Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 2, 2012 10:52:15 GMT 1
Hi all, I've been browsing for a week or so now and there is a log of great info here. I've decided to have a go at setting up a colony of Lasius Niger, probably from Queen Ant Store, in home made formicarium. Just after a little input on what I'm planning I want it to be self contained, so my idea so far it to use an acrylic cube I've found on ebay as a tank nest. Its a 15cm cube, open on one side, and I've asked them to supply the 6th side as well so I can make a lid. I'll attach it with a couple of hinges and put a rubber seal round the edge to make it (hopefully) escape proof. I will also add a hole in the lid for ventilation, which I will cover with fine steel mesh. Inside I think I will half fill it with substrate, probably a soil/sand mix, or whatever you guys recommend. Should I add some clay granules to the bottom first? Another idea I had was to get a 10cm cube from the same people which I could put inside and then fill the substrate around it. This would have the effect of making a 2.5cm wide area around the outside for them to build in, rather than the whole area. I would be able to see them better this way, but it would reduce the living space. Realistically, how long will this setup support a colony? I will probably start with a queen and a few workers. Would it extend its capacity significantly if I don't put the 2nd cube in and give them the whole area to nest in? I guess eventually they will build at the sides! Finally, in the future as the colony grow, how do you go about moving them to a bigger tank? Whew, that's quite a first post isn't it!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 2, 2012 15:50:48 GMT 1
Hi Jamesa and Welcome to the Forum!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 2, 2012 16:08:15 GMT 1
Welcome to the forum Jamesa!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 2, 2012 16:11:56 GMT 1
Hi, I think that is a great set-up the one with the 2 cubes... The growth of a colony all depends on food intake...
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 3, 2012 8:09:04 GMT 1
Thanks guys, will post some pics when i start putting it together.
|
|