ANTSTORE World of Ants

[darradar]

just 2 photos, firstly ;

(the photobucket one, strange both taken with same camera at same time, but this one was too large)all in the test tube, and the second next time I looked, they was all in the tube. I have the tube conected to both the openings of the arena, like a loop, mainly just to give them something to do, and extra room, I didnt expect them to move into it, its not attached to anything, as I am making some kind of nest at the weekend, a plaster,sand,cocofibre one I think.
I guess they moved into the tube, as I have the whole the thing coverd with a towel, and at the back where the tube is, its gatherd thickly, so it must be darkest there, do you think that they are ok in the tube, short time?
Its amazing how fast the larvea grow.....and I am sure there are more eggs....
Hope the photo's turn out ok.

[JimmyVe]

The pictures look good darradar. In deed, if you cover up the tube it is nice and dark in there, if they like it there they will probably stay there for a while, but there is nothing to keep the tube moist. Maybe you can cover up the tube (from the first picture) and they could move back. If they do not do that don't worry. They will if it is necessary.

[darradar]

aha, thanks JimmyVe
I have done as you recomended, I guess I will see if they do indeed move back, however I am still waitng on a few deliveries of materials, and I shall be building them a plaster/sand nest, hopefully by this weekend, then they will have a proper place to set up home (if and when they so desire) for the last time.
I shall post a picture when I have completed thier new home.

Darradar

[darradar]

hmm they have chosen to stay in the connecting tube.... and now I am a little worried as you pointed out there/s no moisture in it, I am spraying every other day, quite generously in the arena.....
Although I am sure I did manage to see somwhere this species do prefer a dryer enviroment.... I hope they will be ok..

[JimmyVe]

They in deed prefer a dryer environment. (i thought i read somewhere about 30-50%, but I'm not sure about it) So it is not a big problem that they stay in there for a while. Sooner are later they will move.

[darradar]

hello guys.
I have placed some photo's of my new formicarium, I have not yet completed it, but thought I would show you it in the develepment stage, so you can see how I plan to keep the humidity up.
Let me know what you think of it so far.


Darran

[JimmyVe]

Looks good darradar, can't wait to see the finished farm.

About keeping the nest moist, you are going to use a plaster nest ? Than i think it will work out fine.

[darradar]

yeah plaster/sand mix nest...with a small shingle layer in the well for the water, beneath the plaster

[JimmyVe]

Oh okay, cant wait to see some pictures off the finished nest.

[darradar]

2 things the first rather more importantly, today I have found a dead ant.... is this so normal with such a small colony?

and secondly
ok so I made a huge mistake..... the first attempt went completely wrong, as in, getting the dam plaster nest out of the tank once it had set was near on impossible, how foolish am I , but hey we all learn from our mistakes, it cracked in sevral places when trying to prize it out, not to fear tho, I am un defeated my second attempt is now in the airing cupboard, and this time I measured the size within the tank, and made a frame from wood, and have made it outside the tank on a sheet of glass, this time I shall be able to slip it into the tank without problems....
It also aloud me to redesign the actuall chambers within the nest, as I realised, from my failed attempt when checking over it, they actually need to be deeper, and not so large in diameter, as the nest will be upright, and not laid down.
Hopefully I shall have the finished product done by tomorrow.

[JimmyVe]

Hi darradar, this is normal, you don't need to worry if one ant dies, if they start die one by one there would be a problem.

That okay, you need to learn from your mistakes;
I made a lot of farm and I'm still looking for the 'perfect' farm. (haven't found it yet. )

[darradar]

Hey guys this is the next stage of the nest, plaster/sand nest completed and I must say, I am very pleased with how it turned out, those with a keen eye might notice the 2 plastacine repair works...
you will notice I have added small sand deposites throughout, so they can do any DIY they desire !!!
The second photo, it has been placed inside the tank, and I have added the water to the resevoir and it is working perfectly,
Hope to get it completed this afternoon.

[JimmyVe]

Looks very nice, but i have a few points i like to say, if i may.
Aren't the tunnels (to connect the chambers) not a little long ?
If i create a nest i make sure the have a big room after the entrance (depends on the species) where they can drag in the bug or other food. and than one big tunnel where most chambers are attached to.
I hope you understand, i will post a picture soon.

[darradar]

OK point taken, but as they say, it's too late now......
here is the finished product, let's hope they like it, and the tunnel length proves to provide them with a greater sence of sucurity.

You will notice the water pipe with cotton wool stopper, this works perfectly.

[deadmeat30]

nice nest darradar. As jimmy said, the length of the tunnel is pretty long, heh. but its done now! least the ants will be fit and heathly .

best of luck with it and keep us informed!

Alan