ANTSTORE World of Ants

[DAVEY_E_185]

Hi there,

I have had a small Lasius niger colony set up for the last couple of months, but now the sand in the formicarium is starting to go mouldy in an area near the straw approx 50 x 70mm. The ants have only recently ventured to the formicarium but have recently started to tunnel down the side of the straw also.

Is there any possibility that this will be harmful to the ants? I understand that ventilation is important and admit that I don't often take the lid off this area as I am worried about my ants escaping even though I have the double protection of Teflon and vaseline, but would this be the best way to fix it How often should I have it open and how often should I put water down the straw into the formicarium? I am worried about the sand getting too dry and weakening but want to have a good balance with the dampness but less if not no mould.. In the space of time of having that colony I have only put water in a couple of times and was actually worried that it might have not been enough.

I am new to ants so if anyone could help it would be greatly appreciated,

Thanks

[Ajbizzle87]

Hey Davey. I have found that by getting some air flow through the nest using an aquarium air pump could help. As for the water NOT VERY OFTEN maybe once every 4 months. I have sand and loam mix bought from Antstore, once damp and dried out the sand becomes very tough and should not weaken so the tunnels collapse. Get a small light to act as the sun, and air flow as i said earlier this will also help with condensation that is causing your mould. My point is with the light evaporating your water and air flow should dry the sand out to a standard which is fine for your ants. Not all the water will be able to escape, the top layer should be bone dry and underneath slightly damp. I hope this helps. Also try talc and water mix, paste somewhere you don’t want ants to escape. Once dry it will leave a thin layer of talc which will stop ants trespassing. Vaseline has to stay wet and causes some mould i find ^^

[SteveUK28]

i always make sure to leave the top off mine, and i use vaseline on all my setups. Keeps the ants in and i never have trouble with mould. If i have to use a lid i make sure it has tons of holes to make sure of plenty of air flow. Ive also used small computer fans to supply air.