48 replies to this topic

[Mercutia]

If it works, it works. Biggest concern is that just because it's cheap, doesn't mean it is going to be a good fit for your colony. If you have a small colony, you definitely don't want to give them that much room like an Omni nest XL.

[RapaNui]

Hello! I would have to agree with avoiding buying something big just because it is cheap... 

 

I have several acrylic only formicariums. In all of the small size (for smaller ant species) there is always a sponge included, fitted nicely somewhere.

For bigger formicariums this sponge is no longer present. I actually bought 2 larger formc. but they are dedicated to Messor Barbarus.

Since this formicarium has 3 test tubes included on the set up, my plan is to have 2 of them will have the normal test tube set up.. water and sponge at the end. The third will be dry to seed storage.

I would say personally I prefer set ups like these for messor barbarus, because I want to control well the storage area humidity.

As other have said, I would try to suit colony size <-> formicarium <-> species spec

 

Regards,

[William. T]

Whoa, whoa. Don't get me wrong! I'm not trying to cut corners! I just want a neat formicarium. That's all. Now, would any of you recommend a good formicarium?

[Gregory2455]

I would just stick to Antscanada, Tarheel Ants, or byFormica.

[ToeNhi]

I hope nobody takes offense to the statement I am about to make. I own an AntsCanada Omninest large, and it looks a lot like the ones I've seen from China, but more expensive. I would not be surprised to find out they are all produced by the same Chinese company. I chose to buy from AntsCanada to support Mikey because I enjoy his videos. Going forward, if I want a nest I can see from all angles, I would probable go with test tubes in an acrylic box. It's all about personal preferences, and I'm more a fan of formicaria with naturalistic chambers.

That being said, I really like the formicarium I bought from Andrew, and I'm a huge fan of Tar Heel Ants. Luckily for us ant keepers, there are a lot of options when it comes to formicaria.

[Crystals]

If you choose to go this route, you can.  I have never used any of those nests, nor seen any in person.

 

You can pick any one.  Try to pick one with a hydration system.  Get one that isn't too big, or your colony might encounter issues.

Keep in mind that the foraging area should be big enough for you to easily clean, and the sides high enough for an escape barrier.

Personally, I prefer horizontal nests over vertical ones.

 

On that site I prefer the plaster looking ones, but depending on the type of plaster will depend how fast it molds.

http://item.taobao.c...&id=42858335855

 

Or you can go with a smaller acrylic nest:

http://item.taobao.c...=p1122251894b5c

 

I am no good with Chinese, and am relying on Google translate.  So I didn't explore that site much.

 

Alternatively, you can look for nests on other sites like ebay (keep in mind each ebay is seperate) -

http://www.ebay.com/...=item3aa35479e0

 

Not many people on this site are selling nests, but I have a few listed if you haven't seen them yet. 

http://www.formicult...asca-ab-canada/

[Foogoo]

I hope nobody takes offense to the statement I am about to make. I own an AntsCanada Omninest large, and it looks a lot like the ones I've seen from China, but more expensive. I would not be surprised to find out they are all produced by the same Chinese company. I chose to buy from AntsCanada to support Mikey because I enjoy his videos. Going forward, if I want a nest I can see from all angles, I would probable go with test tubes in an acrylic box. It's all about personal preferences, and I'm more a fan of formicaria with naturalistic chambers.

That being said, I really like the formicarium I bought from Andrew, and I'm a huge fan of Tar Heel Ants. Luckily for us ant keepers, there are a lot of options when it comes to formicaria.

 

I agree. I'm still curious to see the build of these budget nests but for all the information, videos and GAN site Mikey has done for the hobby, I'm more than happy to pay for his products.

[dean_k]

I hope nobody takes offense to the statement I am about to make. I own an AntsCanada Omninest large, and it looks a lot like the ones I've seen from China, but more expensive. I would not be surprised to find out they are all produced by the same Chinese company. I chose to buy from AntsCanada to support Mikey because I enjoy his videos. Going forward, if I want a nest I can see from all angles, I would probable go with test tubes in an acrylic box. It's all about personal preferences, and I'm more a fan of formicaria with naturalistic chambers.

