5 replies to this topic

[PDuncan67]

Would a water setup like this work? 

 

I ordered the blue sponge? (PVC?) just to see what it was like but I am not real keen on my setup.

I am really worried that the entire volume of water could flood the outworld.

I have been watching this for an hour.  Not a single drip.

 

more importantly, will this provide my ants a water source or is this more for hydration?

 

Anyway how do you feel about these blue sponge things and my setup in particular.
Those holes on top are/were intended for ventilation, but I remembered i had some of those white grommet parts.

I am not opposed to changing anything you see here, so any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

If it matters, I am building this outworld for my Camponotus floridanus colony.  They have grown to the point where feeding them in my knockoff THA mini-hearth has become a challenge.

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Edited by PDuncan67, April 12 2024 - 2:15 PM.

[Flu1d]

The only thing that worries me is that this is for C. floridanus. They can be fairly destructive and I can't shake the feeling that they would attempt to tear at the sponge to get at more water.. however, that may not happen and could just be me overthinking it.

I would maybe do half or even 1/4th the amount of water and try that for several weeks (you would have to refill more often, but it would prevent a larger flood) and see how they handle it. Then, I believe, you could make a more educated decision on whether it's a good idea to give them water in this way.

Edited by Flu1d, April 13 2024 - 5:45 AM.

[rptraut]

Hello PDuncan67;

I’ve used a similar setup to water a Camponotus colony, I used a small bottle with a sponge stopper and had no problems. Right now I’m watering two colonies with test tubes and cotton stoppers mounted vertically, again no problems. I would caution against using a partially filled tube as they seem more likely to lose their seal and flood. I always put in a full tube and replace it when it’s 3/4 empty.
RPT

[Mushu]

Very good idea functionality wise for less refilling of water without taking up outworld ground area.

 

I've thought about using a test tube like this for water before but would always have anxiety of flooding. I'd feel safer with a L shaped tube. 

 

 

Something like this

https://www.amazon.c...B0BLCWV5B1&th=1

Edited by Mushu, April 14 2024 - 2:41 AM.

[futurebird]

I think this could work great as long as they don't find a way to drain it. I use the blue sponges and they are OK. I almost like the cotton better since if the blue sponge isn't positioned correctly it can leak. 

 

Really I think this is great and worth trying and let us know how it goes. I may do this myself. It solves many problems such as ants putting sand in the feeder and ants trying to live in the feeder etc. LOL they are so ... comprehensive. Anything an ant could try they will try it. 

[Zenith]

Just place another cotton ball beneath the sponge.