10 replies to this topic

[AntsTexas]

good? bad? , let me know what u all think.....

 

 

[Gregory2455]

I would think it could do the trick, you may want to buy some test tubes and cotton for queen founding though.

[Michaelofvancouver]

That setup appears way too big for a single queen or a small colony, and I don't see how you would hydrate it.

I would recommend putting queens in test tubes or CD case setups to start with, until they have 20 or so workers.

 

I have tried this type of linked plastic container formicarium before, and I had huge problems with moisture (or rather, lack of it).

[AntsTexas]

thank you! 

[AntsTexas]

here is my setup for my queens, i got 2 so far don't know if they are mated or not.....

 

looking 2 start my 1st colony so any help is welcome!

[Chromerust]

Yes I agree with Michael. I couldn't imagine keeping ants without owning any test tubes anymore. If you are planning on digging up a whole colony this might be ok very temporarily. You are about to learn that jars aren't good for keeping ants in because every-time you unscrew the top to feed them ants will spew out everywhere, and then you will crush them putting the cap back on. Also, airline tubing is way too small. On a scale from 1-5, five being the best I rate your starter kit a 1.5

[AntsTexas]

once again thanks, will do some more thinking b4 i buy anything else.....

[Michaelofvancouver]

Yeah, remember that any good formicarium has a hydration system, preferably non-molding materials, and isn't too big for the colony. Visibility is pretty important too, so you can check on your colonys progress.

 

Glad to help! 

[AntsTexas]

i'm not thinking long term keeping ants, thinking short term just to watch them grow them let them go....

[dean_k]

In that case, test tubes will do the trick fine. You don't need to use anything else.

[antmaniac]

If you put soil in your container, you may have difficulty watching the ants doing their activities inside. Just a thought, perhaps CD case for chambers and link to containers as out world would work. Remember to block off the holes in the CD case and use some holes as moisturiser. you can even put sand in the CD case to see them dig if you want. If you have Ytong bricks, they are great for ant farm when combine with take away box/container as water source and Perspex (Discarded chocolate box cover, etc) as viewing window.