Mário: Various questions from new user (30. Mai 2013 22:19)

Hey guys, I just recently found this amazing web site. I am new to ant keeping, and, as you can realize, this is a safe haven for me.
I have been making research trough the last years about this topics and eventually made my own ant farm. Hope you like it :)
http://i.imgur.com/GOP46ng.jpg
(doors closed for minimum light exposure)
http://i.imgur.com/QTlRiKN.jpg
(view of the chambers)
http://i.imgur.com/abzA7U7.jpg
(view of the yard)
http://i.imgur.com/bQoUZKp.jpg
(two pipes, one for introducing moisture into de chambers and other to put water in the yard)
The dimensions are 63cm heigh, 38cm wide, 32cm deep and the materials are basicly wood and plaster (the dyes are non toxic).
Now, I think, the only thing I am missing are ants...

I have some questions which are:
1. would this ant farm work, seeing as it goes upwards instead of downwards?
2. I would like to know some sugestions of ants to start with (I know that lasius niger is very good, but I find them very small. I was thinking of Camponotus cruentatus or barbaricus and also Formica fusca)
3. Please have in mind species that do not need to go to the fridge in the hibernation period, this is impossible to me.

Thanks in advance for all the help you can provide
Sincerelly
Mário