12 replies to this topic

[CamponotusLover]

So, I have not yet taken my ants out of hibernation but idk if I should now, nor have I checked them ALL winter so I don't know if they are alive.

 

But anyway, I am thinking about making an outworld with some soil/dirt.

 

What kind to use?

 

I mean i know the whole baking dirt from outside thing, but are there any other options?

 

Perhaps I could buy a bag of good soil that won't harm ants from home depot or something?

 

eh?

 

 

[Alabama Anter]

You can buy Aqua Soil made for aquariums and fishies.

[Martialis]

Soil without pesticides or artificial fertilizer.

Edited by Martialis, March 3 2017 - 9:20 AM.

[CamponotusLover]

You can buy Aqua Soil made for aquariums and fishies.

Oh thanks!

 

Soil without pesticides or artificial fertilizer.

I know that! But this thread asks what type to get? I am looking for that type of soil, but I need names, where to buy, or what type, yknow?

[BMM]

It's not purchasable obviously, but I get my soil from nearby ant nests. It's pretty much guaranteed to be safe and it's in a nice granulated form.

[dspdrew]

Yeah, why not just use soil from their natural habitat?

[Martialis]

There's a company that sells Indiana dirt near me. I'm probably going to buy from them if I ever make a soil nest.

[andavane]

So, I have not yet taken my ants out of hibernation but idk if I should now, nor have I checked them ALL winter so I don't know if they are alive.

 

But anyway, I am thinking about making an outworld with some soil/dirt.

 

What kind to use?

 

I mean i know the whole baking dirt from outside thing, but are there any other options?

 

Perhaps I could buy a bag of good soil that won't harm ants from home depot or something?

 

eh?

  Tried this?
      http://www.ebay.co.u...ziNJTOBQ-mshPdQ

[Loops117]

I use organic soil from home depot. The brand is "earth ____" i forgot the actual name. Black bag with an earth on it.

This soil i've used in a couple of my builds and it hold very very well. My panera cup farm for example uses that soil. It has been dropped, kicked, as well as the sides being compressed and the tunnels NEVER collapsed. It's also not sterilized, so there's added beneficial nutrients and fungus that help. It also never gunked the walls, so i was always able to see my ants.

 

Not saying that soil directly from the area isn't the best, but it could have other issues. Spent nutrients, mites or bugs that were closing in to the nest (if that's possible) or even the chance of old fertilizer or pesticides that could be in the dirt.  I've never had any of these issues with soil from the area, but i also don't use that soil after the colony is moved. Just throwing that out there.

[antgenius123]

I know eco earth is pretty common in pet shops.

[Nathant2131]

Coconut fiber substrate is great for most insects including ants, and is basically mold proof.

Edited by Nathant2131, March 3 2017 - 11:35 AM.

[Antennal_Scrobe]

Would the peat used to grow carnivorous plants work? I know it has no fertilizer, and it holds its structure well.

[SuperFrank]

Cocofiber and sand is a great and simple substrate