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Alexander:): Sand (16. Jan 2008 19:33)

Hey There i currently have a large fish tank filled with about a qaurter of the way with silver sand. I am keeping it moist. But i just wanted to check if i'm doing a good job because this is my first colony.They havn't started digging yet is this natural? ive had them in there for about 4 months? O and i have a moat around the edge of the tank filled with water to stop them getting out.Also the edge is filled thickly with vaseline. I feed them on apples flies etc .

Tips and help would really be appreaciated!!

Thanks :D

Alex

SteveUK28: (16. Jan 2008 19:38)

ok Welcome to the forum Alex, Now what spieces are we talking about.. have u got loam with the sand? and how are you keeping it moist... Ohh and what size is the tank ;)

Alexander:): (16. Jan 2008 19:43)

Hi Steve, we are talking about Lasius Niger and i keep the tank moist by mist spraying it regulary. And nope its just silver sand. And the tank is about 40x40x30 If that makes sense :P

Alex

SteveUK28: (16. Jan 2008 19:55)

Well Alex with the problem.. To start with the top might be gettin moist but the underneath probabily isnt.. so chances are they cannot make tunnels or a nest.. Ur best bet is to remove them inside a test tube... then remove all the sand and mix it with some loam.. then id be adding some clay balls to the bottom of the tank.. Lots of them lol.. prob covering around 1" deep the id tape a straw/tube to one side of the tank.. then refill with ur sand/loam, then add water via the tube/straw until ur sand is damp enough for them to actually make a nest.. Saying this.. I prob wouldnt start with a tank that big.. but hey thats me :D

Alexander:): (16. Jan 2008 20:00)

hmmmm There already in a test tube.So it would be easy to remove them.But where could i get clay balls and loam from and why clay balls?? What do they do.

Sorry for all the questions Steve :S Im getting a bit confused

Thanks

Alex

SteveUK28: (16. Jan 2008 20:02)

i believe u can get clay balls here from antstore.. and they basicaly help distribute the water.. Well im pretty sure thats what they do.. Guys.. am i right???

Alexander:): (16. Jan 2008 20:07)

Well that pretty much solves my questions thanks Steve and ill do that when they come out of hybernation :)

Thanks

Alex

ashhad1: (17. Jan 2008 08:45)

If I would be you id do it before they come out of hibernation, why? Because then u wont have to be restrcted by the ants either escaping or disturbing them. Remove the test tube like steve said but put it in a fridge (just make sure the fridge temp is 5-10 celcius) . While there in the fridge you can do what you wanted and then later put the test tube back and there done. IM doing the exaclty same thing with my C.Ligniperda right now.

JimmyVe: (17. Jan 2008 20:18)

Hello Alexander:) and welcome,

You are wright steve. ;)
Yes it is better to keep them a bit in hibernation and prepare you're farm. Look and read around a bit here, plenty of good info. ;)