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_kadeshi_seraph_: Problem with farm basin set up (17. Feb 2008 23:33)

This is my first post, but I've got a lot of information from this community so first I shall say thanks!

I bought a farm basin with Lasius Niger from Antstore and I'm having trouble keeping the sand/loam moist.
The farm basin leaves a gap under the piece of glass that makes up the farm part of my set up. I've bought aggregate clay balls and put them in the farm area, with a straw through the sand so i can get water to them. Because of the gap most water doesn't get soaked into the clay, and just wets the sand in the basin area. The clay doesn't do what it's meant to - releasing water into the sand/loam when it needs to. I'm wondering if this is alright - will the sand still retain moisture and be OK for the sands to tunnel?
I've attached a very basic picture of the farm basin to show where the gap is.

Any help is appreciated, thanks!

mpir: (18. Feb 2008 10:00)

Gap shouldn´t be there. According to you scetch I´d say your farm has a problem. You need to fix it or sand it back.

SteveUK28: (18. Feb 2008 10:29)

i agree with mpir.. Should be no gaps at all.. ur straw should really be tight against the glass with sand around it.

_kadeshi_seraph_: (18. Feb 2008 13:34)

Well that sucks. OK I'll find some way to seal the gap and make my own next time! Thanks for your help

Kale^^: (18. Feb 2008 15:04)

Hmm i've experienced the same problem. But my problem was that i only noticed it after i had put the sand and ants in, so there was no possible way to fix it. I will never buy anything like that again.

_kadeshi_seraph_: (18. Feb 2008 17:22)

I've put my ants in too, but fortunately they haven't left the test tube yet. I removed them and the sand and aggregate balls and glued a piece of wood into place. It seems pretty water-tight - better than a hole!

JimmyVe: (18. Feb 2008 19:06)

Hello _kadeshi_seraph_ and welcome.

Nice to hear you already read a bit on the forum. ;) I see your problem is already solved. Try out a bit first, keeping the sand moist before you put your ants into it. Good luck.