3 replies to this topic

[JJHunter]

I am useing a general use potting soil to make a formicarium and there is little pellets that are filled with fertilizer that help the plants grow. I am wondering if that will harm the ants?

Thank you
JJHunter

[AntsAreUs]

I generally hate using potting soil for anything. I like to make my own soil for my ants specifically. Potting soil can mold very easily. The only way to prevent this is to get a sizable springtail population in with it.

Edited by AntsAreUs, July 24 2018 - 7:40 PM.

[DaveJay]

I am useing a general use potting soil to make a formicarium and there is little pellets that are filled with fertilizer that help the plants grow. I am wondering if that will harm the ants?

Thank you
JJHunter

In all animal husbandry potting mix with slow release fertiliser pellets is avoided, mostly they are nitrogen which can be toxic in large doses but obviously ants are not going to swallow them whole. The fertiliser will leach out into the soil each time it is moistened, what effect that would have I don't really know.
In short everyone avoids potting mix with added fertiliser but I don't think there's concrete proof that it is harmful. The fertiliser will be food for mould, algae and fungi that's for sure though, I'd avoid it myself just for that reason alone.
It also grows mould and fungi because it is not fully composted when you buy it.
Wherever I need soil I use a mix of coco/coir peat and sand, which is a basic seed raising mix really. You'll often hear that coco/coir peat is prone to mould but this is due to a lack of ventilation in my experience.
In the Tarantula Forum American members often use cheap bagged top soil that has no added fertiliser but I can't find a comparable product here in Australia.
Personally I think a coco peat/sand mix is the best option.

[Martialis]

It will be fine if you use it in a planted terrarium.

 

I have two of these and both of them have insects in them. The fertilizer hasn't effected them.