Jump to content

  • Chat
  •  
  •  

Welcome to Formiculture.com!

This is a website for anyone interested in Myrmecology and all aspects of finding, keeping, and studying ants. The site and forum are free to use. Register now to gain access to all of our features. Once registered and logged in, you will be able to create topics, post replies to existing threads, give reputation points to your fellow members, get your own private messenger, post status updates, manage your profile and so much more. If you already have an account, login here - otherwise create an account for free today!

Photo

Should I buy these Chinese formicariums?


  • Please log in to reply
48 replies to this topic

#41 Offline William. T - Posted March 12 2015 - 6:50 PM

William. T

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 725 posts
  • LocationWestern Maryland

Update on my search: I have just found a well rated seller who has offered this: http://item.taobao.c...ucket=15#detail

 

The best part about this is that it has a layered flooring to absorb any formic acid. The chambers are closeable. If I have a small colony, I will seal some parts off. Since my target is Camponotus, this is ideal, as I like acrylic formicariums. Any thoughts? This is on my shopping list. This guy seems very knowledgeable.


Species I keep:

 

1 Lasius cf. Neoniger 30 workers

1 Camponotus sp. 15 workers

20 Tetramorium SpE 30 workers

1 T. Sessile 200 workers

 


#42 Offline drtrmiller - Posted March 12 2015 - 11:47 PM

drtrmiller

    Vendor

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 2,714 posts

What does it say the floor is made of?

 

The design is similar in some ways to the one I'm working on debuting in a few days.  One thing I really don't like is the stairs that lead to the foraging area, because many ants are poor climbers, and even ones that aren't may have problems transporting garbage back up the stairs once it makes its way into the nest.

 

I also found it amusing that they had a heat pad under the nest, but there was no condensation forming on top.




byFormica® is the manufacturer of the iconic nectar feeders and Sunburst Ant Nectar.
byFormica ant products always deliver consistent performance, convenience,
and reliability, making them among the most beloved ant foods and kit enjoyed by
ant keeping enthusiasts worldwide. For more information, visit www.byFormica.com.

#43 Offline William. T - Posted March 13 2015 - 11:34 AM

William. T

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 725 posts
  • LocationWestern Maryland

Sorry, Dr. Miller. I thought it had wood layering on the bottom. Either way, I can just add coconut fiber to the formicarium to absorb any formic acid. I'm looking forward to your new formicarium, Dr. Miller. Can you give me some more details?


Species I keep:

 

1 Lasius cf. Neoniger 30 workers

1 Camponotus sp. 15 workers

20 Tetramorium SpE 30 workers

1 T. Sessile 200 workers

 


#44 Offline Foogoo - Posted March 15 2015 - 7:04 PM

Foogoo

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 1,161 posts
  • LocationLos Angeles, CA

Has anyone looked into the mold-seceptibility of coconut coir? I just realized it would be a perfect substrate, assuming it doesn't mold easily since it holds moisture well.


Camponotus vicinus, Crematogaster 1, Crematogaster 2, Formica francoeuri, *, *, Myrmecocystus testaceus, Novomessor cockerelli, Pheidole hyatti, Pogonomyrmex californicus, Pogonomyrmex rugosus, Solenopsis invicta


#45 Offline kellakk - Posted March 15 2015 - 9:20 PM

kellakk

    Advanced Member

  • Moderators
  • PipPipPip
  • 603 posts
  • LocationSouthern California

Coconut coir does mold, but only if there's something for the mold to eat.  This is true for most substrates that you could use though.


Current Species:
Camponotus fragilis

Novomessor cockerelli

Pogonomyrmex montanus

Pogonomyrmex rugosus

Manica bradleyi

 

 


#46 Offline Foogoo - Posted March 16 2015 - 8:12 AM

Foogoo

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 1,161 posts
  • LocationLos Angeles, CA

Coconut coir does mold, but only if there's something for the mold to eat.  This is true for most substrates that you could use though.

 

Good point as sand/grout has the capability to mold as well. I wonder how coir compares to traditional substrates. Maybe that'll be an interesting experiment to try after I'm tired of playing with agar...

 

Edit: I also wanted to add that I have ordered two Chinese formicariums (from aliexpress since I can't read the OP's links!). I don't have the links at the moment but one was a large acrylic nest with foraging box and the second was a small Omni-lookalike. I don't intend on buying these regularly, I just want to see how the quality and build compares.


Edited by Foogoo, March 16 2015 - 8:15 AM.

Camponotus vicinus, Crematogaster 1, Crematogaster 2, Formica francoeuri, *, *, Myrmecocystus testaceus, Novomessor cockerelli, Pheidole hyatti, Pogonomyrmex californicus, Pogonomyrmex rugosus, Solenopsis invicta


#47 Offline William. T - Posted March 16 2015 - 11:49 AM

William. T

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 725 posts
  • LocationWestern Maryland

 Coconut fiber does not mold easily, especially if other substrates are mixed in with it. In my terrarium I have a bioactive substrate of sand, coconut fiber, and all organic potting soil. Even is my crab drags around a dead guppy (for treats), I just find a skeleton. A pure skeleton. No mold, just a skeleton. There has never been a single smell. My substrate is mostly coco fiber, and even though my terrariums very humid,  there is never mold.


Species I keep:

 

1 Lasius cf. Neoniger 30 workers

1 Camponotus sp. 15 workers

20 Tetramorium SpE 30 workers

1 T. Sessile 200 workers

 


#48 Offline bbulkows - Posted April 3 2015 - 1:22 AM

bbulkows

    Newbie

  • Members
  • Pip
  • 4 posts

Buying off Taobao usually requires an agent, like bhiner. There's an agent fee plus shipping which is usually around $50.

This is why people usually buy a "haul" of items, to make the shipping cost worth while. 



#49 Offline William. T - Posted April 3 2015 - 1:43 PM

William. T

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 725 posts
  • LocationWestern Maryland

I have friends coming over. That's how my parents get things over to America.


Species I keep:

 

1 Lasius cf. Neoniger 30 workers

1 Camponotus sp. 15 workers

20 Tetramorium SpE 30 workers

1 T. Sessile 200 workers

 





1 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 1 guests, 0 anonymous users