New Setup

[Moiser]

Hey Guys,

Well I've finally got round to buying my first set up. I've been lurking around the forum for about a year and have now decided to take the plunge. I was planning on starting a Camp. Ligniperda colony but I'm open to suggestions about other species!

What do you guys think?




Moiser

[SteveUK28]

looks very good on paper.. cant wait to see it all setup.
ligniperda are kind slow to grow, if i was you i'd be thinking about something like a Lasius niger, or even myrimica rubra, and with a setup that big.. i think id go for a rubra colony with multiple queens.

[JimmyVe]

Very nice. Like steve said, can't wait to see when it is finished.

[Phasmid]

Camponotus ligniperda are slow, but magnificent and impressive. With good heating they can actualy grow quite fast, my colony has already got new adults this year, and its realy worth it once you see the majors.
This setup would be great for them. But remember you will have to be able to move it for hibernation if is not already outside (shed, garage etc). If I had a set up like that, Lasius niger or Myrmica rubra would be the last thing on my mind!

=>edit mod
post from 4:14pm

Oh, and as for other ants, I would recommend a Formica sp. preferably a red one. Formica are fairly fast growing, have good vision and are agressive.

[Moiser]

Thanks for your advice guys! My order arrived last night. Sadly there is a crack on the farm, I've E-mailed AntStore. I'm very happy with the set-up though. Its just finding the right decorations to put inside it now! I was thinking Slate, Birchbark and Cork. There's plenty of time though as I'm still in no rush, I want everything to be set up before I purchase any ants

I'll have a look at the species you guys have mentioned!

[Moiser]

Hey guys,

I think I've pretty much decided on Camp. Lignerperda, I don't mind about the slow growth rate. I've bought some drift wood and slate to fill the basins. I just need to choose a ground type for the basins. I was thinking a earthy material but sand is appealing because of the contrast in colour. I'll post some pictures when its finished.

I've been thinking about heating, the best option I've come up with is a heat mat on half of the farm. Could anyone advise me on this?

I was thinking about keeping the colony in the test tube, in the cube basin for awhile so I can keep an eye on them and then move the colony to the farm when they are settled.

[JimmyVe]

A heat mat seems fine, you can also consider using a heat lamp to heat up the out world. Keep in mind that it is not really neccesary for Camponotus ligniperda to use heating, but it will not harm them if you do. Just keep an eye on the temperature.

[Moiser]

Thanks Jimmy, I'll keep that in mind. I'm guessing my ambient room temp would be around 22C? What temp would I be aiming for with a heat mat? I would of thought about 25C? Also would I need to heat the farm as well as the basins?

[JimmyVe]

It looks nice already. It would be enough if you just heat up the nest area. 25°c would be perfect.

[Moiser]

Hey guys,

My Camponotus ligneperda Queen arrived last night

She looks healthy but she has no eggs or brood, I've moved the test tube into the basin and covered it with bark. I've set the day temp to 25C and the night temp to 22C. I'll post some pictures of the completed setup soon.

[Moiser]

Hey guys,
Just a quick update: I checked on her last night before I left the house, she seems fine. She becomes very active when I remove the bark covering the test tube. There is water and honey water in the tank, I've not seen her eat but I assume if she was hungry she'd venture out of the test tube.

How long do you guys think it will be before she starts laying eggs? I've thought about leaving her alone for a week or so and just continue changing the honey water.

[SteveUK28]

Well she should have enough resources in her to keep her going untill first workers come along. Your best to just leave her be for some time. A couple of weeks id say.. The less stressed she is.. the more chance she will start laying.

[JimmyVe]

As we all know, this species dont grow very fast so you need a lot of patience. To start from a queen only could take a while with these ants. Lets say about 2-3 months before the first workers hatch.

[Moiser]

Hey guys,
Thanks for the advice. I'll leave her to destress for awhile, I have all the time in the world.

I have noticed she has been out of the test tube though. There was some loose fabric in the test tube when she arrived, this has been put inside the food tub so I assume she may have eaten while she was there.

[Moiser]

Hey Guys,
My Queen is missing! I changed her food and water when I got home from work. I took a little peak under the bark and the test tube was empty... So I decided to search the entire tank. She's nowhere to be found. I don't know how this could of happened as everything was sealed tight! I know ants are strong but I can't see her lifting the lid to the basin. I'm completely gutted! There are some very tight gaps in the drift wood I put in the tank, could she be in there ?


Any advice at all would be apreciated.