12 replies to this topic

[Temperateants]

Hi all,

Awhile back, I believe AntDrew, told me that Crematogaster is very sensitive, and requires an outworld. I don't want to have to worry about ants escaping a vertical wall of a container, so I am thinking about using an AC test tube portal. So, I have a few questions:

• How squirmy are Crematogaster? How much do they try to bite through things, and do they like squeezing through places?
• Is the AC test tube portal suitable, and what modifications do I have to do with it to make it more suitable?

Thanks

[ANTdrew]

Crematogaster aren’t very squirmy ants, really. They are hell-bent on escaping by nature, though. I wouldn’t worry too much about them chewing through things, but their climbing ability is legendary. I think the AC test tube portal should be great for early on. Just bear in mind that their numbers grow really fast, so they’ll need an upgrade soon.

[Temperateants]

Ok. Thanks!

[Acutus]

Honestly the Test Tube AC thing has been extremely difficult with my Crematogaster. (or any small ant for that matter) I think the escape thing is part of the reason I don't personally do well with smaller ants.

When some Camponotus escape I just pick them up and place them back. The tiny ants it's harder to do that.

 

The AC Portal problem is if you open the top to put in food or to clean there is a very short distance for an ant to travel before it's out! I think if I did it all over again. I'd want the test tube in a larger out-world where I have time and space to do maintenance. IE If you are worried about them climbing the sides of a larger container. Think how much easier it is to climb such a short one.

[ANTdrew]

Ok, after you explain it like that, DEFINITELY don’t use this portal. Cremas will shoot out of there quicker than Mikey B going to the bank with the money you paid for it. Tubs and tubes is perfect; just make a tub they can’t get out of.

Edited by ANTdrew, February 21 2020 - 1:35 PM.

[Temperateants]

Thanks for the warning, I saw that the AC shop website wasn't secure anyway. Is there a way I can feed them inside the tube without stressing them out? Like covering the area with the queen while feeding them? I didn't really have good luck or experiences with tubs and tubes with smaller species.

[Acutus]

Thanks for the warning, I saw that the AC shop website wasn't secure anyway. Is there a way I can feed them inside the tube without stressing them out? Like covering the area with the queen while feeding them? I didn't really have good luck or experiences with tubs and tubes with smaller species.

 

Problem I've always had with just the tube is there just isn't enough room. If you put food (insects or sweets) there's a risk of mold and all then you have to phisically move the entire nest to a new tube.

Tar Heels Ants has a system for Test Tubes called Genesis. It looks really nice but I have never used it. 

 

There are two inserts but even if you don't want or like the first. The food tray idea would work well.

 

Heres a video link

Edited by Acutus, February 22 2020 - 7:49 AM.

[Temperateants]

Looks good! Thanks!

[ANTdrew]

I don’t recommend feeding colonies in a test tube long term, especially small, fast-growing species. It’s stressful for everybody involved.

[AntsDakota]

It can be easier with small, shy colonies that don't feel apt to exploring an outworld right away, yet once the colony gets large, then yes, feeding can be very challenging. My strategy with feeding small colonies is to give them a full sized outworld, but feed them close to their nest, so they don't have to get too far away from their nest until the colony grows larger.

[Acutus]

I don’t recommend feeding colonies in a test tube long term, especially small, fast-growing species. It’s stressful for everybody involved.

 

Definitely agree!! Especially for the damn keeper!! LOL but for a smallish or strting colony I can see this as being a little less traumatic and quicker. especially if you have extra food trays. And the OP seems very against tubs and Tube setups.

Edited by Acutus, February 22 2020 - 9:32 PM.

[Temperateants]

Yeah, I've have pretty negative experiences with tubs and tubes setups. 

[ANTdrew]

How so? Can you elaborate?