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Gel Farms are really bad: Why exactly?

Started By Stubyvast , Jun 18 2024 4:53 PM

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#1 Offline Stubyvast - Posted June 18 2024 - 4:53 PM

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So I've heard a lot about Gel farms. According to what I've heard, people say it's not good for ants at all. And although I'm not contradicting this, out of simple curiosity, why is that so? Does it have to do with chemicals inside the food? Or the fact that they eat the same material that they dig through? Any answers would be welcome.

 

antworks-product.png


Currently raising: 

Manica invidia (1 queen +  ~30 workers)

Manica invidia (3 colonies, 3 queens plus brood)

Lasius niger (single queen + ~200+ workers)

Lasius americanus (3 colonies, ~5 workers p/colony)

Tetramorium immigrans (1 queen + ~1200 workers)

Tetramorium immigrans (3 colonies, 3 queens)

 

"I discovered that if one looks a little closer at this beautiful world, there are always red ants underneath."

      - David Lynch

#2 Offline GOCAMPONOTUS - Posted June 18 2024 - 5:42 PM

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first of its known to mold


Currently keeping: 2 C.vicinus colonies.2 C.sansabeanus. 1 C.leavissimus. 2 C.Ca02. 1 V.pergandei. 4 T.immigrans.1 F.pacifica. 1 C.hyatti

1 M.ergatognya

 

 

 

 

Trying to get my hands on :C.modoc,A.vercicolor, and Any Honeypots

  

 

 

#3 Offline GOCAMPONOTUS - Posted June 18 2024 - 5:44 PM

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they also don't acually provide the nessecary food for the ants nor good humidity.


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Currently keeping: 2 C.vicinus colonies.2 C.sansabeanus. 1 C.leavissimus. 2 C.Ca02. 1 V.pergandei. 4 T.immigrans.1 F.pacifica. 1 C.hyatti

1 M.ergatognya

 

 

 

 

Trying to get my hands on :C.modoc,A.vercicolor, and Any Honeypots

  

 

 

#4 Offline IdioticMouse26 - Posted June 18 2024 - 6:25 PM

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Also probably the fact that its translucent doesn't help since ants like the dark.


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#5 Offline GOCAMPONOTUS - Posted June 18 2024 - 7:05 PM

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Not all ants are affected by being in the light


Currently keeping: 2 C.vicinus colonies.2 C.sansabeanus. 1 C.leavissimus. 2 C.Ca02. 1 V.pergandei. 4 T.immigrans.1 F.pacifica. 1 C.hyatti

1 M.ergatognya

 

 

 

 

Trying to get my hands on :C.modoc,A.vercicolor, and Any Honeypots

  

 

 

#6 Offline IdioticMouse26 - Posted June 18 2024 - 7:32 PM

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Well, most ants. Espically queens in early founding stages. And if the area they consider a nest is bright. 

But your also totally right, I have seen colonies from youtube where the ants are chill even if lights are shined one them, mostly big colonies.


Edited by IdioticMouse26, June 18 2024 - 7:45 PM.

#7 Offline BleepingBleepers - Posted June 18 2024 - 7:46 PM

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Too bad though, it does look kinda neat. It's somewhat visually appealing from an outsider's standpoint. Throw some lights into that, have a rave :headbang:. 

 

I'm suddenly developing a craving for some jello....Homer Simpson "mmmmmmm....Jello......"


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JOURNAL: Camponotus CA02 - First Time At Ant Keeping CLICK HERE

JOURNAL: Ectomomyrmex cf. astutus - Ant Species #2 CLICK HERE

#8 Offline Stubyvast - Posted June 19 2024 - 3:46 PM

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Haha you got that right. Yeah I've always thought these look pretty cool, even if they don't support ants very well. Well, thanks everyone! Interesting discussion. 


Currently raising: 

Manica invidia (1 queen +  ~30 workers)

Manica invidia (3 colonies, 3 queens plus brood)

Lasius niger (single queen + ~200+ workers)

Lasius americanus (3 colonies, ~5 workers p/colony)

Tetramorium immigrans (1 queen + ~1200 workers)

Tetramorium immigrans (3 colonies, 3 queens)

 

"I discovered that if one looks a little closer at this beautiful world, there are always red ants underneath."

      - David Lynch

#9 Offline Temno - Posted June 19 2024 - 5:23 PM

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Haha you got that right. Yeah I've always thought these look pretty cool, even if they don't support ants very well. Well, thanks everyone! Interesting discussion. 

Also the gel in the farms doesnt have enough nutrients for the ants.  Also when the ants make a trash place it will mold.


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#10 Offline GOCAMPONOTUS - Posted June 19 2024 - 6:41 PM

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Haha you got that right. Yeah I've always thought these look pretty cool, even if they don't support ants very well. Well, thanks everyone! Interesting discussion. 

Also the gel in the farms doesnt have enough nutrients for the ants.  Also when the ants make a trash place it will mold.

 

you put in better words :lol:


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Currently keeping: 2 C.vicinus colonies.2 C.sansabeanus. 1 C.leavissimus. 2 C.Ca02. 1 V.pergandei. 4 T.immigrans.1 F.pacifica. 1 C.hyatti

1 M.ergatognya

 

 

 

 

Trying to get my hands on :C.modoc,A.vercicolor, and Any Honeypots

  

 

 

#11 Offline IdioticMouse26 - Posted June 19 2024 - 7:13 PM

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I heard somewhere that NASA is the creator of gel farm


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#12 Offline Stubyvast - Posted June 20 2024 - 9:28 AM

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Yes apparently they used gel farms to test insect behaviour in outer space, and that's where it originates from.


Currently raising: 

Manica invidia (1 queen +  ~30 workers)

Manica invidia (3 colonies, 3 queens plus brood)

Lasius niger (single queen + ~200+ workers)

Lasius americanus (3 colonies, ~5 workers p/colony)

Tetramorium immigrans (1 queen + ~1200 workers)

Tetramorium immigrans (3 colonies, 3 queens)

 

"I discovered that if one looks a little closer at this beautiful world, there are always red ants underneath."

      - David Lynch

#13 Offline ZATrippit - Posted June 24 2024 - 9:58 PM

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1. The gel moulds easily
2. Chambers can cave if the ants tunnel too much
3. The light disturbs (most) ants that are kept inside, meaning they're constantly stressed
4. The gel does not meet their dietary requirements
5. Often sold with/ filled with lone workers, meaning colonies are unsustainable beyond a few months
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