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RaRaRa: Moisture in nest (2. Apr 2017 17:35)

Hello,
I'm new to the ant "scene" and have a few questions. But first the background...
We've had Lasius niger ants since December (no winter sleep this year).
Their numbers have gone from 20 to about 40. They are in a 6mm nest and 20×25cm arena. They moved to the nest in January. Things look fine.

Question: They have begun keeping various phases of eggs in the nest but on the surface of the substrate. The queen remains in a chamber below. Is this normal?
My concern is also moisture in the nest. I am uncertain if it is too wet or dry. I have been adding about 1-2ml (using accurate syringe method) every week or so. A hygrometer won't fit inside. Is their any way to test it?
Thanks,
RaRaRa

delete-55885: Re: Moisture in nest (2. Apr 2017 20:11)

The humidity is right when there is a visible humidity gradient with humid (bottom) to dry (top).

I assume you are using an upright farm?
If so, the top is closed, right?
There is no airflow on the surface and the ants notice that they are in a safe environment.
If there was airflow, the ants would go underground, but with the lid on they basically are already, at least in ant logic.

There is no harm in that.