Oh yeah. Although that's from a Worm Inn which also breaths through the sides. I think just the fact it's a huge drain along with a breathable floor helps. Wet VC (wet anything) tends to compact more. So having an open bottom really helps keep things open and flowing. Not sure if it was compaction, lack of oxygen or gasses but I'd always get the pancake of mashed together paper in places in the bottom of the bin. Haven't found it an issue with open bottom.

I'm totally into good airflow after trying the system, been a lot more carefree with what and how I put stuff in. I've even done large amounts of home made bread that tends to heat up. But put it on the top and the heat doesn't move down, but you can feel it radiate through the top easily. Only negative tradeoff I can see is you have to water it a bit.

One thing that I don't really get about vermicomposting is the caveats/concerns about relatively small amounts of worm food heating up - when conventional compost folks say that you need something like 1 meter cubed of compost volume to get the desired heating?

Jim

Good point. The reason being is hot composting is really hot. Basiclally you're aiming for temps of 135��-160��F in that one cubit meter. A fraction of that will kill off your worms. I don't think there's that much risk with a little food that will heat up, but the warning is out there for folks who see a pile of grass clippings or fall leaves and think Ooo.. a bin full of worm food ;).

Their hot is 160.
Our hot is 100.