26 replies to this topic

[Swirlysnowflake]

What’s the best founding setup for Pogonomyrmex subdentatus, and what is the ideal heating method? (Heat lamp, heat mat). Should the temps be around 90-95 degrees, that’s what I’ve read.

Oh, also, do the nests still have to be heated once the colony has got many workers? Or is the heating just needed for the founding stage.

Another question, what's the best protein source? Are crickets fine?

Thanks in advance for any help

Edited by Swirlysnowflake, December 7 2020 - 9:50 AM.

[Ants_Dakota]

heating pads work great, i have seen. i mean, both could work if you use them correctly.

[Swirlysnowflake]

heating pads work great, i have seen. i mean, both could work if you use them correctly.

Great! I have like 10 heating pads, I have no idea why. I think I just bought a bunch from a reptile expo last year. Anyways, what is the best wattage?

[Ants_Dakota]

 

heating pads work great, i have seen. i mean, both could work if you use them correctly.

Great! I have like 10 heating pads, I have no idea why. I think I just bought a bunch from a reptile expo last year. Anyways, what is the best wattage?

 

8w i hear. 10 heating pads? that is awesome! i am trying to buy 1 right now!

[Swirlysnowflake]

Hmm I'll see if I've got an 8w one. Do I place the test tube in a box or something, with the heat mat off to the side? (So it's not directly under the test tube, but creates ambient heat inside the box?)

Also, will a tubs and tubes work fine? Or do they need a mini hearth?

[Devi]

I have a 4 watt one that works great.  I would stay away from anything more tbh. You might cook your ants. 

[Swirlysnowflake]

I have a 4 watt one that works great.  I would stay away from anything more tbh. You might cook your ants. 

Oh, I'm pretty sure I only have 8w and 16w ones. Has anyone had any negative experiences using an 8w?

[Swirlysnowflake]

I have a 4 watt one that works great.  I would stay away from anything more tbh. You might cook your ants. 

How do you use it? Do you place the test tube on top of the mat? Or just near it?

[Ants_Dakota]

Hmm I'll see if I've got an 8w one. Do I place the test tube in a box or something, with the heat mat off to the side? (So it's not directly under the test tube, but creates ambient heat inside the box?)

Also, will a tubs and tubes work fine? Or do they need a mini hearth?

yes, i would put something between the test tube and the heating mat. as devi said, you could fry the ants.

i use a cloth, but you could use something else, if you wanted.

[Devi]

Very important though, you need to make a thermogradient, similar to those made in reptile enclosures.  Only heat one side of the formicarium so the ants have a choice for hot or cold areas. 

[Queen]

What’s the best founding setup for Pogonomyrmex subdentatus, and what is the ideal heating method? (Heat lamp, heat mat). Should the temps be around 90-95 degrees, that’s what I’ve read.

Oh, also, do the nests still have to be heated once the colony has got many workers? Or is the heating just needed for the founding stage.

Another question, what's the best protein source? Are crickets fine?

Thanks in advance for any help

 

If they are any similar to taking care of P. californicus:

 

1) I use THA Mini Hearth XL

2) I use a reptile heating cable with dimmer. I go by feel though, not wattage. As long as the cable is just warm to touch and not hot.

 

Dimmer:

https://www.amazon.c...uct/B0000BYEF6/

 

3) I've always provided heat, recently started it again even when its winter. I have the dimmer a bit higher during day and lower during night (try to copy desert temps)

4) I believe my colony gets most of its protein from seeds, but haven't given my colony crickets yet. Couple times a week I give them fruit flies and dubia roaches, they seem to love those very much.

[Swirlysnowflake]

Just looked for the heat mats, I have a ton of 8w and one new (still in its package lol) 4w. Can this be used to heat Veromessor pergandei as well?

[Queen]

Just looked for the heat mats, I have a ton of 8w and one new (still in its package lol) 4w. Can this be used to heat Veromessor pergandei as well?

 

I use my same heating method for my V. perdangei in the same set up as well. Don't see why a heating mat won't.

[Queen]

Am using heatpads for my founding subdents at 90f. Am using HomeMade tubs and tubes for my Pogonomyrmex. I heat first winter and take off every other winter. 
OH also, you don't need a minihearth you can do a  v2 or v3 for them as they stay pretty small. Mini hearths are best if you wanna get something that will hold them for longer.

 

Is there a reason why you do first winter and take off every other winter? promote growth first year or restrict growth future years?

Edited by Queen, December 7 2020 - 11:57 AM.

[B_rad0806]

Am using heatpads for my founding subdents at 90f. Am using HomeMade tubs and tubes for my Pogonomyrmex. I heat first winter and take off every other winter. 
OH also, you don't need a minihearth you can do a  v2 or v3 for them as they stay pretty small. Mini hearths are best if you wanna get something that will hold them for longer.

Strick they don't know what a v2 or v3 is haha

[Swirlysnowflake]

 

Am using heatpads for my founding subdents at 90f. Am using HomeMade tubs and tubes for my Pogonomyrmex. I heat first winter and take off every other winter. 
OH also, you don't need a minihearth you can do a  v2 or v3 for them as they stay pretty small. Mini hearths are best if you wanna get something that will hold them for longer.

Strick they don't know what a v2 or v3 is haha

 

Hmm, let me guess. Nurbs setup v2 or v3? idk

[Ants_Dakota]

 

 

Am using heatpads for my founding subdents at 90f. Am using HomeMade tubs and tubes for my Pogonomyrmex. I heat first winter and take off every other winter. 
OH also, you don't need a minihearth you can do a  v2 or v3 for them as they stay pretty small. Mini hearths are best if you wanna get something that will hold them for longer.

Strick they don't know what a v2 or v3 is haha

 

Hmm, let me guess. Nurbs setup v2 or v3? idk

 

that's right.

[KitsAntVa]

Swirly is buying all the ants this year.