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Sphagnum Moss Question


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#1 Offline Trythis22 - Posted February 24 2019 - 4:41 PM

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Long time no see everyone. 

 

I lost my password so I've just been browsing around as anonymous for several months now, not as much activity here as the summertime. The pass has been reset it now so hopefully I'll be more motivated to post things. 

 

Anyways wanted to run this idea by everyone here: I'm planning on covering sphagnum moss with gardening fabric, embedding it on the lowermost floor of a 5 story formicarium with epoxy resin and running a watering tube into the moss. I will partially block the end of the tube with moss to prevent immediate flooding. The moss will sit in a bowl-shaped mould of grout to capture excess water not retained by the moss. Are there any problems with this method of humidification that I'm missing? 

 

Extra info:

 

- I have Tetramorium Immigrans ants. I have sufficient evidence they perform best at a constant 99% RH. Condensation droplets have no noticeable effect on them. 

- Gardening fabric is a breathable material that is usually spread on the ground before landscaping to prevent weeds from growing, although this is a temporary measure.

- This is a custom-built lightweight formicarium with 1/16" thick balsawood floors covered with epoxy resin for waterproofing and strength. Structural members are basswood reinforced with chopped strand (fiberglass). Removable glass walls. 

- It sits on sand heated from below inside a fireproof insulated box. So the idea is that the moisture rises with the heat and spreads it to every floor. Lowest level is 95 degrees F. 

 

Questions:

 

- I do not have experience with any species of moss. Do they need sunlight? Does it lose its water-retaining properties if not replaced periodically? It is not supposed to be in contact with the ants provided they do not chew through the fabric. Will the moss ever grow and explode out of the fabric?

- How much water does this moss actually hold anyway? For how long? 

- What is the lifespan of this moss? I bought it at a pet store. For all reptiles, amphibians, arachnids, hermit crabs. 

- I need moisture to spread to every floor, since the idea is to provide a lot of space for growth. Is one moss "pillow" on the lowermost level sufficient for this, or should I place another one on the opposite side on another floor? 

 

Thanks in advance. 



#2 Offline Rstheant - Posted February 24 2019 - 6:43 PM

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The only issues I see is the moss may mold or come to life. Did the package say the moss was sterilized? I’m following up on this. You could also try a sponge. The forum administrator, dspdrew did a experiment on this. I think it was like 23.5 grams of water through wick action.

#3 Online ANTdrew - Posted February 25 2019 - 5:52 AM

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http://www.formicult...e-3#entry108951Welcome back! I was wondering where you'd been. How are your Tetras doing?

You can follow my experience with sphagnum moss here:

 

I ended up having to swap it out for a sponge. After only four days it started to stink and rot. I had the added issue of ants finding their into the hydration chambers. I would advise against using moss. Also, make sure there is NO way for them to get into the hydration chamber because they will make a bee-line for it. Please post pictures of your work when it's done.


"The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer." Prov. 30:25
Keep ordinary ants in extraordinary ways.

#4 Offline Rstheant - Posted February 25 2019 - 3:43 PM

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Just use a sponge, PVA holds the most water, or just use sand. I think it is better because the ants can’t get into it, and won’t be able to take pieces out to plaster the glass with.

#5 Offline Trythis22 - Posted February 25 2019 - 6:15 PM

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Thank you for your replies. 

 

Rstheant, the moss is sterilized. I'm not exactly sure what that entails, clarification would be helpful. The package is an even mixture of both green and brown bits. I've used PVA before and it's completely amazing; just wanted to try deviating from the path a little. It just sounds like it's a bit more hassle than it's worth? 

 

ANTdrew, thanks for the welcome back. My colonies are doing good, unfortunately I cannot keep up with them. So much for "next-level anting". I am seeing similar explosive growth rates as you have with your colonies - they seem to settle in the 92 degrees F and 99% RH zones if given the choice, although if you force them to inhabit 95 degrees F, 99% RH they will simply increase production, movement speed, etc. without suffering negative consequences, at least not that I can see for the past 6 months. They also eat a lot of meat. I love the fact you can simply neglect them for weeks at a time and still have the colony thrive. The queen simply matches her egg-laying rate with the amount of food available. They are so resilient and successful I cannot help but respect the entire species.

 

Anyways, you know what that's like. I appreciate the moss advice. Guess I'll return it and swap in the PVA. I'll share some pics once I finish the first model, probably Saturday when I have time to work on it? Thanks again. 


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#6 Offline Rstheant - Posted February 25 2019 - 6:19 PM

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The moss should be sterilized so it does not come back to life with the humidity and heat.

#7 Offline anttics - Posted March 15 2019 - 8:58 AM

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Damn. I did not know that moss had to be sterilized. I used moss in my fragilis terrarium. I do have a colony of spring tales. Living in the moss. I'm glad nothing happen. Its been More than 3 months with no weird smells or mass deads.

#8 Offline Maculata - Posted May 7 2019 - 7:35 PM

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Sphagnum Moss comes in many forms and grades.  For orchids, the very clean light tan moss seems to not decompose or mold for a very long time (years) even when wet.  Try a greenhouse supply for orchids, particularly Vandas and the like.  The best Sphagnum is very light straw color.  Other darker, ground, or green-brown seems to decompose faster and may have other vegetation / dirt in it.  I think that sterilized is only a temporary solution for decomposition but is good practice from the prevention of importing bugs and pathogens point of view.   You can also get live Sphagnum - but I have not tried to keep the stuff -- maybe the poison dart folks would know.  






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