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Hello everyone. My name is Les and I am from London, UK, and I am new here. Here is my question -
I would like to build a glass tank which is built up on three sides to about 40+cm, but with the front section much lower, maybe 10cm. Length, at least 60+cm. The top can be open or not, I don't have a preference. The reason is that I am studying (at home) entomology and am also a keen photographer, mostly close-up/macro of insects. I have always had an interest in ants, so I think it's time I tried to learn more by keeping my own colony. The reason I want an open side is to make photography easier. Hmm, I guess there are problems with this! I know I have to solve the problem of my ants escaping/drowning, but I think I will face that once I know some opinions on my plan.
Ideally I would like a non burrowing, non hibernating species and have been thinking of Polyrhachis dives, but any species that makes it's nest above ground would be great. I have no problem with furnishing the tank as my local ecology park can let me have any dead wood, etc that I require. It's important to me that I make the environment as pleasant and natural as possible for the ants, with a nice layout for them to explore and nest in.
Ok, I would appreciate your comments. Do you think It possible for such a setup, and what species might I consider, if not Polyrhachis dives?
Much thanks!
Les.
Hi Les, Im a bit of a photographer myself, and i have to say taking photos of ants can be challenging. Making a setup like your suggesting May be possible but i think with the lower front pane i think ur just asking for escaping ants. As for keeping and exotic species from the word go, its going to be very difficult for you to manage. Especialy with a spec. like Polyrhachis, you really should be thinking about starting with a european spec. You dont wanna be spending a huge ammount on ants only to have them die on you. I only have 2 exotic specs myself yet i find myself atm taking more pics of my european ants. I would suggest you get yourself a nice ytong nest.. and then attach it to a nice foraging tank that you can remove the lid, and take pics inside the tank :D BTW :sign_welcome: to the forum ;)
Hi Steve. Thanks for the welcome, it's nice to be here. Thanks for your response.
Since my post I have been giving my initial plan lots of thought and reading about other peoples species/setups. The reason I thought Polyrhachis dives would be a good choice is Antstore's description - "level: 1. Specifics: They often live at ground level, build their nests willingly on stones or on barks". Plus they are non hibernating. I am flexible though about species, but would like non hibernating, if possible. I guess that rules out most/all European species?. I have raised Tarantulas from spiderlings to adult in the past (just to give you/others some idea of my experience).
Setup. Well Antstore has such a variety of homes/modules that I think I'll wait till I have chosed the species, then choose the most suitable setup for it and for my requirements, rather than make one myself - that can come later when I have more experience.
So I guess the main decision now is what species? The ideal choice would be a non-hibernating, non-burrowing, active if possible species. I will read through the forum for others experiences with various species, but would welcome some suggestions also.
Thanks, Les.
i think if you get enough help from people on the forums you could pull it off but i would most definetly suggest you start with something like rubra because they are pretty big and you could get some good photo opputunities of of them hunting and foraging. haven't got a exotic species yet but im ordering some cataglyphis velox. the other thing i would suggest is that you read alot about the ants before you get them to have the best chance. good luck with them mate.