5 replies to this topic

[Ernteameise]

So my new tarheel style nest (no idea from where it came, I got it used from another antkeeper) shows some condensation on the top glass.

I had on purpose NOT put the heat cable near the water tower, and still this condensation happened.

I think the reason is that we had a sudden return of winter after some real hot days, and my central heating is just not going full power anymore and so the temperature of my flat has cooled down.

I know that Acanthomyrmex comes from the rainforest and loves humidity, but this might be too much.

So I actually took one of the Tarheel nestmates from a different nest and fitted it into this used nest. I used bluetac to hold it in place.

 

I am not sure I did this right? The metal mesh screen is facing inwards and blocks the entrance to the nest. I left the top of the nestmate open to allow air flow.

Since this species is pretty timid, I do not expect chewed up plastic and escape attempts any time soon.

I also added some of the heat cable on top of the glass, maybe I can work against this when the glass is warmed up a bit?

 

I do not have any experience with this, so am I doing this right?

Thank your for any advice you can give.

 

 

 

[NancyZamora4991]

This might sound wrong but its true, if you put the heat cable right over the condensation it will go away.

[ReignofRage]

Typically a nestmate from THA is filled with water and plugged, which allows it to act as a water source for the ants to drink inside the nest. Using it as a vent is fine, but I would be concerned with the ants chewing through the bluetac. Another concern would be the nest drying out too much. To remedy the condensation, you can place a piece of aluminum foil over the top of the nest and heat cable.

[Ernteameise]

Well, a couple of hours later, and it is MUCH better, my measures seem to have helped.

I will keep a close eye on the humidity (I do not want them to dry out) nor do I want the majors to chew through the nestmate.

I just had the idea to use it like this because Mack from Tarheel ants suggests to use the nest mates like this in his FAQ and his Youtube video.

I am in luck- so far, none of the ants has shown any interest, they still sit huddled together like they have done since arrival.

I think these are just such chill ants, they are not out for world domination or uncontrolled exploration.

So I hope the situation is under control for the time being.

 

Thank you for your input!

[Full_Frontal_Yeti]

It is all about temperature control.

Condensation will form when the glass temperature is far enough off from the nest internal temperature.

And humidity levels in the nest influecne the rate/at what temp off set it begins to form.

 

 

In the image with the red cover it would take longer to pass the heat to the glass/potential to not pass enough.

 

the more surface area a sheet  of glass has the faster it can dissipate its heat. I notice that both 4x4 glass tops only need a small amount of cable contact while my 6x8 nest takes a whole spiral coil with greater % coverage.

 

When condensation is heavy sometimes even on a small glass spots far enough awawy from the heat source may stay wet. The evaporation takes heat with it and enough water can keep it cool enough to stay wet. Moving the cable closer should be all that is needed, rather than adding more cable. After a glass has dried fully you can experiment a bit  to see how little cable it takes to keep the glass dry.

[Ernteameise]

It is all about temperature control.

Condensation will form when the glass temperature is far enough off from the nest internal temperature.

And humidity levels in the nest influecne the rate/at what temp off set it begins to form.

 

 

In the image with the red cover it would take longer to pass the heat to the glass/potential to not pass enough.

 

the more surface area a sheet  of glass has the faster it can dissipate its heat. I notice that both 4x4 glass tops only need a small amount of cable contact while my 6x8 nest takes a whole spiral coil with greater % coverage.

 

When condensation is heavy sometimes even on a small glass spots far enough awawy from the heat source may stay wet. The evaporation takes heat with it and enough water can keep it cool enough to stay wet. Moving the cable closer should be all that is needed, rather than adding more cable. After a glass has dried fully you can experiment a bit  to see how little cable it takes to keep the glass dry.

I can see that this is a real science...

 

Man, I REALLY look forward to summer. This sudden return of winter which will last the whole coming week was unexpected and unwelcome. We has SNOW again today, after 25 degrees centigrade last weekend. This is insane.

Edited by Ernteameise, April 21 2024 - 2:24 PM.