10 replies to this topic

[AntLoverAdam]

 Hello! I have some more questions about ant keeping.

 

1. Can i use test tubes diameter 2.7cm and 170mm?

    (Can i use test tubes diameter 1.2cm and 100mm?

 

2.Also is a thin layer of loose sand ok in my outworld?

 

3. how big should tubing be for diameter in Mm or Cm?

 

 Please reply tysm!

[Kevin]

I recommend 16mm diameter tubes. 12mm is far to narrow for most queens.

[AntLoverAdam]

I recommend 16mm diameter tubes. 12mm is far to narrow for most queens.

Even for Lasius neoniger?

[Antsinmycloset]

As Kevin said, 16 is the unofficial standard. Some, myself included, use a larger (18-25mm, 20mm for me) tube for larger species. 12mm should work for Lasius neoniger, but I'd still recommend a 16 x 150mm tube. You'll come to appreciate the longer test tubes, I promise.

It depends on the species, but many would appreciate a very thin layer of sand in both the outworld and colony. They will use it to block off areas and help regulate humidity. Just don't go crazy.

Tubing size depends on your queen size and your test tubes. Make sure it's wide enough to allow the queen and/or multiple workers abreast to comfortably pass. Ideally, the tubing should be able to just slip in the test tubes, but be very careful if you have glass test tubes. They're not designed to withstand that type of stress and will break deceptively easy.

[Canadian anter]

HAHA I usually catch tiny tiny queens like temnothorax so most of my test tunes are 10mm. I do have larger test tunes reserved for larger species though

[LC3]

I believe most of my tubes are around 15 mm. It really depends on what kinds of ants you plan on keeping. I've never seen test tubes being used for raising queens smaller than 10mm (any smaller and you an practically use a straw) or larger than 30mm (Since most ants you will ever keep won't ever need something this large). 15mm - 18mm would be the middle ground. Smaller ants don't normally have any trouble being raised in large tubes but it's not ideal that you do that.

Edited by LC3, November 30 2016 - 6:16 PM.

[AntLoverAdam]

OK ty

HAHA I usually catch tiny tiny queens like temnothorax so most of my test tunes are 10mm. I do have larger test tunes reserved for larger species though

Haha

[AntLoverAdam]

As Kevin said, 16 is the unofficial standard. Some, myself included, use a larger (18-25mm, 20mm for me) tube for larger species. 12mm should work for Lasius neoniger, but I'd still recommend a 16 x 150mm tube. You'll come to appreciate the longer test tubes, I promise.

It depends on the species, but many would appreciate a very thin layer of sand in both the outworld and colony. They will use it to block off areas and help regulate humidity. Just don't go crazy.

Tubing size depends on your queen size and your test tubes. Make sure it's wide enough to allow the queen and/or multiple workers abreast to comfortably pass. Ideally, the tubing should be able to just slip in the test tubes, but be very careful if you have glass test tubes. They're not designed to withstand that type of stress and will break deceptively easy.

Thanks!!!

[Kevin]

I believe most of my tubes are around 1.5 mm. It really depends on what kinds of ants you plan on keeping. I've never seen test tubes being used for raising queens smaller than 10mm (any smaller and you an practically use a straw) or larger than 30mm (Since most ants you will ever keep won't ever need something this large). 15mm - 18mm would be the middle ground. Smaller ants don't normally have any trouble being raised in large tubes but it's not ideal that you do that.

I think you meant 1.5cm, I'm not sure a tetramorium worker would even be able to turn around let alone fit in a 1.5mm diameter tube.

[AntLoverAdam]

 

I believe most of my tubes are around 1.5 mm. It really depends on what kinds of ants you plan on keeping. I've never seen test tubes being used for raising queens smaller than 10mm (any smaller and you an practically use a straw) or larger than 30mm (Since most ants you will ever keep won't ever need something this large). 15mm - 18mm would be the middle ground. Smaller ants don't normally have any trouble being raised in large tubes but it's not ideal that you do that.

I think you meant 1.5cm, I'm not sure a tetramorium worker would even be able to turn around let alone fit in a 1.5mm diameter tube.

 

XD

[LC3]

 

I believe most of my tubes are around 1.5 mm. It really depends on what kinds of ants you plan on keeping. I've never seen test tubes being used for raising queens smaller than 10mm (any smaller and you an practically use a straw) or larger than 30mm (Since most ants you will ever keep won't ever need something this large). 15mm - 18mm would be the middle ground. Smaller ants don't normally have any trouble being raised in large tubes but it's not ideal that you do that.

I think you meant 1.5cm, I'm not sure a tetramorium worker would even be able to turn around let alone fit in a 1.5mm diameter tube.

 

Yup.