polyp: Myrmica rubra setup - Need the all clear (26. Jun 2008 14:53)

Firstly wanted to say "Hi" to everyone on the forums, ive been reading reams of great info on the forums here and wanted to thank all the authors.

1. Setup:

- Aquarium 60x30x30 cm
- Ytong nest (made from B & Q )
- Sand/loam mix for substrate (from antstore)
- Water dispenser with cotton wool for water (http://www.antstore.net/shop/product_info.php/info/p901_drinking-trough--35ml-.html)
- Feeding dish for insects/protein jelly/anything else edible :)

Setup Ques:

1. I would prefer to use vaseline to prevent escapes rather than PTFE, are their any downsides to using vaseline?

2. The biggest question i had was on moisturising the nest, ive read of numerous methods (thanks Azzer) and am tempted to place the ytong nest on clay balls and use a tube to keep it moist. My other idea was to drill a long hole all the way down the length of the nest at either end and add water then fill the top with cotton wool. Has anyone tried this method?

3. As for sealing the ytong nest to the tank, i intend to carve a nest which is flat on the bottom and side that faces the glass but have the front curved and bowed out for a natural feel, is there any reason you cant just snugly place it against the glass and assure it fits well?

4. As for keeping the nest in the dark, i was wondering what the name of that red plastic sheet material is called?

Feeding - I was intending to feed Myrmica ruba on crickets, honey/sugar water, spiders, i read apple is a good food source?

Ant Species:

I was looking to care for a ant which was accustomed to a European climate and had at least some aggressive behaviour. Ive read a lot of good things about Myrimca rubra as a good first choice. I know people tend to look after Lasius niger first but id prefer to wait a little longer researching rubra if necessary an perfect a setup for this species. Are there any other species that are a popular choice.

P.S If anyone has any good links of information on Myrimica rubra it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Simon

JimmyVe: (26. Jun 2008 15:47)

Hello Polyp and welcome,

Always nice to hear you read a bit first before you ask questions. ;)

1. Don't think there are really downside on Vaseline but i only use PTFE so i'm not sure about that.

2. Yes you could also do that, but ants can pull the cotton out of the holes and they will fall in it and drown. Would be better to use plugs (rubber). It is also a good way to moist you y-tong so that is not a problem.

3. I'm not sure about that, if the y-tong doesn't fit well the ants can escape.

4. Red Folio (it is called here at the shop) ;).

Some species like fruits. You need to try that out if you have them, it could depend from colony to colony.

Myrmica rubra are not so difficult to keep but they can sting and need it more moist than Lasius niger .

Let us know who you are,
here .
Thanks !

polyp: (26. Jun 2008 17:19)

cheers for the reply jimmy,

As for sealing the ytong im looking for a silicon sealent or an aquarium based sealent?

ratgreen: (26. Jun 2008 17:34)

this sealant from wickes is good http://www.wickes.co.uk/Sealants-Silicone/Kitchen+Bathroom-Silicone-Sealant/invt/190119 just make sure you give it a long time for the fumes to go away.

polyp: (26. Jun 2008 18:07)

thanks ratgree, got tons of that in the shed :)

SteveUK28: (27. Jun 2008 10:52)

Hi polp, i keep these myself, and the setup you described seem quite expensive lol I keep mine in a ytong with a glass top that is connected to a plastic fish tank that u can get from Wilkso for £5.99. As for using normaly Bathroom sealant DONT!!! If the ants munch it at all they are pretty much dead cos of the chemicals in it. Get yourself some aquatic safe sealant from a pet shop or ebay. It will last you forever. I can safely say ive not had one sting off my rubra so they are very safe and they are great to watch. Brilliant hunters too and they do love crickets and apple so u cant go wrong there. I keep my nest dark with a brown envelope over the glass, cheap and perfect lol. As for keeping it moist i made a leg underneaf and use a small take away plastic tub thing thats cut down. There is pics here on my forum about it. Hope i've helped. if you need any more info then pls just send me a PM ;)

polyp: (27. Jun 2008 15:05)

hey there steve i worked out the whole setup wont cost me more than 25-30 pound which is fine. but yeah ill PM you if i have any ques,

thanks

polyp: (29. Jun 2008 17:20)

just had a quick question :

Ive seen people making pools in the top of their ytong to keep the nest moist. Cant ants fall into these pools and die? Or are they smarter than that :)

SteveUK28: (30. Jun 2008 09:51)

well most ppl cover the ytong with glass so there is no way for the ants to get to the pool. I tried using a well on top and it never workers too well for me. I now only use the leg, where the water goes underneaf.

JimmyVe: (30. Jun 2008 17:30)

No ants are not that smart. Most of them will fall into it and drown. So it is better to cover up that pool if you make one.

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