6 replies to this topic

[Psythe]

Hey guys question about temperature, I am planning on keeping my ants in a non-air conditioned room and was wondering if this was an okay idea. The room I was planning on keeping them in will probably be mid to high 80s during summer and high 30s/40s in winter. Will room be okay? I will have the ability to kind of regulate the temperature a little bit with the air conditioning/heat from the house. But figured this way they could hibernate with the natural temperatures outside and such without me needing to purchase a refrigerator. The species I have are C. pennsylvanicus. any suggestions/help is appreciated. Thanks.

[Acutus]

Temperatures sound about right. Except I wouldn't allow much above 85. I've never hibernated yet but the temps you are projecting are in the refrigerator range so I don't see why it wouldn't work. I'm thinking of doing something similar with the hibernation portion.

[Psythe]

Thanks. Suppose I’ll give it ago and see how it is.

[ANTdrew]

That sounds pretty much ideal to me. I think lack of natural warmth is one of the main culprits when it comes to colonies struggling.

[Psythe]

Excellent. So far the 3 queens with eggs are doing great. Thanks for the replies.

[drtrmiller]

The issue with these drastic temperature changes is that a proper test tube or formicarium setup will have very high humidity.

 

When the temperature decreases, you may get massive amounts of condensation because warm air can hold more moisture than cool air.  Condensation buildup in tightly confined spaces like test tubes can be deadly.

 

I recommend a smaller, temperature controlled room or space that is kept on the warmer side, like a small closet or bathroom with a space heater.

Edited by drtrmiller, June 22 2019 - 3:30 PM.

[Psythe]

Thanks, that makes a lot of sense. I can do that. Have plenty of small closets around the house that could be used.