15 replies to this topic

[rarankhan]

Hey guys so I've seen this natural bull ant setup, another one for an ant species I can't recall, and just recently today Mikey's setup. They look absolutely amazing and I'm seriously considering this when my formica pallidefulva colony gets big enough.

Would anyone know how this works?

I'm thinking like:

-10 gallon tank (heard formica pallidefulva don't get large)

-2 inches of soil (anyone know what type would be safe)

-some decor like driftwood (2 pieces?)

-plants (anyone know good plants for temperate region that require low light)

 

Am I missing anything or would this be a pretty decent setup. Should cost like 100 max. 

[dspdrew]

You will need some ants that don't like nesting in soil for one thing.

[rarankhan]

You will need some ants that don't like nesting in soil for one thing.

No I don't mind having them nest in the soil, the natural look is worth it. Watching them forage is fine for me. 

[dspdrew]

Ah okay. That shouldn't be hard then. I'm planning on making something like this, but I want the ants living in the nest that I make for them.

[rarankhan]

Ah okay. That shouldn't be hard then. I'm planning on making something like this, but I want the ants living in the nest that I make for them.

That'll be a challenge. For formica pallidefulva would you say a 10 gallon is sufficient btw. 

[dspdrew]

Sure it can be. It all depends how big the colony is. You have to be careful though letting them dig nests in a tank full of dirt, because eventually ants will dig out the whole bottom until it collapses. I would put something in with the dirt to hold it up, like large sticks or rocks.

[rarankhan]

Sure it can be. It all depends how big the colony is. You have to be careful though letting them dig nests in a tank full of dirt, because eventually ants will dig out the whole bottom until it collapses. I would put something in with the dirt to hold it up, like large sticks or rocks.

Like put sticks and rocks just within the dirt?

[CrazyLegs]

 

Sure it can be. It all depends how big the colony is. You have to be careful though letting them dig nests in a tank full of dirt, because eventually ants will dig out the whole bottom until it collapses. I would put something in with the dirt to hold it up, like large sticks or rocks.

Like put sticks and rocks just within the dirt?

 

Yes, if you put just soil and the ants are limited for space they will cross tunnels until it all falls in on themselves. Sticks and rocks give the soil more solid foundation it's like adding stones to cement to make a stronger concrete.

[rarankhan]

 

 

Sure it can be. It all depends how big the colony is. You have to be careful though letting them dig nests in a tank full of dirt, because eventually ants will dig out the whole bottom until it collapses. I would put something in with the dirt to hold it up, like large sticks or rocks.

Like put sticks and rocks just within the dirt?

 

Yes, if you put just soil and the ants are limited for space they will cross tunnels until it all falls in on themselves. Sticks and rocks give the soil more solid foundation it's like adding stones to cement to make a stronger concrete.

 

Oh ok. In case it does happen, would that harm the ants or just be a hassle for them to rebuild their whole nest.

[CrazyLegs]

It could most certainly squash and suffocate ants.

[rarankhan]

@dspdrew and @CrazyLegs would you guys know what soil I should use and what plants would be good for this, that won't grow too big. 

[CrazyLegs]

I don't know much about your ants in question, or the soils from your area. Maybe do some experimenting before diving right in.

Edited by CrazyLegs, February 5 2017 - 11:46 AM.

[T.C.]

Here in the future I have a few plans. I would like to set up a formicarium so it is a outworld island. Water around it with fish and such. It will have a very natural look. However a lot of things to think about such as filtering and how I would clean that water? Obviously the water would serve as a barrier so ants can't escape from the island and if I were to pump that water out? Well, then there goes my barrier. It will take time and some advanced thoughts.

[vfreedom91]

i also making natural tank for weaver , will update soon

[Alabama Anter]

Use Eco Soil.

[Shareallicu]

I was also thinking of doing this, but wasn't sure on the type of soil or plants.