ANTSTORE World of Ants

[Ukantzz]

I just finished building my formicarium for my ants but don't know what to get but they must require

No heating
Different castes of workers
Under £13

Can anyone help me out?

[bugsy]

Well I tend to build all my nests based around a particular species, that way I know its perfect for them. You should consider your species first then build your formicarium. I also think your going to struggle with £13, maybe a local British species, but you may as well go and find some.

[Ukantzz]

Ok decided to get a 7 wt heat mat today, and considering Messor barbarus as a species

Is this a good species to choose considering there formicarium will be v large?

[MrIglo]

In the beginning you dont need a large formicarium. A very smal one is better if your colony is smal. So they find their way easy.

Later you can keep Messor barbarus i an large formicarium.

If you dont have a lot of money you can build your own formicarium from a old plastic box or so. For the ants it dosent matter.

[Ukantzz]

No I have money to spare

Now have 6ft fish tank- going to clean it out tomorrow
Heatmat
Food- mealworms

Tommorow I'm going to BandQ to get some breeze blocks to make into my formicarium, then glue to the (longer side of the tank

Buy some sand to fill 1/4 of the tank and add decors

Then order some ptfe Monday/Tuesday when I have enough money

Finally then buying the ants

But I have 1 question, which is better to use live plants or fake?

[Ukantzz]

In the beginning you dont need a large formicarium. A very smal one is better if your colony is smal. So they find their way easy.

Later you can keep Messor barbarus i an large formicarium.

If you dont have a lot of money you can build your own formicarium from a old plastic box or so. For the ants it dosent matter.

I have taken this into account and have decided for the ants ( when I get them) to remain in the test tube until 100 strong

[MrIglo]

The ants will start digging when possible. If they have a undergroun nest they dont come out again.

If you have real plants you need sand etc. for the plants to grow on. Short time later the ants live in your plants root.

maybe better take plastic plants and very few sand on the ground.

[Ukantzz]

Ok plastic it is then and I'll never water the sand it will be too dry for the workers to dig in, I'll only water the formicarium

Thanks for the help