7 replies to this topic

[Shifty189]

Hi Everyone, i have accidentally drown a half my colony by putting a test tube of honey water in there outworld. It was fine for a few days, but then it started leaking and 5 ants died in the process. This got me to thinking how do most ant keepers feed there ants liquids?

[KBant]

I used to make some sugar water, and put a drop on aluminum foil and give it to my colonies.

But now I use a Galileo feeder by byformica

[drtrmiller]

While it's all a matter of convenience or personal preference, byFormica Liquid Feeders are among the most popular, economical, and easiest to use tools available for offering liquids to small or large ant colonies.  They are available in several sizes and capacities for various uses:
 

Micro: The smallest size, recommended for sampling a variety of liquid foods for very small colonies.
 

Mini: A slightly larger base makes the Mini more stable. Excellent for small and growing colonies.
 

Mega: Highest capacity, recommended for large colonies or extended time away from care. Low evaporation rate means water may be offered for weeks between refills.
 

Tall: Taller bases offer a more natural view of the ants as they drink, and even fewer opportunities for leaks.

Edited by drtrmiller, June 6 2018 - 9:23 AM.

[Irishmate03112002]

Byformica feeders all the way!

[dermy]

I just use a simple pill container stuffed with soaked cotton and replace it when it gets dry and the ants remove the cotton.

[Shifty189]

how does that work out for you Dermy? doesn't the water level go below the cotton? any chance you can post a photo for me?

 

I'm really considering the Byformica feeders, but just haven't decided if i want to spend the (small amount) of money on water feeders

[dermy]

how does that work out for you Dermy? doesn't the water level go below the cotton? any chance you can post a photo for me?

 

It isn't like a test-tube watering device, more just a Pill bottle with wet cotton shoved in. In other words no water reservoir. When I get my next setup ready I'll share what I mean.

 

 

Also just this year for something different I used Energy Drink cans cut off the end, and stuffed with cotton/papertowel and used those to water my large Colony. Worked really well until someone messed with the colony

 

Spoiler

in order to get them to move out of one and into another you have to allow the one they are in to dry out first but it still works good for me

Edited by dermy, June 6 2018 - 1:09 PM.

[CoolColJ]

Raw honey goes on wax paper in outworld, it balls up, or a shaped foil tray with handle for test tubes.

Water is any combo of small plastic test tubes or water feeders of all designs, they are all the same, except test tubes last ages. With the fancy water feeders, you need to refill every 1-2 weeks.

 

Other liquids go into caps from milk containers or other things, or feeding plastic or 3D printed dishes

 

Also water test tube feeders act as a backup nesting space in case the main nest goes dry

Edited by CoolColJ, June 7 2018 - 4:41 PM.