too much water, squeeze the water out and leave it to dry outdoors.
When the substrate is ready, it's time to add the additional materials.
🚩 Everything is added in proportions based on the substrate.
The amount of wheat bran to be added based on the substrate is 10-15%.
This means if the substrate is 10 qt, adding 1 to 1.5 qt of wheat bran.
📌 Wheat bran or wheat flour adds 10-15% of the substrate.
📌 Glucose adds 5% of the substrate.
📌 Active dry yeast adds 0.2% of the substrate.
You can also use wheat flour instead of wheat bran.
however, I don't like the smell that comes from fermenting with flour.
It's your choice.
🚩 The ideal moisture content of the fermented substrate is around 60%.
This means that when you squeeze the substrate tightly with your hand, the substrate will keep in shape, but water should not flow out.
Since this is very sensory thing, so it may require experience.
If the moisture content is too high, the substrate will rot without fermentation.
Likewise, if the moisture content is too low, fermentation will not proceed.
Mix the substrate thoroughly and close the lid for fermentation.
🚩 If there is too much ventilation in the box, substrate will dry out.
I usually drill holes in the lid and attach a breathable seal or cover with fabric.
Store the substrate at a temperature above 80°F, away from UV rays.
🚩 The substrate is preferably stored at room temperature for rapid fermentation. If the temperature is too low, fermentation will not proceed.
I use pet heating pads in the winter.
If the substrate's moisture and temperature are appropriate, the internal temperature begins to rise.
🚩 The temperature rise begins after about two days, with the internal temperature rising above 150°F and the outside temperature rising above 95°F.
🚩 If there is no heat at all, it means fermentation is not progressing.
It's most likely a moisture issue.
If fermentation proceeds successfully, white mold will form on the surface of the substrate.
This white fungus is called 'Bacillus subtilis'.
It is an aerobic bacteria that prefers oxygen and heat that grows best at about 100°F.
They carry out the role of secreting protein enzymes.
🚩 If you see mold other than white, such as green, yellow, or black, I recommend discarding that substrate.
If it is visible on the surface, it is likely that the inside has been eroded as well.
Mix the substrate every 2-3 days to ensure air circulation.
🚩This will be quite annoying.
But if you ignore this work, water will accumulate at the bottom of the box and the substrate will rot.
We know that those who work hard always achieve good results.
After 2-3 weeks of fermentation, the substrate begins to cool, which means that fermentation is complete
After the substrate has completely cooled, ventilate for 3 to 7 days to remove the gas and use it for larvae or prepare for second fermentation.
🚩 The ideal pH concentration of the finished substrate is btw 7 to 8
If the pH concentration is less than 5, it is in an anaerobic fermentation state, which means aerobic fermentation does not proceed properly.
Conversely, if the pH is above 9, the alkalinity is too strong for the larvae to survive.
The second fermentation is carried out by adding water mixed with 10% wheat bran and 5% glucose.
Mixing glucose with water allows you to mix the substrate more easily and evenly.
The second fermentation also repeats the same process as the first fermentation.
For third fermentation, it is not necessary.
If you want to proceed, proceed with the same steps as the second fermentation.
🚩 Once the fermentation of the substrate is complete, never forget to vent the gases through air circulation for 3-7 days.
If you use it directly on larvae without removing the gas, the larvae may suffocate and die.
🚩 Always remember these three things:
1. Mixing the right amount of materials
2. Always maintain appropriate moisture of 60%
3. Mix the substrate once every 2-3 days.
4. remove the gas for 3-7 days before using it.
It's not much information, but I hope it will be a good experience for you.
Happy rearing!
Stag beetle larvae with first fermented substrate
Rhino & Flower beetle larvae with third fermented substrate
