ANTSTORE World of Ants

[Calco]

Hi, I have just ordered the starter set from antstore along with ants. Just wanted to post here with what, from reading these forums, I am going to do. If someone with ant knowledge could tell me if this is all set up correctly it will reassure me

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This is what I have gathered is the correct setup. The sand/loam with the small stones from the starter pack beneath it, with a straw leading down plugged with cotton wool to allow steady moisture release.
Questions:
1. The small stones in the starter pack are the correct stones for this?
2. How big should the layer of stones be (in cm)?
3. Should the straw always have a bit of water in it, or only when needed?
4. Is it better to cover the bottom of the basin in extra sand/loam or extra small stones?

Any other information appreciated

Thanks, Calco.

[ratgreen]

yer thats fine, put a bit of cotton wool at the top of the straw then take it out when you fill the straw , then put it back in, to stop ants falling and downing.

[Calco]

Thanks

[gabranth]

the bottom layer should be clay not stones

[Calco]

so I cannot compact the small stones and let them absorb a little moisture every now and then? coz im not paying £20 for some clay
well, I say stones, but its that granulate stuff that comes with the starter, not just like gravel.

[gabranth]

WTF £20 were are you getting the clay from this is what i got http://www.antstore.net/shop/product_in ... -200g.html

edit: and stones don't absorb very much water and when they do they won't keep the ants moist

[Calco]

well the £20 is antstore postage, im sure there is some other closer place to get it, also you linked a link to this topic ^^.
Any1 know of a closer place, im in east anglia, UK.

[gabranth]

/fixed and try asking at your local gardening shop they might sell clay

[Calco]

Anybody know the exact name of the little red stone things that come with the starter pack, because there is no english description and they could be the ones that you linked

[gabranth]

i don't sorry but the translation from german says 1x 20g clay/tone granulates

[Calco]

ah so it is clay, well I will have a good look at it when it arrives and have a look down the garden centre if need be, thanks for all the help

[gabranth]

np

[JimmyVe]

Hello Calco and welcome,

Yes your setup looks fine, the little stones that come with the starter setup are just fine to use. Good luck with your setup and your ants.

[miszt]

WTF £20 were are you getting the clay from this is what i got http://www.antstore.net/shop/product_in ... -200g.html

edit: and stones don't absorb very much water and when they do they won't keep the ants moist

true, although the purpose of the aggregate at the bottom of the farm is to prevent the farm from becoming water logged and drowning the ants, I both stones and clay, either works well, if you use clay then you will be able to leave a little more time between topping up the water in the farm

[Calco]

Anybody happen to have a pic (or link to one) of a formicarium with this setup, as I wanna make sure im getting this right with the amount of granulate stuff.
~Thanks