That being said, I really like the formicarium I bought from Andrew, and I'm a huge fan of Tar Heel Ants. Luckily for us ant keepers, there are a lot of options when it comes to formicaria.

 

I take no offense and fully understand the attraction of cheaper Chinese products.

 

But having watched Mikey's (AntsCanada) youtube channel when I started anting, I'd rather support him and those I can communicate with like Tar Heel Ants. I've made reviews of all formicarium I purchased on this forum.

 

AntsCanada Omni nest small : http://www.formicult...all/#entry13232

 

Tar Heel Ants Evolution chamber : http://www.formicult...ber/#entry11721

 

ByFormica found series nest : http://www.formicult...ement-for-ants/

 

Tar Heel Ants Nucleus & the Hearth : http://www.formicult...eus-the-hearth/

 

Tar Heel ants Pinnacle : http://www.formicult...s-the-pinnacle/

 

AntsCanada Omni nest vertical small : http://www.formicult...all-review-not/

[William. T]

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

http://item.taobao.c...ucket=15#detail

 

I think you are right. Compare the difference between an Omni Nest Small and a Chinese formicarium. There is no difference, except for the logo. I hope no one is offended. I like Mikey's videos, so I bought his ant keeping handbook for $20, which is more than a third of my budget.

[dspdrew]

I think what we have there is most likely a complete copy of Mikey's product. This happens a lot in China.

[Jonathan21700]

Interesting. They look completely identical.

[dean_k]

As far as I know, Mikey used a Chinese manufacturer for the acrylic plastics.

[William. T]

So, let's drop the topic. I'm sorry to anyone I offended. Isn't byFormica coming out with a new line of formicariums? I read that in a recent thread.

Edited by William. T, March 11 2015 - 1:45 PM.

[Crystals]

No offense taken. 

 

AntsCanada, TarHeelAnts, ByFormica, and a few others have been around quite a while so you will find that they tend to be suggested more frequently.  It is completely up to you on where you choose to buy your nest from, or if you choose to make it.

 

I too have looked at various Chinese manufacturers, but passed by them simply because I need to use a heat cable in my cooler location.  When I checked with the seller, the acrylic does not respond well to the heat cables.  So I have no real experience to even offer or comment on.

[William. T]

I like formicariums a lot! How much is shipping to Maryland?

[William. T]

I am think about this:

http://item.taobao.c...&id=40069696502

 

I will add or remove test tubes to house colonies. Any suggestions?

[Crystals]

I like formicariums a lot! How much is shipping to Maryland?

To whom is this comment directed?  Shipping from taobao.com?  Not sure.

 

I am think about this:

http://item.taobao.c...&id=40069696502

 

I will add or remove test tubes to house colonies. Any suggestions?

Looks different, how wide are those test tubes?  They would work well for colonies that don't mind living in test tubes.  Smaller species that doesn't mind acrylic and glass.  Although with a larger colony I would dread trying to exchange an old dried up test tube for a fresh new one.  Or - I can only imagine what would happen if my cats bumped those test tubes loose....  Ants everywhere! 

 

I think if I were to buy an acrylic nest, that I would lean more towards something like this: http://item.taobao.c...=p1303464753ceb

or this: http://item.taobao.c...=p1303474862539

But those are my tastes and preferences, with no real science behind it.  Whatever one you buy, post how it works after 1 month, 6 months, etc.

[William. T]

Hey Crystals! I was interested in your formicariums, and I asked for a shipping quote for a formicarium. You have nice formicariums!

[drtrmiller]

I like the test tube formicarium.  I'm thinking of designing one that works with the upcoming modular system, but is an improvement over the design on that page.

[William. T]

I like the test tube idea. Plenty of space, at a minimal cost. You can see all aspects of the ant nest, and you don't have to water the nest all the time. B.T.W, Dr. Miller, I heard that Byformica is releasing a new line of formicariums soon. When is it?