AndyB: Re: Myrmica rubra set up (27. Feb 2009 00:14)

Got a few questions

1) do they get past the ant block easy or do you have to put a thick line to stop them?

2) how do you moist the nest?

3) how many queens come with a antstore colony?

4) could i put a tray of water under the basin, and have the basin just above the water level?

thanks AndyB :D

Zagone: Re: Myrmica rubra set up (27. Feb 2009 00:30)

I don't remember what kind of nest you were going for, but if you're going for y-tong you can carve out 'legs' under it that you can stick into alow tray of water and it'll soak up into the y-tong very efficiently.

If you're going for a different nest, I'm sure otehr people have ebtter ideas then I.

AndyB: Re: Myrmica rubra set up (27. Feb 2009 09:15)

I was going for a basin nest but what is a ytong, i understand its a breese block, (don't know how its spelt) or is it another material,could you tell me steps of how to make one, sorry for all the questions, i just don't want to loose a colony to inexperience, thanks

SteveUK28: Re: Myrmica rubra set up (27. Feb 2009 10:05)

Ytong or aerated concrete is by far the best nest for these ants in my opinion. You can buy blocks from wicks they are about £1.10 i believe, and if u buy one thats got a chipped corner they will knock more off :)

You basicaly use a chisel/screwdriver/dremel to carve out chambers in pretty much any shape you want.. then cover it with some glass.. i use photo frames from asda.. costing about £1.50, I did used to seal it with aquatic sealant.. but the last few times ive just used duck tape and that works fine. Then you connect it to a basin, i use them plastic fish tank you can buy from wilkos at about £5ish, i usualy heat the bottom with a candle then push through a plastic tube... which then connects to the ytong... and there u have a simple setup. Ohh and you also carve the leg at the botom so it can fit into a dish of water. There is a how to.. if you do a search you'll find it easy.

I think that the colonys antstore sell only come with one queen. Hope this helps. :)

AndyB: Re: Myrmica rubra set up (27. Feb 2009 16:38)

ok thanks, im gunna do that :D

AndyB: Re: Myrmica rubra set up (27. Feb 2009 17:43)

i looked on wicks and the blocks are moisture resistant, is that bad

Phasmid: Re: Myrmica rubra set up (27. Feb 2009 18:13)

I think it means it is resistant to damage from moisture, every block I have bought absorbs water fine, and holds it realy well.

AndyB: Re: Myrmica rubra set up (27. Feb 2009 18:23)

thanks phasmid, il be getting it from wicks in worthing

SteveUK28: Re: Myrmica rubra set up (27. Feb 2009 23:10)

Make sure it is an aerated block you buy and not a normal breeze block.. there is a HUGE differnce.

AndyB: Re: Myrmica rubra set up (27. Feb 2009 23:16)

ok, thanks steve, its good to talk to people with alot of experience 8)

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