Leftover Substrate

[Daniel J. R.]

So I just got a pound of substrate from bugsincyberspace and I read the bag will last my larvae to adulthood.

Considering that you need to change substrate every several months, what should I do with leftover substrate that I can use for later? I've heard some people freeze it, but should I store it in a different fashion?

 

[Daniel J. R.]

Never mind, apparently I overestimated how much a pound of it was and managed to use all of it in one go. XD I guess this means I should look into grabbing some more in the near future.

Even so, the larvae are loving it so far and digging almost excitingly. I was surprised how quickly Peter had sent it, considering I'm over in MD.

 

[Daniel J. R.]

So after putting the new pound of fresh substrate in mixed with the substrate the two larvae came with, I got my tank nearly full. I understand you should change it every couple months or if the frass levels become too heavy, but would anyone possibly have an idea how long this much substrate may last them for? (pictures below) I also just gave them a small batch of dry dog food and they got a bit more active once they found it.

 

[Shade of Eclipse]

Judging by the size of the larva and the yellowish coloration, it should be enough substrate or more than it will need before it pupates--assuming that's one of the North American species of Dynastes.

 

[Daniel J. R.]

Judging by the size of the larva and the yellowish coloration, it should be enough substrate or more than it will need before it pupates--assuming that's one of the North American species of Dynastes.

Yeah it has two Dynastes Tityus larvae in it. I'm still gonna check their sex but I believe they're both male and female. I did notice they were getting yellow in color and quite large too. The seller told me they should be adults by the near end of the year.