5 replies to this topic

[Minadin]

Hi. So I was making a Christmas list for the wife and I saw the gel ant farms on Amazon and thought I would add it to my list. Since having ants was always something I wanted I started researching to find out I was going about it the wrong way.

 

So I found my way to various sites and read everything I could find from feeding to care to formicarium construction. It seems however there is so few that are interested in this hobby. I had a short stint of beekeeping and kept 1 hive when I was much younger. I also have had multiple freshwater and saltwater aquariums. Antkeeping seems to be so much less work so I think I have found a new hobby. I have the patience for it as I also raise bromeliad and have propagated corals.

 

Thanks for all the knowledge. It seems there is so little out there.

[Da_NewAntOnTheBlock]

        Gel nests are not recommended because they can contain dangerous chemicals for your ant colony, and ants need a varying diet. Most ant keepers (and believe it or not there is a plethora of us, just hidden in plain sight), use grout, Y-tong/ AAC, hydrostone, or Plaster of Paris to make nests. You can read drtmiller's article on why he stopped byformic blue, and why you shouldn't use gel nests. 

  

         On, a side note, I used to have family in the aquatics business so maybe I could help you out with ant questions over a PM? Think about, and PM if you're interested. 

[AntsDakota]

Small colonies are usually started in test tubes.

[Ferox_Formicae]

Welcome to the hobby! I'm from South Carolina too, so if you ever need any help, I'm here.

[ANTdrew]

Welcome and good luck! There’s a lot of fascinating stuff to learn on here.

[Manitobant]

Don't use gel farms. Instead use professional formicariums like those made by tar heel ants: https://tarheelants.com

Edited by Manitobant, November 10 2019 - 5:04 PM.