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teddy_roskvist: Re: Watering nest - Right (15. Aug 2018 22:44)

I am thinking of buying this ant nest
https://www.antstore.net/shop/product_info.php?info=p5323_ants-starter-kit-m---25x15---combi---center.html&no_boost=1

In that regards i would like some advice on how it is kept correct humid.

How do i water it ?
Is it enough just to spray the outworld regular ?
Would it be an advantage to add a tube to the inset, to allow for watering from below ?

I'm new to ants and currently only have 2 lucius niger queens in tubes that are beginning colonies.

All inputs are appreciated.
Best Regards
Teddy

Janleon82: Re: Watering nest - Right (16. Aug 2018 00:43)

At first you should inform yourself in what conditions your Ants are living in the Nature. What i found is for your Ants is:
humidity: Arena: 30 - 50% Nesting Area: 50 - 60%
Temp: Arena: 18 - 28°C Nestin Area: 21 - 24°C

THIS IS FOR Lasius Niger whitch i assume is your Ant. Because i can not find a lucius niger Ant! :roll:

I recommend of using a Hygrometer and barometer, there are some in the Antstore shop.
With them you can always take a look at the temp and humidity.

I would recommend to Water about 30-40% of the Nest that they always have a moist are and a dry one which they can choose from.

I use always some granules at the bottom to get rid of too mutch water and for saving water for humidity. Above that i put sand clay mixture for this Ant. With the granules and the hygro/barometer i am not using a pipe for watering... and mostly the ants will not share your ideas and usw the pipe as a sort of lift. :D

Sry for my bad english.... i hope you understand everything and i could help you.

Greetings from Germany
Jan

teddy_roskvist: Re: Watering nest - Right (16. Aug 2018 22:17)

Thanks for the reply.

You are right about the Lasius Niger - typeo

So to understand right - You recommend to water the top left 30-40% of the nest area ?

Water
vv
vvvvvv
-------------------------
|.............................|
|............nest...........|
|.............................|
-------------------------

The are a hygrometer in the outworld, but i guess that it would not show correct humidity for the nest.
So are there a guideline to how much/often i should water ? Can i see it on the sand/clay

Thanks

Janleon82: Re: Watering nest - Right (17. Aug 2018 13:03)

Thats right,

That is what i am doing with my Lasius Niger Colony. And so far the have a happy life and growing! :D

Regards
Jan