8 replies to this topic

[dean_k]

Product URL : http://antscanada.co...ldwide-shipping

 

I currently also own AntsCanada Omni nest vertical small. It was in fact the first formicarium I purchased. Since then I purchased a lot of other formicariums from Tar Heel Ants, ByFormica, and AntsCanada.

 

 

You can't really complain about the package. It's packed combat-ready. It should survive ping-pong throws.

 

 

 

 

It comes in pretty much assembled but you do need to disassemble it to get the paper out on some pieces. While doing that, I realized it lets you access specific chambers which is a nice feature.

 

 

 

 

 

The formicarium is baiscally about 5 layers of acrylic plastic. You can actually reduce height of the nest by taking one or two layers out. You'd have to cut the blue foam but you have the option if you'd like.

 

 

 

I noticed that it has no rubber feet or anything. It's a little disappointing but it's easy to work around that.

 

 

 

I believe this is far better than Omni nest vertical. You can access individual chambers and humidity option is far better than their vertical formicarium products. From some youtubes I've seen, some people take the blue foams out and lets ants use those chambers as well.

 

Of course, it's not perfect but I feel it is better than Omni nest vertical.

[Mercutia]

What will you be using it for? Excited to see some ants in this. I wonder even with the blue foam will ants still be able to wander into those water reservoir chambers.

[dean_k]

I have a Camponotus herculeanus colony I reserved from Crystal. This nest is for the colony, but I like what I am seeing, especially the ability to open each chamber at will. Such a feature would come in handy with species that aren't known to handle garbage well.

 

The blue foam is pretty hard. And can easily be replaced with something else since it's easily accessible.

 

I am planning to add some sand to the formicarium.

[drtrmiller]

It is PVA (polyvinyl acetate) sponge, and is hard/stiff when dry, soft when wet.  

 

As Drew and I have observed, some ants don't like to climb on it or be near it, so that may keep some ants from wandering in the hydration reservoirs.

Edited by drtrmiller, March 3 2015 - 10:05 AM.

[Foogoo]

Hmm. I love TAH products but issues like mold (probably my fault) are difficult to clean or getting them to move. I'm beginning to like the Omni, but it's pricey and I wonder if condensation will become an issue.

[Miles]

Hmm. I love TAH products but issues like mold (probably my fault) are difficult to clean or getting them to move. I'm beginning to like the Omni, but it's pricey and I wonder if condensation will become an issue.

Haha, I think you mean THA. In terms of mold and accessibility, it varies from product to product.

There will be refuse accumulation in any nest you use.

 

I haven't heard of condensation being an issue in the omni nests! More so the opposite - quick drying. I think some of that can be easily fixed by closing the hydration holes with tape and ensuring the assembly is tight.

[rarankhan]

So the original omni nest is better than the vertical?

Well, the easier access to chambers and so is a pro in the original. But, the vertical has more space and a humongous (compared to the original's outworld) outworld. 

Maybe having both of them connected with the omni nest w/o its outworld would be a smarter decision.

[Mercutia]

I've owned the vertical and would have much preferred the original omni nest. If you have ants that prefer dryer nests the vertical is a good purchase just based on size. It is VERY spacious however I have experienced some issues with maintaining hydration. When I took the issue to AntsCanada he said that it is easily rectified by placing a damp towelette over the nest when not viewing to maintain the humidity. Seems to work well for people with that tweak. Honestly, the vertical is so big I can't imagine a colony fitting it for quite some time first. The original would be a better bet. The small still has quite a bit of space.

[dean_k]

I would recommend the original omni nest over vertical.

 

However, I must point out that the small omni nest has a small outworld. The nest itself is probably big enough for hundreds of ants, but the outworld that comes with it is too small, so be prepared to use a separate outoworld or go for large one.

 

But personally I've had troubles with both of them (vertical and original) and decided to just stick with Tar Heel Ant products unless someone else comes out with something new.