Re: Gas/Water Permeability of Plastic Containers
Jian Yang,
I did a check on all the containers in use and beneath every container, next to the 'recycling symbol', is stamped 05 (zero five) and PP (Polypropylene) but I'm maintaining too many cultures to reliably rely on permeability claims from the manufacturor.
IMHO, while it may be ok for a starter culture with few worms, the gaseous exchange is inadequate for the needs of a thriving culture.
That said, to minimize culture crashing due to suffocation and to reduce the 'breathing sessions' (ie. opening the cultures' lids), I've taken to making 'breathing windows' and applying a thin film of breathable material to seal this window from mites and ants.
The 2-week trial with 3M's 'Micropore' surgical tape and Smith+Nephew's 'Opsite Flexigrid' has been encouraging and I may convert or add windows, to all my current culture containers. YMMV, of course.
BTW, Malcolm, I'm glad you're still with us (will catch up with you on the home brew... I'm toying with the idea of buying a Coopers Micro Brew Kit and yes, I prefer a darker brew :wink: ).
I'm back & keeping 'em fingers wet,
Ronnie Lee
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